Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2004
Multicenter StudyIncorrect instruction in the use of the Valsalva manoeuvre for paroxysmal supra-ventricular tachycardia is common.
Success rates for the Valsalva manoeuvre (VM) in treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) vary with performance technique. This study aimed to assess whether ED doctors instruct their patients to perform the recommended VM technique (supine position for 15 s). ⋯ Few ED doctors correctly instruct their patients in the VM technique recommended for management of SVT. Hence, maximal vagal tone and SVT conversion rates may not be achieved in many cases. The use of the recommended VM technique is encouraged.