When is DC cardioversion indicated?

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 current is used in cardioversion?

Cardioversion is the delivery of energy that is synchronized to the QRS complex, while defibrillation is the nonsynchronized delivery of a shock randomly during the cardiac cycle. In 1956, alternating current (AC) for transthoracic defibrillation was first used to treat ventricular fibrillation in humans [1].

What would be the indications for electrical DC cardioversion?

Indications for electrical cardioversion include the following: Supraventricular tachycardia (atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia [AVNRT] and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia [AVRT]) Atrial fibrillation. Atrial flutter (types I and II)

What voltage is needed for cardioversion?

These catheters were connected to an external defibrillator delivering biphasic 3/3 ms shocks with a voltage which could be programmed from 10 to 400 volts.

What is the purpose of DC cardioversion?

A direct current cardioversion is a procedure which uses a defibrillator (a medical device) to deliver a controlled electric shock to your heart in order to try and return your heart rhythm (or beat) to normal.

How is DC cardioversion done?

Cardioversion is usually done in the hospital. A care provider will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you medications called a sedative to help you sleep during the procedure. If you’re having chemical cardioversion, you’ll receive medications through the IV to help restore your heart rhythm.

How is direct current cardioversion done?

Cardioversion is usually done by sending electric shocks to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest. It’s also possible to do cardioversion with medications.

Do defibrillators use AC or DC?

In essence the ‘shock’ circuit in a defibrillator has three key components: a high voltage source, a capacitor and switches. Modern defibrillators use direct current (dc) rather than the alternating current (ac) which earlier models used. This poses a problem for designers of battery- operated devices.

How do you perform DC cardioversion?

You will lie on a trolley and the nurse practitioner will attach two large cold sticky pads (defibrillator pads) to your chest and back. You will be attached to the defibrillator monitor and blood pressure machine so that your heart rhythm and blood pressure can be monitored throughout the procedure.

What is DC cardioversion?

What is synchronized DC cardioversion?

Synchronized cardioversion is a procedure similar to electrical defibrillation in that a transthoracic electrical current is applied to the anterior chest to terminate a life-threatening or unstable tachycardic arrhythmia.