Squara F, Elbaum C, Garret G, et al. - Researchers conducted a bicenter randomized study to determine the efficacy of applying active compression on defibrillation electrodes during atrial fibrillation (AF) cardioversion. Patients referred for persistent AF cardioversion were involved in this study. Patients were randomized to standard anterior-posterior defibrillation or to defibrillation with active compression applied over the anterior electrode. This analysis comprised 100 patients, 50 in each group. Findings demonstrated a greater effectiveness of active compression applied to the anterior defibrillation electrode for persistent AF cardioversion, compared with standard anterior-posterior cardioversion. The former treatment strategy was associated with lower defibrillation threshold and higher success rate than the latter.