Introduction
Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is a frequently used and effective strategy for the restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) that is persistent and of recent onset. It has been undertaken for almost 60 years.1 While thromboembolic events are associated with this procedure, prior anticoagulation reduces this risk to less than 1%.2
Anticoagulation is given to patients for at least three weeks prior to the procedure and maintained long term, unless they are at low future risk of stroke and systemic embolism (which is very few patients presenting for cardioversion), namely men with a CHA2DS2-VASc sco
