First time and repeat cardioversion of atrial tachyarrhythmias - a comparison of outcomes.

Introduction: Repeat cardioversion may be necessary in over 50% of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), but identifying responders remains challenging. This study evaluates the long-term success of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) and the clinical and echocardiographical parameters that influence them, in over 1000 sedation-cardioversion procedures undertaken at Eastbourne General Hospital between 1996 and 2006.

Methods: A total of 770 patients of mean age (SD) 70.