Synchronised defibrillation

The energies used in cardioversion can be found under the relevant protocols for each rhythm.

DC is used for electroshock treatment of arrhythmias (electrical cardioversion).

• DC is less harmfull to the myocardium when compared to alternative current (AC)
• in cardiac arrhythmia patients with hemodynamic deterioration or unconsciousness, electroshock therapy becomes an EMERGENCY. There is no need for sedatization in such an instance
• in arrhythmic patients with full conscioussness and stable hemodynamics, sedatization is necessary to alleviate the pain of electroshock

What are the differences between cardioversion and defibrillation?(1)

Cardioversion is used for regular tachyarrhythmias and also for atrial fibrillation.

In cardioversion, electrical current is discharged at the same time with patient's QRS (R wave). This is called synchronization.

If you apply defibrillation to a regular tachyarrhythmia and if the electrical energy is discharged at the vulnerable period of T wave, then the arrhythmia may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Defibrillation is used only for the treatment of VF

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For further information regarding electrical cardioversion then click here

Reference:

• Alpaslan M. Electrical Cardioversion - Defibrillation. doctorecg.com (accessed 3/6/2020)