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The Duke Hospital Cardiac Diagnostic Unit performs transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures and coordinates the scheduling of cardioversion procedures. Contact the CDU at (919) 684-5295 (press 1) during regular business hours (8AM-5PM) for more information or to schedule outpatient procedures.

CARDIOVERSION and TEE-CARDIOVERSION

Outpatients - cardioversion requirements: >3 weeks therapeutic anticoagulation before and at the time of cardioversion, and an H&P, BMP, PT/INR, and aPTT (and magnesium if on dofetilide [Tikosyn]) within 30d.  If on warfarin: a PT/INR >2.0 within 48h, with the previous three PT/INR >2.0 and at least one of the three PT/INR in the past three weeks. 

Outpatients - TEE-cardioversion requirements: same as cardioversion except that anticoagulation is required only at the time of the procedure (PT/INR >2.0 within 48h if on warfarin or continued dosing of alternative anticoagulants for at least 24h), along with a CBC within 30d.

To schedule: download, print and complete the Cardioversion Intake Form, then FAX the form, copy of labs, and H&P (if not in the eBrowser) to (919) 684-1747, and call the CDU at (919) 684-5295 (press 1) to schedule the procedure. Also print and complete the Cardioversion Patient Information sheet (includes patient instructions) and give to the patient. For clinical questions, call (919) 681-7241 between 7AM-3:30PM, Monday-Friday and request the treatment room nurse.

Inpatients: place order in Maestro Care (Epic) and obtains labs as above. A Cardioversion Intake Form is NOT needed; do NOT call the CDU to schedule. During the week, inpatient cardioversion procedures will be scheduled for the next business day if after 11AM. Requests ordered during the weekend will be addressed on Monday morning.

TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAM (TEE)

Outpatients - TEE requirements: H&P, CBC, aPTT, and PT/INR within 30d; if on warfarin, then PT/INR must be within 7d.

To schedule: download, print and complete the TEE Request Form, then FAX the form, copy of labs, and H&P (if not in the eBrowser) to (919) 681-7394, and call the CDU at 684-5295 (press 1) to schedule the procedure. Also print and complete the TEE Patient Information sheet (includes patient instructions) and give to the patient.

Inpatients: place order in Maestro Care (Epic) and obtain labs as above. A TEE Request Form is NOT needed - and obtain labs as above. Every attempt will be made to perform inpatient TEE procedures within 24h.  You will be contacted by CDU staff with the schedule posting.