Electroconversion - electrical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias
Back on track thanks to electricity
In the case of cardiac arrhythmia, the normal, regular heartbeat - the so-called sinus rhythm - can be restored. Here you can find out how electricity can help with cardiac arrhythmia and how such treatment is carried out at our clinic. You are welcome to read on.
Cardiac arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation), in which the heart beats irregularly and too quickly, can be treated with electrical cardioversion, among other things. At the Hirslanden Klinik im Park, we carry out such electrical treatments on a regular basis.
Electroconversion takes place in deep sleep - i.e. you sleep for approx. 1 minute and do not notice the short electric shock. We always have an anesthesiologist present. Occasionally, electroconversion is combined with a swallowing ultrasound (transesophageal echocardiography, TEE for short) (for patients with insufficient or non-existent blood thinning) so that any remaining blood clots in the heart can be excluded with the extremely high-resolution cardiac ultrasound. The examination is performed under short anesthesia (analgosedation only), with continuous monitoring of the cardiovascular parameters. Cardioversion can be performed directly after the examination under the same anesthesia or sedation. A short electric shock is triggered to restore the normal heart rhythm. After the anesthesia has completely worn off, you can usually go home again on the same day. Please note that you are not allowed to work, drive a vehicle or make important decisions on this day.
As a competent team, we are at your side from the preliminary consultation through to treatment. You are therefore in the best hands with us when it comes to electroconversion.
