Unstable Tachycardia

Hany EL-Zahaby, MD,Anesthesiologist

Objectives

By the end of this talk we should be able to describe or demonstrate:

1- 1ry and 2ry ABCD surveys 2- Identify unstable from stable

tachycardia3- Identify the rhythm of tachycardia4- Determine if tachycardia is producing

hemodynamic instability or the instability is producing tachycardia

Objectives (cont.)

5- Follow the algorithms for tachycardia and cardioversion

6- Operation of a defibrillator/monitor to perform both defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion

7- Provide post-cardioversion care

Case Scenario

52-year-old man presented to ED complaining of shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness and severe chest pain. He is pale and sweaty. His Pulse rate is 178 and blood pressure is 81/50

Action

Check responsiveness and apply primary and secondary ABCD surveys

If not in cardiac arrest or VF and tachycardia is observed, order oxygen-IV-monitor-fluids

Identify the rhythm

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Atrial Flutter

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

Ventricular Tachycardia

Prepare for synchronized cardioversion

Prepare oxygen saturation monitor, suction device, IV line, intubation equipment, call the code team and explain to the patient if awake

Premedicate Sedatives and anesthetics: Midazolam (0.01-0.05mg/kg), Diazepam (0.05-0.1mg/kg), Ketamine(1-2 mg/kg), Etomidate (0.2-0.5 mg/kg), Thiopentone (3-5 mg/kg), Propofol (1-2 mg/kg)

Analgesics:Fentanyl (1-3μg/kg)Morphine (0.05-0.1 mg/kg)Pethidine (0.5-1 mg/kg)

Synchronized Cardioversion Is it equal to defibrillation?

Why synchronization?

When not to use synchronization? Severely unstable VT

Steps for synchronized cardioversion Turn on defibrillator Attach monitor leads to the patient Ensure proper display of the

patient’s rhythm (lead II) Press ‘sync’ control button Look for markers on R waves If no markers, adjust monitor gain

until markers on each R

Select appropriate energy level for type of arrhythmia

Apply gel to paddles and position it on patient (sternum and apex)

Announce to team-members “Charging defibrillators-stand clear”

Press charge button on apex paddle (right hand)

When the defibrillator is charged state firmly: “I am going to shock on three. One, I am clear. Two, you are clear. Three, everybody is clear”

Apply 25 Ib pressure on both paddles Press the “discharge” buttons

simultaneously

Check the monitor, if tachycardia persists, increase the joules according to the algorithm

Reset to “sync” mode after each synchronized cardioversion

If VF occurs, switch to “defibrillation” mode and follow the VF/Pulseless VT algorithm

Energy levels: Standard sequence is 100 J→ 200 J

→ 300 J → 360 J Exceptions:

Atrial flutter 50 J→ 100 J→ 200 J→ 300 J→ 360 J

Polymorphic VT 200 J→ 300 J → 360 J

Post-conversion care: Closely monitor vital signs Continue oxygen-IV-monitor-fluids Search for a cause for this

tachycardia and treat it If VF occurs, recognize need to

defibrillate Documentation

Conclusion

Always start with ABCD Unstable means either patient or

tachycardia Unstable tachycardia is treated

with synchronized cardioversion Steps for cardioversion should be

strictly followed

THANK YOUTHANK YOU