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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    When is electric shock therapy the recommended treatment for someone with atrial fibrillation?

    Related Topics
    Atrial Fibrillation Cardiology & Vascular Health
    • 1 answer
    • Dr Andrei Catanchin
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    Dr Andrei Catanchin

    Cardiologist (Heart Specialist)

    Dr Catanchin is a cardiologist and electrophysiologist managing atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders with medication, devices (ie. pacemakers, defibrillators) and catheter ablation. He … View Profile

    Electrical therapy or cardioversion is the quickest and simplest way to restore sinus rhythm. This is performed under brief general anaesthesia and patients go home several hours later.

    This is appropriate if patients have infrequent episodes of AF, or if someone is particularly unwell with their AF. Occasionally a TOE (transoesophageal echocardiogram) is required beforehand to ensure there is no clot in the heart.

    If patients are requiring multiple or frequent cardioversions, an antiarrhythmic medication or other approach such as catheter ablation may be indicated.

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