title: Catapult launch-associated cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: A patient is presented with new-onset atrial fibrillation. While being air-evacuated, he cardioverted during the acceleration associated with aircraft carrier catapult launch. This case suggests a possible myocardial response to the kinetic energy produced by the acceleration force, similar to the electrical energy commonly used for cardioversion. Cardioversion using acceleration forces is probably not a clinically useful modality; however, this case demonstrates the importance of acceleration forces on patients during medical evacuation from aircraft carriers.
authors.affiliation: Medical Department, U.S.S. Forrestal (AVT 59), FPO AA 34080.
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Bohnker
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Feeks
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McEwen
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000401:Aircraft; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel; D014187:Transportation of Patients