DC Cardioversion

• External (DC) Cardioversion, where the shock is given externally using paddles placed on your chest. This is done under a light general anaesthetic so you will be unaware of the procedure.
• Internal Cardioversion, done under light sedation and local anaesthetic and the shock is administered from inside the heart using tiny electrode catheters. These are passed into the heart from blood vessels at the top of your leg.

If you have atrial fibrillation you may have been prescribed warfarin tablets 4 to 6 weeks before the procedure to thin the blood. Warfarin protects against blood clots forming in the heart which could break off and cause a stroke. Whilst taking warfarin, your blood will be monitored by the Warfarin Clinic. Your INR levels need to be stable within certain parameters before you can go ahead with a cardioversion. After the procedure, you will need to stay on warfarin for approximately 4 weeks or until advised to stop by Dr Ramrakha. Everyone undergoing a cardioversion should be on warfarin. If you are not, you will need to have further tests (eg. Transoesophageal Echo) prior to the cardioversion.

Cardioversion is classed as a day case procedure. You will be in hospital for approximately 4 to 5 hours. A light general anaesthetic will be given to you through a vein in your hand and once you are asleep, Dr Ramrakha will apply the electrical shock to your chest. The procedure will take about 10 minutes after which you will be taken to the Recovery Room to wake up from the sedation.

You will be transferred back to your bed and stay in hospital 3 to 4 hours to recover from the anaesthetic before you are allowed home. The anaesthetic will take 24 hours to wear off fully, during which time do not drive or operate machinery (including the kettle and cooker), and do not drink alcohol. Please make arrangements for someone to collect you from hospital and stay with you. You can drink normally and eat a light meal if you feel like it after the procedure and resume your normal activities the following day.

• External (DC) Cardioversion does not usually cause any side-effects but you may experience a burning sensation on your chest (around the area where the shock was delivered) which could last a couple of days. You may need to take painkillers and apply a skin cream until this resolves.
• Internal cardioversion may cause a small bruise at the top of the leg. There is usually no residual chest discomfort.
• There is a small risk of stroke but this is rare (less than 1%).
• It is possible that your arrhythmia may recur. You should have regular check ups. If this happens Dr Ramrakha may repeat the cardioversion and/or prescribe medication.