Why the study?
Can a specific syringe size be recommended to consistently achieve 40 mm Hg pressure for the Valsalva manoeuvre?
Can a specific syringe size be recommended to consistently achieve 40 mm Hg pressure for the Valsalva manoeuvre?
Using a syringe for the Valsalva manoeuvre does not reliably provide the recommended 40 mm Hg pressure due to inconsistent plunger resistance.
Syringe use cannot ensure consistent 40 mm Hg Valsalva pressure; leaves open need for validated devices in SVT management.
Background The Valsalva manoeuvre is commonly used in EDs to terminate supraventricular tachycardia by the patient blowing into a syringe. Aim To identify whether a specific syringe size can be recommended for use in the ED. Results 20% of syringes ‘stuck’ and required high pressures to move. In the remaining 80% of syringes, a 20 mL syringe was the most appropriate size to achieve the recommended 40 mm Hg. Once ‘released’ plunger position did not make a difference. Conclusions Use of a syringe of any size cannot be recommended if a consistent pressure is required.
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Thornton et al. (2016) studied this question.
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