Direct Current Electrical Cardioversion

WHAT IS A DIRECT CURRENT CARDIOVERSION?

This is a corrective procedure where a electric shock is delivered to the heart to convert (or change) an abnormal heart rhythm to a normal one, the most common of which is Atrial Fibrillation.

Possible complications are Stroke, Arrhythmia, Skin burn

What does it involve 

– This procedure is normally done in a high care unit or in the hospital emergency unit

– Your nurse or doctor will place an IV (intravenous line) in your arm and give you medicine (sedative) to make you sleepy. You won’t feel pain during the procedure.

– Your doctor will deliver an electrical shock through two paddles. One is placed on your chest and the other on your back. Or both paddles can be placed on the front of your chest. The shock lasts less than a second, and briefly stops (resets) your heart rhythm.

– Your doctor will check to see if your heartbeat is regular. Some people need only one shock. Some need more to restore a regular heartbeat.

– In most cases, patients wake up quickly and don’t remember the shock

– The procedure takes about 30 minutes.