Active Compression During External Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled...

Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is commonly used for atrial fibrillation, but there is uncertainty about whether active chest compression improves its effectiveness. This meta-analysis evaluates the impact of active compression on cardioversion outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, WOS, Embase, and Cochrane Library till September 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (version 4.3.1), applying risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

CRD42024595499.

Four RCTs with 737 patients were included. When compared to the no-compression approach, active compression during DCCV was not associated with any significant difference in cardioversion success (RR: 1.10; 95% CI [0.96, 1.25], p = 0.16), first shock success (RR: 1.62; 95% CI [0.94, 2.81], p = 0.08), number of shocks (MD: -0.32; 95% CI [-1.01, 0.36], p = 0.36), or crossover success (MD: 0.76; 95% CI [0.33, 1.77], p = 0.52). However, active compression was associated with a reduced successful shock energy (MD: -23.97 J; 95% CI [-26.84, -21.10], p < 0.01).

Active compression during DCCV does not significantly improve cardioversion success but may reduce the energy required for successful cardioversion, suggesting potential safety benefits. However, further studies are needed to determine its clinical relevance.