SACCM 304: Cardioversion Flashcards

1
Q

What are the indications for cardioversion?

A
  • when standard antiarrhythmic medications have failed to terminate an arrhythmia and the CO is severely compromised
  • to terminate sustained tachyarrhythmias in an emergency setting
  • lone atrial fibrillation
  • supraventricular tachycardias
  • monomorphic ventricular tachycardia
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2
Q

Do you need to administer antiarrhythmic drugs before cardioversion

A

technically cardioversion is indicated when medical management failed

BUT success rate of electrical cardioversion does not seem to improve with administration of antiarrhythmics before the procedure

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3
Q

Where do you apply the patches for cardioversion?

A

between 3rd and 6th rib on right and left hemithorax over the ventricles (if terminating Vtach) or the atria (if terminating SVT).

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4
Q

What phase of the ECG should the shokc of the cardioversion be synchronized to and why?

A
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5
Q

Explain why synchronous shock delivery is crucial for cardioversion and how this differs from defibrillation

A

synchronous shock delivery makes sure that shock delivered at the R wave - during the absolute refractory period of the myocytes

If shock was delivered during T wave - repolarizaiton period - high risk for inducing Vfib

defibrillation for Vfib is asynchronous, meaning shock is not synched to a certain phase of the ECG reading

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6
Q

What are potential complications of cardioversion?

A
  • induction of Vfib
  • thromboembolic event
  • risks of GA
  • skin burns
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