Novel vagal maneuver technique for termination of supraventricular tachycardias

Hemodynamically unstable patients with supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) should be treated with electrical cardioversion. If the patient is stable, acute termination of tachycardia can be achieved by vagal maneuvers or medical therapy. The Valsalva maneuver, carotid massage, and ice to the face are the most common vagal maneuvers. In our experience with patients, we observed that vagal stimulation increases with lying backward. Our suggested maneuver is based on quickly lying backward, from a seated position. Then, a short and powerful vagal stimulation occurs. Thus, SVT episodes can be terminated. Here we present our experience of a new maneuver for terminating SVT, with cases.