Anaesthesia during direct current cardioversion: patient expectations and concerns

Abstract

Introduction: Despite of adequate anaesthesia during direct current cardioversion procedure it is still observed patient concern about possible discomfort or pain. This gives additional stress before the procedure. Aim of the study: To determine reasons conditioning patient concern before direct current cardioversion and evaluate adequacy of anaesthesia during it. Methods: Anonymous questionnaire consisting of 15 questions was used to interview the patients. 70 patients with atrial fibrillation were included to the study. 33 (47.1%) were men and 37 (52.9%) women. Anaesthesia was performed using sodium thiopental. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: It was found that 54 (77.1%) were anxious before the procedure, while – 16 (22.9%) were not concerned about the procedure. Among 37 women were afraid of the procedure 32 (86.5%), among 33 men – 22 (66.7%). 27 patients (31.8%) concerned about success of cardioversion, 22 (25.9%) – about possible complications, 19 (22.4%) – about pain during the procedure, 14 (16.5%) – about insufficient information, 3 (3.5%) – about anaesthesia. 63 (90%) patients had no pain and discomfort during the procedure, 6 (8.6%) – felt discomfort, 1 (1.4%) – pain. Among patients who felt discomfort or pain 6 were women and only 1 man (p=0.049). 64 (91.4%) patients had no complains while 6 (8.6%) complained about discomfort after the procedure. Conclusions: Patients are mainly concerned about the success of direct current cardioversion but not about anaesthesia or possible periprocedural complications. Only few patients felt discomfort after the performed anaesthesia.