Electrical Cardioversion Procedure:
- Electrical cardioversion is a medical procedure that restores normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm) by briefly interrupting abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation (AFib) or atrial flutter (AFL).
- It involves a controlled electric shock delivered through paddles on the chest wall, performed under sedation in a hospital setting.
Preparation for Cardioversion:
- You'll receive instructions on medication management, fasting, and other essential details prior to the procedure.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital for the day of the procedure.
Stroke Risk and Blood Thinners:
- AFib or AFL patients face a risk of heart clot formation. During cardioversion, a clot can dislodge, potentially causing a stroke.
- Ensuring proper anticoagulant (blood thinner) use before and after the procedure is crucial to reduce stroke risk.
- In some cases, a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may be scheduled just before cardioversion to rule out clots in the heart chambers.
- TEE involves passing an ultrasound probe through the esophagus to visualize the heart's chambers and assess for clots.
- If TEE reveals a clot, cardioversion will not proceed.
Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:
- Procedure details and preparation.
- The need for a pre-procedure TEE.
- Sedation and discomfort during cardioversion.
- Risks associated with the procedure.
- Return to work and post-procedure activities.
- Transportation after the procedure.
- Medication adjustments.
- Blood thinner use before and after cardioversion.
- Long-term arrhythmia management.
- Likelihood of arrhythmia recurrence post-procedure.