Cardioversion

Restoration of normal sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation (AF) and other rhythm disorders using a synchronised electrical impulse or medication; electrical cardioversion is performed under brief intravenous sedation. Before cardioversion, adequate anticoagulation or exclusion of an atrial thrombus by transoesophageal echocardiography may be required. In symptomatic and recurrent AF, and when the heart rate is not controlled with medication, cardioversion and ablation options are assessed together. In patients with AF, the risk of stroke and bleeding is calculated separately.