any histories of atrial fib being reduced by carotid massage ?

[kaisardog]

there are some studies about carotid massage having the potential to bring a patient out of a fib. has anyone had training on this, or any experiences in the field ?

 

[MMiz]

Has it ever been done in the field as a matter of standard procedure?

I can't find any examples online.

 

[DesertMedic66]

I am not aware of any program that allows carotid massage but who knows, there could be some. Typically in the field we are not looking at converting an A-Fib patient as A-Fib is usually pretty benign in our setting unless it’s the case of A-Fib RVR where we are looking more so to slow the rate and not to convert.

 

[kaisardog]

thanks. I'm in a rural area w/o fast ambulance access to ERs. various articles on stat pearl and suggest a valsalva maneuver and carotid massage as effective pre hospital techniques to reduce SVT (or stable a fib. ) carotid massage is appropriate for use only by trained 'medical personnel. ' if there's a delay for a patient's access to an ER or a paramedic crew w ekg and iv capabilities , so in certain cases cardiac massage may be appropriate. a valsalva is easier and also appears to be successful. ( SVT or stable a fib being: irregular pulse, over 150 bpm, no sx of cardiac bruit, chest pain or syncope. ) (I'll post more on the valsalva for reducing SVT / a fib in a new thread. )

 

[E tank]

I am not aware of any program that allows carotid massage but who knows, there could be some. Typically in the field we are not looking at converting an A-Fib patient as A-Fib is usually pretty benign in our setting unless it’s the case of A-Fib RVR where we are looking more so to slow the rate and not to convert.

Def used to be a thing.Fallen out of favor? Without a really good assessment of carotid artery disease, prolly not a great idea in any ekg setting...