Transesophageal echocardiography for early cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

Exclusion of thrombi in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF) has important implications for early cardioversion, Cardioversion guided by transesophogeal echocardiography (TEE) is a safe and relatively cast-effective technique with a high accuracy for detecting left-atrial thrombi. Nowadays, TEE-guided cardioversion may help to select patients suitable for early cardioversion, However, the long-term effect of early TEE-guided cardioversion on the maintenance of sinus rhythm needs to be determined. (C) 2000 by Excerpta Medico, Inc.