A modern view of electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Czech version

Authors: J. Přeček; R. Stříbrný; J. Látal; F. Kováčik; M. Hutyra
Authors‘ workplace: I. interní klinika – kardiologická LF UP a FN Olomouc
Published in: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2017, 19(4): 243-246

Overview

This article provides an overview of the practical issues of electric cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Direct current cardioversion is an effective method of converting atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. The basic precondition for a safe cardioversion is an effective anticoagulation, or exclusion of intra-cardiac thrombosis by transoesophageal echocardiography, except for patients with clearly documented duration of atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 hours. The article outlines some aspects of thromboembolism associated with cardioversion and anticoagulation preparation, with an emphasis on direct oral anticoagulants.

Key words:
cardioversion – atrial fibrillation – thromboembolism – anticoagulation – direct oral anticoagulants

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