From the Research
Modified Valsalva Maneuver for Atrial Flutter
- The modified Valsalva maneuver has been shown to be effective in treating supraventricular tachycardias, including atrial flutter, in several studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials found that the modified Valsalva maneuver significantly increased the success rate of converting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm compared to the standard Valsalva maneuver 1.
- Another systematic review and meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials found that the modified Valsalva maneuver had a higher success rate for reconverting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm compared to the standard Valsalva maneuver 2.
- A randomized controlled trial found that the modified Valsalva maneuver with leg elevation and supine positioning at the end of the strain was more effective than the standard Valsalva maneuver in converting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm 3.
- The modified Valsalva maneuver has also been shown to reduce the need for anti-arrhythmic medications and decrease the length of stay in the emergency department 1, 2, 5.
- The available evidence suggests that the modified Valsalva maneuver is a safe and effective treatment for supraventricular tachycardia, including atrial flutter, and should be considered as a first-line treatment 1, 2, 3, 5.
Key Findings
- The modified Valsalva maneuver is more effective than the standard Valsalva maneuver in converting supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm 1, 2, 3.
- The modified Valsalva maneuver reduces the need for anti-arrhythmic medications and decreases the length of stay in the emergency department 1, 2, 5.
- The modified Valsalva maneuver is a safe and effective treatment for supraventricular tachycardia, including atrial flutter 1, 2, 3, 5.