Anteroposterior Versus Anterolateral Electrode Position for Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by MCMASTER UNIVERSITY · Aug 19, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the best way to place electrodes on the chest during a procedure called electrical cardioversion, which is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem that can lead to serious health issues, and finding more effective ways to treat it can help improve patients' lives. The trial will compare two ways of placing the electrodes—either from front to back or from side to side—and also look at whether applying pressure to the electrodes can increase the chances of success if the first attempt doesn't work.

Eligible participants are adults who are scheduled for a non-emergency electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation or flutter. If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of the two electrode placement methods and, if needed, to receive manual pressure on the electrodes during the procedure. The goal is to see which method works better, helping to improve treatment for many patients in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Consenting adult patients scheduled for non-emergent electrical cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Insufficiently anticoagulation for cardioversion as per Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines or have not undergone trans-esophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial thrombus
• • 2. Anatomic contraindication to anterolateral or anteroposterior placement (e.g. skin conditions or wounds)