Abstrakt
Introduction: Reports about the efficacy of precordial thump (PT) in termination of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) vary widely. Very little recent data about the mechanical termination of VA induced during programmed ventricular stimulation are available.Methods: We prospectively studied 485 consecutive patients (5/2001-12/2007) who underwent electrophysiology study with programmed ventricular stimulation as part of their assessment for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death.
In cases of induction of sustained non-tolerated VA, one of two experienced cardiologist applied a precordial thump for termination of these arrhythmias immediately after the onset of unconsciousness. When PT was ineffective, the arrhythmia was terminated by electrical cardioversion.
Tolerated VA was terminated by antitachycardic pacing.Results: Sustained VA was used successfully.