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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Synchronised cardioversion for chronic atrail fibrillation.
1Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, P. O. Box 77, Accra, Ghana.
Ghana Medical Journal
|June 19, 2008
Summary
Elective cardioversion successfully restored sinus rhythm in 75% of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. This procedure is safe and effective when pharmacologic methods fail and sinus rhythm is desired.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) poses significant challenges in rhythm management.
- Pharmacological interventions often fail to maintain sinus rhythm in persistent AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the success rate of elective cardioversion in establishing sinus rhythm for chronic atrial fibrillation.
- To determine the energy requirements for cardioversion using a monophasic defibrillator.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 12 patients with chronic AF unresponsive to medication.
- Patient data, including echocardiography, cardioversion outcomes, and rhythm status, were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Sinus rhythm was achieved in 9 (75%) patients post-cardioversion.
- The mean energy utilized was 384.4+/-167.7 Joules.
- At 6-15 months follow-up, 75% of patients remained in sinus rhythm, some requiring amiodarone.
Conclusions:
- Elective synchronized cardioversion is a safe and effective option for chronic AF when sinus rhythm is the goal.
- It can be successful even after pharmacological cardioversion failure.
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