Electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
Electrical cardioversion (EC) has been performed for atrial fibrillation (AF) for over 40 years. EC is safe, effective and reliable method for aborting AF especially in unstable situations. Numerous technical and patient characteristics contribute to the success of EC. Recently various developments in this field and newer antiarrhythmic agents have lead to substantial evolution of this procedure. We review the current clinical applications, and techniques.
Nusair
Maen
M
University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, USA. nusairm@health.missouri.edu
Flaker
Greg C
GC
Chockalingam
Anand
A
D000818:Animals; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D012008:Recurrence