A complete cardioversion procedure, including preparation and recovery time, may take 3 to 4 hours. Be sure to plan accordingly and to bring a care partner with you to the hospital.

Before Your Procedure

You will undergo Pre-Admission Testing several days to a week before the procedure. This testing will include blood tests, an EKG, chest x-ray, and a medical history assessment. You will also be asked to sign a form giving NYU consent to perform the procedure.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. You may be permitted to take your regular medications with a sip of water; check with your doctor, especially if you are taking anticlotting drugs.

On the day of your procedure, report to the Admitting Department on the first floor of Tisch Hospital at the scheduled time. The Admitting Clerk will direct you to the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory on the 5th Floor of Tisch Hospital when the team is ready to perform your procedure.

During the Procedure

When you arrive at the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, you will be assisted to a special x-ray table and attached to a heart monitor and blood pressure cuff. You will receive a sedative intravenously so you will feel drowsy and relaxed during the procedure.

Two large patches will be attached: one to the front of your chest, and one on the back. Energy may be delivered through these pads during the procedure.

Your doctor may first try "chemical cardioversion," using drugs to try to correct your arrhythmia. If this is not successful, electrical cardioversion will be attempted.

During electrical cardioversion, your doctor will deliver an electrical shock through the chest pads to try to convert the arrhythmia to a normal heart rhythm. He may try shocks with increasingly greater energy in order to achieve this. You will receive additional sedative to make you sleep during this portion of the procedure.

Be sure to tell the EP team what you feel through the entire procedure. IF YOU EXPERIENCE CHEST PAIN, HEAVINESS, OR DISCOMFORT OF ANY KIND, TELL THE STAFF IMMEDIATELY.

When the procedure is over, you will be brought to the Observation Room in NYU's Cooperative Care Unit on a stretcher.

After the Procedure

Once in the Observation Room of the Cooperative Care Unity, the staff will monitor you closely, taking your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature frequently. Your care partner should stay with you in the Observation Room. You will be able to eat once you awaken fully from the sedation. Do not try to get out of bed alone; a staff member will help you get out of bed for the first time after your procedure.

If you feel palpitations, chest pain, or any unusual sensations, tell your nurse immediately.

Going Home

Most patients are able to go home the same day. Your doctor may keep you overnight for observation if he feels you need additional monitoring. Your doctors will meet with you before your discharge and discuss the results of your cardioversion. Our nurse practitioner, Aileen Ferrick, will meet with you after the procedure to provide you with specific discharge instructions. She is also available before the procedure, and can be reached by calling 212-263-3556.

Because the sedatives used during the procedure can make you feel tired and sleepy, you should not drive yourself or take public transportation home, or drink alcoholic beverages. Arrange for a care partner to bring you home and to stay with you for at least 24 hours.

You can usually resume your normal activities the following day, or as directed by your doctor. Avoid lifting or straining, heavy housework, sports, or exercise until directed by your physician.

You may experience some discomfort, redness, and itching around the areas where the chest pads were placed. If these symptoms do not resolve within a few days, call us at the Heart Rhythm Center: 212-263-5656.

Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor.

Cardiac Electrophysiology / Heart Rhythm Center

NYU Langone Medical Center
403 East 34th Street, RIV-2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-263-7149

Larry A. Chinitz, M.D.
Director, The Heart Rhythm Center

Neil E. Bernstein, M.D.
Assistant Director, The Heart Rhythm Center

Anthony Aizer, M.D.
Instructor of Medicine

Douglas S. Holmes, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine

Sabrina Wilbur, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine