Anteroposterior Versus Anterolateral Electrode Position for Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation (SHOCK-VECTOR)
Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Atrial Fibrillation
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Consenting adult patients scheduled for non-emergent electrical cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter
Exclusion Criteria:
- Insufficiently anticoagulation for cardioversion as per Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines or have not undergone trans-esophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial thrombus
- Anatomic contraindication to anterolateral or anteroposterior placement (e.g. skin conditions or wounds)
Sites / Locations
- Hamilton Health SciencesRecruiting
- St Joseph's Healthcare HamiltonRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Anterolateral shock vector
Anteroposterior shock vector
Patients with electrodes placed on the chest to obtain an anterolateral (front-to-side placement; also known as anteroapical) shock vector. If first shock is unsuccessful, participants who proceed to a second shock will be randomized to manual pressure versus none but electrode placement will remain the same.
Patients with electrodes placed on the chest to obtain an anteroposterior (front-to-back placement) shock vector. If first shock is unsuccessful, participants who proceed to a second shock will be randomized to manual pressure versus none but electrode placement will remain the same.