Please arrive one hour before your scheduled appointment to allow for pre-testing and prep.  This procedure requires the use of sedation, you must have a driver as you are not permitted to drive or return to work following this procedure.

Instructions:

  1. Do not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure.
  • You will sign an informed consent for this procedure
  • Take your usual medications with sips of water the morning of the procedure with exception for diabetic patients below.
  • Insulin diabetics:  Take 1/2 of your usual insulin dose the morning of the procedure.
  • Oral diabetics:  Do not take your oral diabetes medications the morning of the procedure. 

You will have an EKG and blood work drawn for this procedure.  If your heart is still “out of rhythm” (atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter) per EKG, your blood work will be checked.  Your blood needs to be thin enough to prevent clots from forming during the procedure, so a protime/INR will be check. The INR needs to be at least 2.0 or higher for at least 4 consecutive measurements in most cases. 

After the procedure you will monitored for a short period, another EKG will be performed to confirm post cardioversion heart rhythm and you will be released.  Again, you must have a driver as you are not permitted to drive a car or operate machinery for the rest of the day post sedation.

Your doctor will discuss the risk and benefits and any alternatives with you in regard to having the cardioversion.  You may return to your normal routine typically the next day or per physician instruction.  Please call the office at any time if you have questions or concerns in order to avoid delays or postponements.