Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyRandomised controlled trial

Dual vs Single Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Obesity

JAMA CardiolPublished

  • Randomised controlled trial
  • investigator-initiated
  • patient-blinded
  • multicentre
  • 3 sites in Louisiana

Authors' conclusion

In patients with obesity (BMI ≥35) undergoing electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation, dual DCCV results in greater cardioversion success compared with single DCCV, without any increase in complications or patient discomfort.

Study context

Population
Patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥35) and AF undergoing planned nonemergent electrical cardioversion200 completed
Participants
210 patients
Comparison
Dual direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) vs single DCCV
  • Dual DCCVn = 99
  • Single DCCVn = 101reference
Primary endpoint
Return to sinus rhythm, regardless of duration, immediately after the first cardioversion attempt
Follow-up
Immediately after the first cardioversion attempt

Primary result

As reported in the abstract

Return to sinus rhythm immediately after first cardioversion attempt

P = 0.002

Dual cardioversion predicted success (OR 6.7, 95% CI 3.3-13.6)
P = 0.01

Further findings

Success of subsequent dual cardioversion after failed first single attempt

All successful: after second cardioversion
12 of 14
After third cardioversion
2 of 14

Safety

OutcomeDual DCCVSingle DCCVP value
Postprocedure chest discomfort rating · no differencemedian 0 of 10median 0 of 10P = 0.40

CV complications

No CV complications

Original publication

Dual vs Single Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Obesity. JAMA Cardiol. Published 1 July 2024. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2024.1091

Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it