Electrical cardioversion

Cardioversion is usually scheduled in advance, except in emergency situations. Here are the preparation steps:

Before the procedure:

• Anticoagulant treatment: To reduce the risk of clot formation, you will receive anticoagulant therapy for at least 3 to 4 weeks before the procedure (unless your arrhythmia is recent)
• Fasting: You must not eat or drink for about 8 hours before the procedure
• Medications: Your doctor will tell you whether to take or stop any of your usual medications

Pre-procedure examination:

• In some cases, a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may be performed just before cardioversion
• This test checks for the absence of blood clots in the heart that could be dislodged during cardioversion
• If a clot is detected, the procedure will be postponed and anticoagulant treatment will be continued

External electrical shock is a simple procedure carried out in several steps:

Setup and preparation:

• You will be comfortably lying on a bed
• Adhesive electrodes will be placed on your chest
• An intravenous line will be inserted to administer medications
• Sensors will monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels

Sedation:

• A sedative medication will be given to you intravenously
• You will quickly fall asleep for a few minutes
• This light sedation ensures that you feel no pain during the shock

Delivery of the shock:

• Once asleep, the doctor delivers a brief, controlled electrical shock
• The discharge lasts only a fraction of a second
• In some cases, several shocks may be necessary
• The entire procedure is very quick (only a few minutes)

Electrical cardioversion is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day:

• You will spend about one hour in the recovery room so your heart rhythm can be monitored
• The effects of sedation wear off quickly, but may temporarily affect your alertness
• It is necessary to be accompanied for your return home
• You can resume your normal activities as early as the next day

Your doctor will prescribe continuation of the anticoagulant treatment for at least 4 weeks after the procedure to prevent clot formation, even if your rhythm has returned to normal.
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Electrical cardioversion is a very safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries a few minimal risks:

• Embolic risk: Movement of a blood clot (rarely observed thanks to preventive anticoagulant treatment)
• Heart rhythm disturbances: Occurrence of other arrhythmias during or after the procedure (a rare and usually temporary complication)
• Skin reactions: Mild redness or irritation at the electrode sites, disappearing within a few days

The Rythmopôle Center team takes all necessary precautions to minimize these risks and ensure your safety throughout the procedure.

Electrical cardioversion is a very effective technique:

• Immediate success rate greater than 90% in restoring a normal rhythm
• Particularly lasting results for recent or intermittent arrhythmias
• Possibility to repeat the procedure if necessary

However, long-term success depends on several factors:

• The duration of the arrhythmia before cardioversion
• The presence of underlying heart disease
• Triggering factors such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or being overweight

In some cases, your doctor may suggest an additional treatment such as an antiarrhythmic medication or catheter ablation to help maintain a normal rhythm in the long term.

At the Rythmopôle Center, electrical cardioversion is performed by a team of experienced specialists:

• Expert electrophysiologists specialized in the management of heart rhythm disorders
• A fully equipped technical platform ensuring the procedure is carried out under optimal safety conditions
• Personalized care tailored to your specific medical situation
• Follow-up care adapted to optimize long-term results