Cardioversion is a procedure that converts the heart's irregular or abnormal rhythm to a normal, by the use of a small electrical current delivered to the heart through two sticky pads attached to the chest via a defibrillator machine under a light general anaesthetic, in the presence of a cardiologist, and anaesthetist and a nurse. This electrical current causes all the heart muscle to contract simultaneously, stopping all disorganised (fibrillating/fluttering) contractions and allowing the hearts natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) to take over and restore a normal heart beat.

Most cardioversions are performed to treat an abnormal rhythm called Atrial Fibrillation, where blood doesn't get pumped effectively around the body causing symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, tiredness and palpitations that often times hasn't responded well to medication therapy.

Please ensure that you arrive for your procedure 30 minutes prior to the appointment time. This allows time for you to be registered at the front reception. If you are late for your appointment or unable to attend, please advise the front reception on 9722 7060. Please understand that if you are late for your appointment, it may need to be rescheduled.

1. Please wear comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure and if possible wear separates (i.e. a top/shirt and pants/skirt/shorts), so that the top can be removed for the procedure.
2. Please bring any recent cardiac diagnostic tests, such as Exercise Stress test, Holter monitoring results, ECHO, and/or recent blood test results that you may have.
3. You will be called the day before your procedure to be given instructions on your booking time, medications to be taken and/or withheld and answer any questions you may have prior to your booked procedure.

Cardioversion procedure involves the administration of light general anaesthetic to sedate you, which is given through an intravenous cannula in your arm. The procedure will be explained to you by your cardiologist, ensuring you are aware of all potential risks, prior to signing a consent form that gives permission to perform the procedure. The CV procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

You must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, on the day of your procedure, so the procedure go ahead safely, as the doctor will need to have your stomach completely empty, to avoid any potential risks.

In preparation for the procedure, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown, remove any jewellery, and remove your eyeglasses and dentures, if applicable. You will be attached to a monitor that will be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels throughout and after your procedure, until you are fully awake.

In recovery, the nursing staff will be monitoring you heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels until you are fully awake.

The doctor undertaking your DCCV procedure may discuss with you and your carer, if present, the results of your test, and further treatment that you may need. You will be given a letter to take back to your GP stating the results of your procedure.

Once the nurse has established that you are fully awake, that is, sedation has worn off, the nurse will give you something to eat and drink.

Once the nurse has ensured you are fully recovered and ready to go home, which is about two hours after the procedure, a family member/carer will be called to pick you up to go home.

As you have had sedative injection, a relative/carer must be available to drive you home. You are advised not to drive, operate heavy machinery or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

You should rest quietly during the evening. You eat and drink as usual. You may have a shower or a bath.

• Driving: Cardioversion is normally performed under sedation. These medications (sedation) that you received may make you drowsy. For your safety, a responsible adult must drive you home after the procedure. Wait at least 24 hours before driving a car or operating machinery after your procedure as sedation will affect your level of alertness.
• Skin care/discomfort: If you experience some redness or discomfort in the areas where the pads were placed, a non-perfumed moisturising cream (Sorbolene) or an after-sun cream should help soothe and relieve the irritation in few days.
• Alcohol consumption: Because of the sedation you have received, it is important not to drink alcohol for the next 24 hours.
• Making important decisions. For the next 24 hours:
  • Do not go to work
  • Do not make important decisions
  • Do not sign legally binding documents
• Checking your pulse: Learn to take your own pulse. If you become aware that your pulse has changed, please, see your general practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. The GP will perform an electrocardiograph (ECG) to check on your heart rate and rhythm.
• Watch for bleeding and bruising while taking a blood thinner. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use an electric razor to shave. Do not play contact sports.
• Do not start or stop any medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
• Follow-up care: Make follow up appointments, as directed by the medical and/or nursing staff.