Cognitive skills necessary to perform internal DC cardioversion

Physicians should have knowledge of the following:

Cognitive and technical skills for performing intracardiac electrophysiologic study

Principles of intracavitary cardioversion with catheter technology, catheters, chest electrodes, or whatever variant the operator plans to use

Indications and complications associated with transvenous catheterization and with the intracavitary delivery of DC shock

The safe delivery of DC shock and the limit of energy that can be delivered via electrode catheters

The use of conscious sedation or, when appropriate, anesthesia

The use of intravenous antiarrhythmic medications

Cognitive skills necessary for external DC cardioversion

ACC_AHA_skills_internal_CV.htm

Data from Tracy CM, Akhtar M, DiMarco JP, et al. Circulation 2000; 102:2309.

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