Electrical Cardioversion is a brief procedure where an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to convert an abnormal heart rhythm back to a normal rhythm. Most elective or "non-emergency" cardioversions are performed to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, which are heart rhythm disturbances originating in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
The patient is sedated and then an electric current is delivered with paddles to the heart. This procedure is done as an out-patient procedure at the hospital.
