cardioverters

A cardioverter is a medical device used to treat certain types of irregular heart rhythms, specifically tachyarrhythmias. These are heartbeats that are too fast, such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia. The cardioverter delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart. This shock is timed to coincide with the heart's electrical activity, aiming to reset the abnormal rhythm to a normal one. The procedure is called cardioversion. It is typically performed by a cardiologist or electrophysiologist.

There are two main types of cardioverters: external and internal. External cardioverters are applied to the chest wall using paddles or adhesive patches. Internal cardioverters, also known as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), are surgically implanted under the skin and have leads that are threaded into the heart. While ICDs can also deliver cardioversion shocks, their primary function is to detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias with defibrillation, which delivers a higher energy shock. Cardioversion is often performed after sedation or anesthesia to minimize discomfort for the patient. Before the procedure, a doctor may administer medication to reduce the risk of blood clots. The effectiveness of cardioversion varies depending on the specific arrhythmia and the underlying cause.