Details.
A low-voltage shock is sent to the chest to convert irregular or rapid heart rhythms to safe ones. The procedure is performed under light or mild general anesthesia with monitoring. Patients are admitted and discharged the same day unless unforeseen circumstances require an overnight stay. The procedure takes a few minutes, although patients are scheduled in the morning and remain at the hospital until after lunch. Preparation includes a preadmission appointment, blood test, ECG, chest X-ray and echocardiogram. Patients must not eat or drink from midnight before the procedure and should arrange for someone to drive them home and potentially stay with them overnight.