Evaluation of a novel cardioversion intervention for atrial fibrillation: the Ottawa AF cardioversion protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Electrical cardioversion is commonly performed to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but it is unsuccessful in 10-12% of attempts. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel cardioversion protocol for this arrhythmia.

Methods and results

Consecutive elective cardioversion attempts for AF between October 2012 and July 2017 at a tertiary cardiovascular centre before (Phase I) and after (Phase II) implementing the Ottawa AF cardioversion protocol (OAFCP) as an institutional initiative in July 2015 were evaluated. The primary outcome was cardioversion success, defined as ≥2 consecutive sinus beats or atrial-paced beats in patients with implanted cardiac devices. Secondary outcomes were first shock success, sustained success (s

SUBMITTER: Ramirez FD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6479509 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature