Posted by: Johnson Francis on: 23 Oct, 2008
Thejus et al has written an editorial on catheter ablation for prevention of recurrent ventriular fibrillation in the current issue of Indian Pacing and Electrophysiology Journal (Thejus J et al. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J. 2008; 8:238-241]. The current recommendation for treatment of recurrent ventricular fibrillation is the implantation of an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator). ICDs are [...]
Posted by: Johnson Francis on: 21 Oct, 2008
Multiple spikes within the QRS is known as fragmented QRS (f-QRS). Morita et al, from Okayama, Japan has found an association between f-QRS and ventricular fibrillation in Brugada Syndrome (Circulation. 2008;118:1697-1704). 115 patients were evaluated – 13 resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation, 28 with syncope and 74 asymptomatic. 43% of them had f-QRS. The highest occurrence [...]
Posted by: Johnson Francis on: 03 Oct, 2008
Electrical storm: Recurrent unstable VT / VF requiring more than three DC shocks per day Beta blocker is the single most effective therapy for recurrent VT unless the person is in shock There should be a low threshold for inserting IABP in those with electrical storm Hypothermia has been shown to suppress electrical storms in [...]
Posted by: Johnson Francis on: 21 Sep, 2008
Electrical phase: Initial 4 minutes of VF. Hemodynamic phase: 4 minutes to 10 minutes after the onset of VF. Metabolic phase: Beyond 10 minutes after the onset of VF. If EMS (Emergency medical service) arrives within 4 min (electrical phase) – defibrillation first – It is likely to be coarse VF and responds better to [...]
