Transesophageal echocardiography for early cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
Exclusion of thrombi in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) has important implications for early cardioversion. Cardioversion guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a safe and relatively cost-effective technique with a high accuracy for detecting left-atrial thrombi. Nowadays, TEE-guided cardioversion may help to select patients suitable for early cardioversion. However, the long-term effect of early TEE-guided cardioversion on the maintenance of sinus rhythm needs to be determined.
Kamp
O
O
Medical Center Vrije Universiteit, Department of Cardiology and Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Verhorst
P M
PM
Visser
C A
CA
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D004554:Electric Countershock; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants