A Five Year Audit of DC Cardioversion for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in East London

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation in high risk patients increases the risk of thromboembolic events which in turn increases the morbidity and mortality.Aim: This audit was conducted to evaluate DC cardioversion for patients with atrial fibrillation in East London. Methods:This retrospective audit investigates the success of DC cardioversion immediately after cardioversion therapy and at follow-up six weeks later. It also investigates waiting times for and complications resulting from said therapy.Result: A total of 729 patients were referred for cardioversion and 531 patients received DC cardioversion during the five-year period from 2009 to 2013. Yearly success rates for the period of the study ranged an astounding 84% to 94% immediately after DC cardioversion, and at 6 th week follow-up, the success rate remained impressive ranging from 59% to 61%. All standards were met except for a wait time of less than one week for all patients, though this wait time was far below national mandates and in most cases significantly shorter than regional guidelines. Further, there were no complications indicating DC cardioversion is extraordinarily safe when properly administered by skilled professionals.