DCCV

Medical abbreviation · Cardiology

DCCV
Stands forDirect current cardioversion
CategoriesMedical

DCCV stands for Direct current cardioversion, a cardiology abbreviation.

Delivery of a synchronized electrical shock through pads on the chest to convert atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or other tachycardias back to normal rhythm, usually under brief sedation. The shock is timed to the QRS complex to avoid triggering ventricular fibrillation.

Example: Elective DCCV for persistent AF: one 200 J biphasic shock restored sinus rhythm.

Usage notes

Patients whose atrial fibrillation has lasted 48 hours or more need at least three weeks of anticoagulation beforehand or a TEE to rule out clot, plus at least four weeks afterward, because the stunned atrium can form clots after conversion. Cardioversion differs from defibrillation, which is unsynchronized and used for pulseless rhythms. Chemical cardioversion uses drugs instead.

More cardiology abbreviations

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  • DBP – Diastolic blood pressure
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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.