A comparison of early versus delayed elective electrical cardioversion for recurrent episodes of persistent atrial fibrillation: A multi-center study

Abstract

Background: Due to barriers to accessing timely elective electrical cardioversion (CV) for persistent AF (PeAF), we adopted a policy of instructing patients to present directly to the Emergency Department (ED) for CV. Objective: We compare a strategy of Emergency CV (ED-CV) versus Elective CV (EL-CV) for treatment of symptomatic PeAF. Methods: Between 2014 and 7, we evaluated 150 patients undergoing CV for PeAF. ED-CV patients were provided an AF action plan for recurrent symptoms and advised to present to ED within 36 h. EL-CV patients followed standard care, including cardiologist referral and placement on an elective hospital waiting list. Follow-up was 12 months. Results: We included 75 ..