How does cardioversion differ from defibrillation?

Hello, I'm an expert in the field of cardiology with a focus on arrhythmia management. Let's delve into the differences between cardioversion and defibrillation. Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to restore the normal rhythm of the heart by applying an electrical shock to the heart. It is typically used for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, which are less life-threatening conditions than ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Cardioversion can be performed with the patient under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, and it is often synchronized with the patient's QRS complex on the ECG to avoid shocking the heart during the vulnerable period of repolarization. Defibrillation, on the other hand, is an emergency procedure that is used to treat life-threatening conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It involves delivering a high-energy shock to the heart to terminate the abnormal heart rhythm and allow the heart to reestablish a normal rhythm. Defibrillation is typically performed without sedation or anesthesia because it is a critical emergency procedure and there is no time to induce anesthesia. In summary, the key differences are: 1. Indications: Cardioversion is used for atrial fibrillation/flutter, while defibrillation is used for ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia. 2. Energy Level: Cardioversion uses a lower energy shock compared to defibrillation. 3. Synchronization: Cardioversion is synchronized with the QRS complex, whereas defibrillation is not synchronized. 4. Anesthesia: Cardioversion is often performed under sedation or anesthesia, while defibrillation is not.

Description. Defibrillation - is the treatment for immediately life-threatening arrhythmias with which the patient does not have a pulse, ie ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). Cardioversion - is any process that aims to convert an arrhythmia back to sinus rhythm.