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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts
Published on: February 17, 2023
Self-terminated ventricular fibrillation and recurrent syncope
Yuval Konstantino1, Angela Morello, Peter J Zimetbaum
1Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ykonstan@gmail.com
Abstract:
Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a lethal arrhythmia that requires immediate cardioversion and is rarely self-terminating. Spontaneous termination is typically associated with more organized activation than sustained VF terminated by shock, but the precise mechanism is unclear. In the present case, we describe a patient with recurrent syncope and documented self-terminating VF, who ultimately underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion. Assessment of the rhythm strip revealed organization of a chaotic rhythm into monomorphic ventricular tachycardia before termination, in supportive of previous reports. In conclusion, self-terminating VF is a very rare condition that can cause syncope.
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