The Effects of Nifekalant Hydrochloride on the QT Dispersion after Direct-Current Defibrillation

Background : Although nifekalant hydrochloride (NIFE) has been demonstrated to suppress ventricular tachyarrhythmia, especially electrical storm, the mechanism by which it does so is still unclear. We examined its effects on the spatial dispersion of repolarization (SDR) after implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock. / Methods and Results : In twenty five patients with an ICD, we recorded the 87-lead ECG during sinus rhythm (the CONTROL group) under general anesthesia, after NIFE administration alone, and just after termination of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) by ICD shock with or without NIFE administration....