What is DCCV Cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a procedure that restores heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats. Typically, Cardioversion is usually done by sending electric shocks to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest.
Why is DCCV cardioversion performed?
Cardioversion can correct tachycardia or fibrillation. Cardioversion helps to treat people who have conditions (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) when the electrical signals that usually make your heartbeat at a regular rate don’t travel properly through the upper chambers of your heart.
Electric Cardioversion allows your doctor to see if the procedure has restored a normal heartbeat instantly. Cardioversion is different from Defibrillation as Defibrillation delivers more powerful shocks to the heart to correct its rhythm.
What are the Risks of DCCV cardioversion?
Complications of electric Cardioversion are uncommon, including:
- Dislodged blood clots: Electric Cardioversion can cause these blood clots to move to other parts of your body, which can cause life-threatening complications, such as a stroke or a blood clot traveling to your lungs.
- Abnormal heart rhythm. Some people who have Cardioversion develop other heart rhythm problems during or after the procedure in rare cases, which is a rare complication.
- Skin burns. Rarely, some people have minor burns on their skin where the electrodes were placed.
Cardioversion can be done during pregnancy, but it’s recommended that the baby’s heartbeat be monitored during the procedure.