Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

926
Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
926
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

3.5K
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.5K
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

613
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
613
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management01:25

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

1.3K
Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
1.3K
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

1.2K
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
1.2K
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers01:20

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

2.6K
Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...
2.6K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

[Max Reger and his early death: could it have been avoided? : Would he have lived longer with adequate intensive care?]

Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin·2024
Same author

[Gustav Mahler: tragic life, mysterious illness, early death : Could intensive care medicine have saved him today?]

Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin·2024
Same author

[Short history of the DC-Catheter-Ablation].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2024
Same author

[History of surgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias in Germany : Surgical treatment of ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia, especially pre-excitation syndromes (WPW)].

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie·2024
Same author

[Effects of classical or heavy metal music in humans and animals: implications for intensive care medicine].

Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin·2024
Same author

[Anton Bruckner: the Linz cathedral organist, university teacher, symphonic musician : Could modern intensive care medicine have helped him and his illnesses?]

Medizinische Klinik, Intensivmedizin und Notfallmedizin·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology
10:46

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

Published on: May 26, 2015

13.9K

Cardioversion in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Hermann H Klein1, Hans-Joachim Trappe

  • 1Helios Klinikum Warburg, Idar-Oberstein, Germany.

Deutsches Arzteblatt International
|January 15, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Cardioversion effectively restores sinus rhythm for atrial fibrillation patients. Following guidelines for anticoagulation minimizes risks like thromboembolism and hemorrhage, making the procedure safe and rare for complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia affecting 1.5-2% of the population.
  • It significantly increases risks of stroke, heart failure, hospitalization, and mortality.
  • Cardioversion is a key procedure to restore normal heart rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and safety of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
  • To outline current guidelines for anticoagulation management during and after cardioversion.
  • To assess the risks and benefits of electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion.

Main Methods:

  • A selective PubMed search was conducted for articles published between 2004 and December 2014.
  • Keywords used included "atrial fibrillation" and "cardioversion."

More Related Videos

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
11:21

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

20.3K
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.3K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology
10:46

Non-fluoroscopic Catheter Tracking for Fluoroscopy Reduction in Interventional Electrophysiology

Published on: May 26, 2015

13.9K
Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
11:21

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

20.3K
Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.3K
  • The review synthesized findings on cardioversion techniques, outcomes, and anticoagulation protocols.

    • Main Results:

    • Electrical cardioversion achieves sinus rhythm in over 85% of patients; pharmacological cardioversion in about 70% for recent-onset cases.
    • Effective therapeutic anticoagulation (heparin, vitamin K antagonists, or new oral anticoagulants) is crucial.
    • Pre-procedure echocardiography or prolonged anticoagulation is necessary for atrial fibrillation >48 hours; post-procedure anticoagulation is typically maintained for 4 weeks.

    Conclusions:

    • When performed according to guidelines, cardioversion has low rates (<1%) of major complications like thromboembolism and hemorrhage within 30 days.
    • Adherence to therapeutic guidelines significantly minimizes serious risks associated with cardioversion.
    • While rare, serious complications can still occur, emphasizing the importance of careful patient selection and management.