valsalva maneuver using a handmade device in supraventricular tachycardia reversion; a quasi experimental study

Introduction: the use of vagal nerve stimulation is identified as a proper treatment option in patients with stable supraventricular tachycardia (svt). this study aimed to assess the success of valsalva maneuver via a handmade device in reversion of svt. methods: in this quasi experimental study, using a handmade device, vagus nerve stimulation was performed for svt patients presenting to emergency department or cardiac inter- vention unit and the success rate and its related factors were assessed. results: 100 patients with the mean age of 53.05 ± 13.70 years were studied (67% female). 12 (12%) cases were unable to do the maneuver. out of the 88 (88.0%) patients who could perform the maneuver, 75 (85.2%) cases were unsuccessful. dysrhythmia was con- trolled in 6 (6.8%) cases on the first attempt and in 7 (8.0%) cases on the second one (14.8% total success rate). 12 of the 13 cases (92.3%) of successful maneuver had history of svt (p = 0.031). there was not any significant association between success rate and sex (p = 0.084), age (p = 0.744), or other medical histories (p ≥ 0.05). conclusion: based on the results of the present study, the success rate of valsalva maneuver with the mentioned handmade device was calculated to be 14.8%. the only independent related factor of successful reversion was svt history.