Cardioversion

Cardioversion is used to restore an irregular heartbeat to a normal one. It is a generally successful procedure, though it may not be a permanent solution for some mpatients, in which a defibrillator is used to transmit as electric current through the heart, thus restoring the heartbeat to normal.

Cardioversion is usually conducted under a short-acting general anaesthetic. A small dose of electricity is passed through the heart by means a defibrillator. Two electrodes called "Paddles" will have been placed on either the patient's chest or on the chest and back. The electricity is passed through the paddles to the heart, in a rhythm matching the patient's own heart beat.

This shocks the heart out of Fibrillation and restores a normal rhythm. In some cases patients will need to continue with some form of medication.

Anti coagulants are required

It is important that steps are taken by the use of anti-coagulants for at least four weeks to ensure that any clots which might have formed in the atria are not disturbed by the Cardioversion.

Patients are advised to take ant-coagulants for up to three months after Cardioversion. If their heartbeat remains normal for this length of time, medication is abandoned. However, if Atrial Fibrillation returns, medication must be maintained for life.

Radio frequency ablation can be successful

Cardiac Ablation is sometimes used to prevent the occurrence of abnormal impulses within the heart. The abnormal impulses in the heart are pin-pointed by sophisticated electrical analysis. Then a radio frequency is administered to the relevant area using a catheter. This kills the cells that are initiating the abnormal electrical impulses, allowing the normal stimulation of the heart to return.