How long is a cardioversion?

Less than 30 minutes: Sedation is given to the patient and an electrical shock is then given to cardiovert the heart back into a regular rhythym.This procedure usually is quite guick lasting in total 30 minutes or less. Delivery of the shock takes 2 seconds and then waiting to see if the rhythym has converted from one shock or reguires several more takes time. Time is then needed for the patient to be fully awake.

Cardioversion: Elective cardioversion usually takes a couple of hours with pre procedure, procedure and recovery from anesthesia. The actual electrical cardioversion is an instantaneous shock. The periprocedure and recovery is what takes the bulk of the time.