Ventricular Fibrillation during Carotid-Sinus Stimulation

Abstract

CAROTID-sinus stimulation has proved to be an invaluable diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The response of a number of arrhythmias to its application is virtually diagnostic, and in paroxysmal atrial and nodal tachycardias, its use often results in the return of normal sinus rhythm.1 It may help to confirm the clinical impression of arteriosclerotic heart disease by the decrease in anginal pain that often follows carotid-sinus massage.2 Pulmonary edema has been reported to respond to its use.3 The transient slowing of the heart rate produced by carotid-sinus stimulation simplifies detection of heart sounds and murmurs.Reports of untoward neurologic effects of . . .