Posts Tagged ‘atrial fibrillation’
Double Sequential External Defibrillation for Atrial Fibrillation
We know that Double Sequential(DSED) External Defibrillation has been used primarily for the treatment of resistant ventricular arrhythmias. Here is a case study proposing its use in refractory atrial fibrillation(1) The case discussed is of a 56 year old patient with a history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on the background of ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The patient…
Read MoreSlow Atrial Fibrillation or Complete Heart Block: Lewis lead to the rescue
A 90-year-old gentleman presents via ambulance to the ED. He has suffered a presyncopal episode whilst out at the RSL. He was described as pale and confused before slumping to the floor. He made a reasonably rapid and complete recovery by the time the ambulance personnel arrived. He denied any intercurrent illnesses, chest pain or…
Read MoreThe Unstable Atrial Fibrillation Patient
THE CASE A 75 yo man is brought into your small rural ED after 3 hours of ischemic chest discomfort. His background is significant for hypertension, a CVA 5 years ago for which he is on aspirin/dipyrimidole, and 2 coronary artery stents in 1995. The ambulance officers found the patient to be in AF, with…
Read MoreThe Crashing Atrial Fibrillation Patient- Part 2- What inotrope to use?
Let me remind you of the patient we had in part 1 of this blog. The patient had presented in rapid atrial fibrillation at a rate of 170-180. His BP was about 60mmHg systolic. Cardioversion was attempted( x 3) with Metaraminol used to support blood pressure, however it was unsuccessful. An Amiodarone infusion was commenced…
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