CARDIOVERSION
Under general anaesthetic, and the supervision of an anaesthetist, Dr Flood gives your heart an
electrical shock in order to realign the regular heart rhythm.
Most elective or "non-emergency" cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation.
Preparing for the Procedure – What do you need to do?
You will be given ‘Warfarin’, a blood thinningmedication to take orally in the days prior to the
procedure. You should also take any other medications as instructed by your physician.
You should fast for at least eight hours prior to the procedure. You will present at hospital on the
morning of the procedure as a day patient.
Procedure – What happens?
The procedure is administered in the ‘cath lab’ or coronary care unit. An anaesthetist administers
intravenous sedation. Once you are asleep, Dr Flood charges the defibrillator and delivers the shock.
Usually a Trans-oesophageal Echocardiogram is performed with this procedure whilst you are asleep.
(See Transoesophageal Echocardiogram)
After the Procedure
You will probably feel slightly drowsy after the procedure. You will be allowed to leave the hospital
about three hours after the procedure and you will need someone responsible to take you home.
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You may experience some minor chest discomfort and/or skin irritation following the procedure. A
moisturising cream such as sorbolene is adequate in helping to alleviate these symptoms.
Possible Complications And Risk
There is a small risk associated with the general anaesthetic and the chance that the cardioversion
may precipitate other abnormal heart rhythms which may cause the need for a pacemaker. (See Pacemaker)
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