Faculty mentor/PI email address
jim010@aol.com
Is your research Teaching and Learning based?
1
Keywords
Modified vagal maneuver, SVT, vagal maneuvers in SVT, syringe Valsalva maneuver, non-pharmacologic SVT conversion
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in emergency departments and is characterized by a rapid regular rhythm originating above the ventricles. Initial management of hemodynamically stable SVT typically includes vagal maneuvers followed by pharmacologic therapy such as adenosine if non-pharmacologic methods fail. However, vagal maneuvers are frequently unsuccessful due to improper patient execution or insufficient vagal stimulation. We present the case of a 76-year-old female with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia (HLD) who presented with palpitations and was found to have SVT at 156 beats per minute on electrocardiogram. A Valsalva maneuver using a 10-cc syringe was successfully performed in the emergency department, resulting in conversion to normal sinus rhythm within seconds without pharmacologic intervention. This case highlights the physiologic basis and clinical utility of vagal maneuvers, particularly the syringe-blowing technique, and emphasizes the importance of proper patient coaching when attempting these noninvasive interventions.
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences
Included in
Case Report: Termination of SVT Using a Modified Vagal Maneuver with a 10-cc Syringe
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in emergency departments and is characterized by a rapid regular rhythm originating above the ventricles. Initial management of hemodynamically stable SVT typically includes vagal maneuvers followed by pharmacologic therapy such as adenosine if non-pharmacologic methods fail. However, vagal maneuvers are frequently unsuccessful due to improper patient execution or insufficient vagal stimulation. We present the case of a 76-year-old female with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (HTN), and hyperlipidemia (HLD) who presented with palpitations and was found to have SVT at 156 beats per minute on electrocardiogram. A Valsalva maneuver using a 10-cc syringe was successfully performed in the emergency department, resulting in conversion to normal sinus rhythm within seconds without pharmacologic intervention. This case highlights the physiologic basis and clinical utility of vagal maneuvers, particularly the syringe-blowing technique, and emphasizes the importance of proper patient coaching when attempting these noninvasive interventions.