On 2014 Aug 27, Ryan Radecki commented:

Post-publication commentary:

"Should the 48-hour Cardioversion Window Be Revised?"

It has become generally accepted practice to treat new-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter with electrical cardioversion in the acute setting – provided the known onset of atrial fibrillation is less than 48 hours. Beyond that, caution tends to be advised – whether through use of transesophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial thrombus, or through pre- and post-procedural anticoagulation.

However, this data from a research letter in JAMA suggests – possibly we ought to be even more cautious regarding time-of-onset....

http://www.emlitofnote.com/2014/08/should-48-hour-cardioversion-window-be.html

On 2014 Aug 27, Ryan Radecki commented:

Post-publication commentary:

"Should the 48-hour Cardioversion Window Be Revised?"

It has become generally accepted practice to treat new-onset atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter with electrical cardioversion in the acute setting – provided the known onset of atrial fibrillation is less than 48 hours. Beyond that, caution tends to be advised – whether through use of transesophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial thrombus, or through pre- and post-procedural anticoagulation.

However, this data from a research letter in JAMA suggests – possibly we ought to be even more cautious regarding time-of-onset....

http://www.emlitofnote.com/2014/08/should-48-hour-cardioversion-window-be.html