"Cardioversion procedure to resolve atrial flutter in heart"

Following cardio-thoracic surgery to replace atrial and mitral valves in February 2019, I developed atrial flutter (AF). This left me extremely breathless upon exertion and severely diminished my lifestyle, and with consequential adverse impact on that of my spouse.

After many months of attempting to achieve symptomatic relief through medication and undergoing procedures to drain fluid from my plueral cavities, to no lasting effect, it was decided that cardioversion should be attempted to try to restore a normal heart rhythm and thereby relieve my symptoms.

I was placed in the care of the Cardiac Nurse Specialist, Millie.

Millie, and a member of her team who she is training, initiated contact with me whilst I was in ward 216 having a pleural tap procedure. She visited me in the ward to explain to me and my spouse the procedure and its risks and potential benefits, and the process I would follow.  She did this with patience and in terms that were pitched at the right level of detail for me to understand. This was an enlightening and reassuring introduction to cardioversion.

Thereafter Millie maintained a careful eye on my progress as I used anti-coagulant medication to condition my blood for the procedure. We spoke by phone regularly for her to learn of test results and dosage changes. On one occasion when the blood condition changed significantly, Millie made a point of calling me in the evening to reassure me that this would not affect my suitability for the procedure and was not an unusual event. 

On the day of the procedure she spoke to me upon my arrival at the Short Stay Unit to settle me in and refresh my understanding of the procedure. She also introduced me to the anaesthetist. Again this was reassuring and gave me confidence that I was in good hands. The other nursing staff who preformed an ecg and observations were also helpful, friendly and interested.

The procedure itself went well and a normal sinus rhythm was achieved. However within a short time a post-procedure ecg appeared to show arhythmia, though it was a subtle interpretation. Milli immediately sought the opinion of my consultant cardiologist and an electro-physiologist who confirmed Milli's opinion. However it was explained that this can happen with AF and a follow up was arranged for a week later to repeat the ecg. During that week my symptoms improved significantly in terms of breathlessness and ability to tolerate exertion. The subsequent ecg showed that I had returned to sinus rhythm. Very welcome news. Milli clearly shared our sentiments.

I will be monitored over the coming period. All being well I should be able to gradually reduce medication. Milli has stressed the importance of my building strength in my legs but doing so gradually and not overdoing exercise.

This cardioversion experience has been positive for me. From the patient perspective I have found Milli and her team to be very mindful of patient needs, the importance of timely and clear information and the need to spend time with the patient to provide the reassurance that is needed when dealing with heart patients. Resolving my heart condition has involved cardio-thoracic, cardiology, respiratory and cardioversion departments at ARI working in an integrated manner. Cardioversion has been vital in this approach, particularly in bringing the sympomatic relief that offers me a chance of resuming a normal lifestyle.