Download Cardioversion Patient Information

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine
Cardiac Diagnostic Unit Clinic 2K
Durham NC 27710
(919) 684-5295 Press 1
Your physician has scheduled a Direct Current Cardioversion (DCCV) for you on:
Date:
Time:
Location of the study:
Ordering Physician:
Phone:
This procedure is used to convert an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm back to a normal heart rhythm
by applying an electrical shock to your heart through special electrodes placed on the chest and back.
You will be given medication through an IV (intravenous) catheter and will be asleep during the
cardioversion, and you will not remember the procedure. You will be monitored closely during the
procedure and will awaken 5 to 10 minutes after the cardioversion. Some chest wall tenderness may be
present for a few days after your cardioversion. After the procedure, do not drive a vehicle for 24 hours.
For some patients, an imaging test called a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) may be performed
with the cardioversion to make sure that there are no blood clots in the heart. This is an ultrasound of
the heart that is done by inserting a small tube into your esophagus (food tube). You will be given
medication to numb your throat. If you have a TEE with your cardioversion, you will not be allowed to
eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the procedure.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
If you must take medications, take them with only a sip of water.
2. A driver must bring you to your appointment and stay with you the entire time.
***You may not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. If no one is available to
accompany you and drive you home, the study will be cancelled and rescheduled.***
3. Notify the doctor or nurse if you have allergies, diabetes or an implanted defibrillator
or pacemaker.
4. Please bring a current list of your medications.
5. Confirm with your doctor that you are taking an appropriate dose of anticoagulation
(blood thinning) medication.
DAY OF APPOINTMENT
Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time. This allows extra time for parking and check-in.
Expect to be in the clinic for 2 to 3 hours from your scheduled time. Due to the small size of the waiting
room we ask that you limit the persons with you to no more than two. Children must be accompanied
by an adult at all times.
TEST LOCATION
Duke Hospital, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710
Parking is located across the street from the hospital. The entry into the parking deck is from
Elba Street (via Fulton Street) or from Erwin Road. Valet parking ($7 cost) is available in the
circle in front of Duke Hospital. Wheelchairs are available in the main hospital lobby and on the
T Level in the parking deck for your use. We do not provide parking vouchers.
Check-in at the Cardiac Catheterization Waiting Room. As you enter Duke Hospital, take the
main elevator to the 7th floor, exit the elevator to the right and turn left into first hallway. The
Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab Waiting Room (Room 7416) is the first single door on the
right.
CONTACT THE ORDERING PHYSICIAN TO DISCUSS THE RESULTS. They will be available within 24-48
hours after the study is completed.
Continue all your medications including anticoagulant medications unless otherwise directed by your
physician.
For clinical questions call the treatment room nurse at (919) 681-7241 from 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday
through Friday.
To reschedule the procedure, call (919) 684-5295, Option 1.