Is a TEE required before cardioversion?

A Cardioversion is the use of electric current to “shock” your heart back into a normal rhythm. For this procedure you will be given medication to make you sleep. Before the cardioversion you will need a special ultrasound called a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).

What is the prep for cardioversion?

You typically can’t eat or drink anything for about eight hours before your procedure. Your doctor will tell you whether to take any of your regular medications before your procedure. If you do take medications before your procedure, sip only enough water to swallow your pills.

When would you use a transesophageal echocardiogram?

A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram. It is usually done when your doctor wants to look more closely at your heart to see if it could be producing blood clots. Like an echocardiogram, the TEE uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the structures of the heart.

Do you hold blood thinners for TEE?

If you are taking Dabigatran, Praxada, or other blood thinners (anticoagulants), you will be advised how long to stop your medication prior to having the test by a doctor, nurse or other health professional. You will need to have a kidney function test about four days before the test.

Which of the following medicine should withhold before giving cardioversion?

If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.

How many Cardioversions can you have?

There is really no limit to the number of cardioversions that people can have but at some point of time, we figure out that either it is a futile strategy or patients tend to get frustrated. But when it is a necessity that our patients who’ve had 20, 25 cardioversions also.

How long does a transesophageal echo take?

The test will usually take about 90 minutes. After you have recovered from the sedation, you may go home, but remember, you CANNOT drive after the test.

How long should I take eliquis before cardioversion?

Current AF guidelines all recommend 3 weeks of therapeutic anticoagulation with oral anticoagulation therapy (VKA, DTI, or FXa inhibitors) before cardioversion.

What is transesophageal echocardiographic (tee) cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) guidance of cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation is an alternative method to conventional anticoagulation.

Should transesophageal echocardiography be repeated in underanticoagulated patients with no atrial thrombi?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is indicated before cardioversion in patients who are underanticoagulated (warfarin therapy <3 weeks or international normalized ratio [INR] <2.0). It remains uncertain if TEE should be repeated in underanticoagulated patients who had no atrial thrombi detected by previous TEE.

When is transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) indicated?

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is indicated before cardioversion in patients who are underanticoagulated (warfarin therapy <3 weeks or international normalized ratio

Is repeat tee necessary before cardioversion of underanticoagulated patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation?

Conclusions: In underanticoagulated patients, repeat TEE is necessary before cardioversion of recurrent AF even if the previous TEE showed no atrial thrombi. Aged