Ohm My Goodness! Thoracic Impedance, Its Predictors, and How It Relates to Cardioversion

External electrical cardioversion is a mainstay treatment for acute rhythm control in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). While simple cardioversion without any specific preparation is commonly successful, in a significant minority of cases the initial attempt at cardioversion fails. In practice, usually, an initial failed shock is followed by further shocks, with or without modification to the method of shock delivery. The need to deliver additional shocks prolongs the procedure, requires a longer period of sedation, and involves some risk of proarrhythmia or other adverse effects including skin burns.
Source: The American Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research