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Is antero-posterior position superior to antero-lateral position for placement of electrodes for external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation?

Department of Cardiology, Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport, Manchester, UK

^* Corresponding author. Address: Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford road, M13 3BW, Manchester, UK. Tel.: +780-154-8122; fax: +44-161-276-8538
joeldunning{at}doctors.org.uk

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the antero-posterior position is superior to the antero-lateral position for the placement of electrodes for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Altogether 167 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that there is no clinical difference between the two positions although if one position fails to convert the patient, the alternative position may still achieve success.

Key Words: Evidence-based medicine; Thoracic surgery; Electric countershock; Atrial fibrillation; Review