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Published on: July 29, 2011
Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. State of the art, 1995
1Department of Cardiology, Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Direct-current cardioversion is a standard treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation, aiming to restore sinus rhythm. This review covers technical aspects, risks, benefits, and success factors for this established medical procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Direct-current cardioversion (DCC) has been the primary method for converting chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm since the late 1950s.
- Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia with significant associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of DCC, including technical considerations.
- To discuss the risks, complications, and clinical factors influencing successful DCC.
- To highlight the hemodynamic advantages of sinus rhythm and risks of thromboembolism associated with DCC.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article synthesizing existing knowledge on DCC.
- Information is compiled on technical aspects, clinical outcomes, and patient factors.
Main Results:
- DCC is an effective procedure for restoring sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.
- Successful cardioversion is influenced by various clinical factors.
- Potential risks include thromboembolic events, necessitating careful patient management.
Conclusions:
- DCC remains a cornerstone in managing chronic atrial fibrillation.
- Understanding the technical aspects, risks, and success factors is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
- This review serves as a resource for implementing effective DCC programs.
Abstract:
Since it was introduced in the late 1950s, direct-current cardioversion has been the standard procedure used to transfer patients with chronic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. This review gives an overview of technical aspects of cardioversion, its risk and complications together with some clinical aspects, including factors of importance for a successful result. The haemodynamic benefits of sinus rhythm versus atrial fibrillation are also briefly emphasised, as are risk factors for thromboembolic events related to cardioversion. This review provides easily available information to those utilising this technology. A programme for cardioversion may be implemented on the basis of this.
