TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Cardioversion and Defibrillation A1 - Gupta, Rohit R. A1 - Aldeguer, Ylaine Rose T. A2 - Oropello, John M. A2 - Pastores, Stephen M. A2 - Kvetan, Vladimir Y1 - 1 N1 - T2 - Critical Care AB - KEY POINTSBiphasic waveform cardioversion is safe and equally effective as monophasic cardioversion, using much lower energy with reduced post-shock complications such as cardiac dysfunction, dysrhythmias, and skin burns.Defibrillation or unsynchronized cardioversion is indicated in any patient with pulseless VT/VF or unstable polymorphic VT, where synchronized cardioversion is not possible.Synchronized cardioversion is utilized for the treatment of persistent unstable tachyarrhythmia in patients without loss of pulse. Amongst this category, AF remains the most frequently encountered.In critically ill patients, unstable supraventricular tachyarrhythmias benefit from individualized therapy such as inotrope and vasopressor support, antiarrhythmic medications or mechanical ventilation and not necessarily electrical cardioversion as the first treatment.It is important to become familiar with the cardioversion device available, the appropriate energy settings and the correct placement of the paddles to ensure effective and timely shock administration. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1136419333 ER -