Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 8, 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

Prediction of ineffective elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a retrospective multi-center patient cohort

Tapio Hellman1, Tuomas Kiviniemi2, Tuija Vasankari2

  • 1Department of Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Hämeentie 11, PO Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland.

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders
|January 20, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Predictors for ineffective elective cardioversion (ECV) for atrial fibrillation (AF) were identified. Female gender, longer AF history, and certain patient characteristics increase the risk of ECV failure or recurrence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Elective cardioversion (ECV) is a standard treatment for restoring normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
  • Predictors for the effectiveness of ECV, defined as failure to maintain sinus rhythm within 30 days, remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify clinical predictors associated with ineffective ECV in a large cohort of patients with AF.
  • To analyze factors contributing to both ECV failure and early recurrence of AF post-procedure.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective multi-center study involving 1998 ECV procedures for AF lasting over 48 hours in 1342 patients.
  • Data collection included follow-up information up to 30 days post-ECV to assess outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 15.2% of ECVs failed, and 32.4% of successful ECVs resulted in AF recurrence within 30 days, leading to an overall ineffective ECV rate of 42.6%.
  • Independent predictors for ECV failure included long AF history (>5 years) and AF duration (>30 days).
  • Predictors for recurrence and overall ineffective ECV included female gender, higher ventricular rate, renal failure, and antiarrhythmic drug use at discharge.

Conclusions:

  • Female gender, antiarrhythmic drug therapy, and renal failure are significant predictors for both AF recurrence and overall ineffective ECV.
  • This study provides novel insights into clinical predictors of ineffective ECV in a large, real-world patient population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCardioversionRecurrence

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

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

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.2K
Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

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

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

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...
753
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

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...
553
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

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...
3.4K
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use01:23

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use

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...
997
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers01:24

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

Adrenergic stimulation generally impacts cardiac rate and rhythm. Specifically, stimulation of the β-adrenoceptors triggers an increase in intracellular calcium ion influx and pacemaker currents, which may cause arrhythmias. Catecholamines like adrenaline also demonstrate β2-adrenoceptor-mediated hypokalemia, impacting cardiac action potential and disrupting the normal cardiac rhythm. Class II antiarrhythmic drugs are β-adrenoceptor antagonists or β-blockers, which...
2.2K
Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...
429