What is DCC cardio?

Background: Direct current cardioversion (DCC) is a method to control persistent AF, to facilitate a reduction in stroke risk.

When is direct current cardioversion used?

Indications for DC cardioversion: Treatment of a tachyarrythmia that has been present for less than 24 hours when pharmacological measures have failed. Treatment of a tachyarrythmia when the patient shows signs of decompensation: Chest pain, confusion, hypotension or signs of heart failure.

What is the difference between cardioversion and defibrillation?

There is an important distinction between defibrillation and cardioversion: Defibrillation — Defibrillation is the asynchronous delivery of energy, such as the shock is delivered randomly during the cardiac cycle. Cardioversion — Cardioversion is the delivery of energy that is synchronized to the QRS complex.

What is a DCC procedure?

DCC is a procedure which is done to restore normal (sinus) rhythm in individuals who are in an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation (AF). The procedure is extremely short generally. We expect to administer the anaesthetic for about 5 minutes, and complete the shocks during the time you are asleep.

What is chemical cardioversion?

In chemical cardioversion, medicines are used to get the heart back to a normal rhythm. It is different from electrical cardioversion. This is where an energy shock is used to bring back a normal heart rhythm. Normally, a special group of cells begin the electrical signal to start your heartbeat.

How many times can you have electrical cardioversion?

There is really no limit to the number of cardioversions that people can have but at some point of time, we figure out that either it is a futile strategy or patients tend to get frustrated. But when it is a necessity that our patients who’ve had 20, 25 cardioversions also.

What is the difference between synchronized and unsynchronized cardioversion?

Defibrillation or unsynchronized cardioversion is indicated in any patient with pulseless VT/VF or unstable polymorphic VT, where synchronized cardioversion is not possible. Synchronized cardioversion is utilized for the treatment of persistent unstable tachyarrhythmia in patients without loss of pulse.

Is ablation better than cardioversion?

Conclusion: In patients with AF, there is a small periprocedural stroke risk with ablation in comparison to cardioversion. However, over longer-term follow-up, ablation is associated with a slightly lower rate of stroke.