Is it required to use defibrillator pads or gel during cardioversion?

Hi moo50-ga,

  I am not a doctor, but I have worked 
  on some medical projects involving
  heart problems, including arrhythmias,
  and am familiar with the procedure.

  First, you should know that there are
  several types of cardioversion, including
  internal cardioversion.  I assume you are
  talking about external cardioversion where
  pads from a defibrillator are used.

  When external defibrillator equipment is
  used for the procedure, it is important for
  the pads to make good surface contact with
  the skin.  For that reason, gel, or some kind
  of sticky contact material, is typically used.
  This is especially the case when the patient
  is hairy.

  The gel is common, but not absolutely required.
  If the physician feels that good electrical 
  contact is made without it, then it can be skipped.

  That is all from my personal experience, but I
  did find a nice discussion of cardioversion here:

http://www.heartcenteronline.com/Cardioversion.html

  That website requires a free registration, but I
  liked the article.

  I hope that helps you.

               dogbite-ga

I needed more scientific/medical information on the necessity of a
conduction agent during defibrillation. The web site I was directed to
was most helpful & from there I found other sites that really helped
my research. Thank you.

Although this is probably not what you mean, cardioversion can also be
accomplished with drugs depending on the type of arrhythmia.