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Catapult launch-associated cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
B K Bohnker1, E F Feeks, G McEwen
1Medical Department, U.S.S. Forrestal (AVT 59), FPO AA 34080.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|October 1, 1993
Summary
A patient’s atrial fibrillation spontaneously resolved during aircraft carrier launch acceleration. This suggests kinetic energy may influence cardiac electrical activity, highlighting acceleration forces
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Biophysics
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia.
- Medical evacuations from aircraft carriers involve significant acceleration forces.
Observation:
- A patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation experienced spontaneous cardioversion.
- This event occurred during the high acceleration of an aircraft carrier catapult launch.
Findings:
- The acceleration force may have induced a myocardial response, similar to electrical cardioversion.
- Kinetic energy from acceleration could potentially affect cardiac electrical stability.
Implications:
- Acceleration forces are a critical consideration for patients during medical evacuation from aircraft carriers.
- While not a therapeutic option, this phenomenon underscores the physiological impact of extreme kinetic forces on cardiac function.