Conversion of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia by facial immersion in ice water.
Based on the concept of the classic diving reflex, which produced bradycardia, a technique for treating uncomplicated, but symptomatic, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia was developed. This technique consists of facial immersion for 15 to 30 seconds in water at 10 C (50 F). Of ten patients 9 (90%) achieved rapid conversion without complications. This technique may be especially useful for those patients resistant to more conventional methods of inducing conversion of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia.
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004242:Diving; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D012018:Reflex; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000628:therapy*