Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Viral Transgene Expression in Rodent Hearts and the Assessment of Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk
Published on: July 27, 2022
Ventricular tachycardia converts to sinus rhythm after administration of propofol
Krysta Shannon1, Daniel Saltzman2, Irene Li1
1UMass Memorial Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, United States.
Abstract:
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a major contributor to sudden cardiac death, and pharmacologic treatment options beyond antiarrhythmics are limited. Emerging data suggest sympathetic blocking agents such as propofol are a potential management option for VT refractory to first line antiarrhythmics. Previous literature has described fixed-dose propofol boluses and continuous infusions to convert ventricular arrhythmias; however, to our knowledge, there are no reports of a weight-based dosing strategy for VT. We present the case of a patient with amiodarone-refractory VT who received a 1 mg/kg propofol bolus in preparation for cardioversion and subsequently converted to normal sinus rhythm. The patient stabilized following these interventions, transferred to a tertiary care facility, and was discharged home with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

