What does this article add?
This article describes a clinical pathway whereby patients who present in atrial fibrillation for more than 48 hours and then have a transesophageal electrocardiogram showing no atrial clot, can return to the emergency department and safely undergo cardioversion. This clinical pathway also results in a faster time to cardioversion and shorter length of hospital stay compared to those admitted to the cardiology department.
Keywords: Transesophageal Echocardiography; Emergency Department; Electrical Cardioversion; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiology Hospital Service