What to Look for on the Post-ACLS ECG

In this episode, we're privileged to have Dr. Amal Mattu from the University of Maryland School of Medicine sharing crucial insights about interpreting Post-Arrest 12-Lead ECGs.
Dr. Mattu dives straight into a gripping scenario. Imagine a 55-year-old man arriving at the Emergency Department with concerning chest pain. After initial stability, he becomes unresponsive, displaying ventricular fibrillation on the monitor. What should you do? Dr. Mattu breaks down the steps, highlighting the essentials of CPR, defibrillation, and medications like epinephrine.
However, the focus shifts to the Post-Arrest 12-Lead ECG. Dr. Mattu delves into key considerations during this critical phase:
Ischemia Evaluation: The primary goal is to identify signs of ischemia and determine if it's an ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) or not. A STEMI is a clear indication of rapid catheterization.
Non-ST Elevation ACS: For cases without obvious ST elevation, previous guidelines suggested immediate catheterization. However, recent studies like COACT, Tomahawk, and Emerge challenge this approach. Medical management and delayed catheterization might be more appropriate if there's no ST elevation.
Early Post-Arrest ECG: The initial 12-lead ECG taken shortly after resuscitation may show exaggerated ischemic changes due to factors like shocks and epinephrine. Dr. Mattu advises considering repeating the ECG around 20 minutes post-resuscitation for a more accurate assessment.
Switching gears to dysrhythmias:
Wide Complex Tachycardias: Dr. Mattu highlights that not all wide complex tachycardias are ventricular tachycardia (V-tach). Hyperkalemia, sodium channel blocker toxicity, or metabolic acidosis can mimic V-tach. Administering antiarrhythmics like amiodarone or lidocaine can be fatal in these cases.
V-Tach Mimics: Dr. Mattu emphasizes that a rate lower than 120-130 bpm might not be true V-tach. Hyperkalemia, sodium channel blockers, and even Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm can be mistaken for V-tach. Administering calcium or bicarbonate may help differentiate.
QRS Width: QRS complexes wider than 200 milliseconds could indicate tox or metabolic conditions. Carefully avoid antiarrhythmics in these situations.
In conclusion, Dr. Amal Mattu's insightful talk sheds light on the intricacies of interpreting Post-Arrest 12-Lead ECGs. Remember the crucial points: distinguish ischemia and STEMI, consider delayed catheterization for non-ST elevation cases, and be vigilant for V-tach mimics.
00:04 Introduction and Case Presentation
00:55 Understanding Ventricular Fibrillation and ACLS
01:37 Post-Arrest Care and Importance of 12-lead ECG
01:56 Identifying Ischemia and STEMI
02:21 Understanding Dysrhythmias
02:51 Ischemia vs No Ischemia: Decision-Making
06:09 Understanding V-tach and its Mimics
09:48 Case Studies: V-tach Mimics
14:30 Conclusion
#PostArrestECG
#CriticalCareMedicine
#EmergencyMedicine
#STEMI
#IschemiaDetection
#VentricularFibrillation
#ACLSGuidelines
#DelayedCathLab
#DysrhythmiaManagement
#WideComplexTachycardia
#EKGInterpretation
#Hyperkalemia
#TorsadeDePointes
#BicarbonateTherapy
#CaseStudiesInMedicine

[@MegaPyrrhus]

Dr Amal Mattu is just brilliant. We want to see more from him.

[@CriticalCareNow]

He’s always amazing!

[@thepalettewhispererasmr1227]

​@@CriticalCareNowthe best presenter😊

[@dsoogrim]

Thx prof....legendary

[@user-tz8yf4te2z]

Amazing infp

[@coryjorgensen382]

Dr. Mattu -- the ED Electrophysiologist & ECG 🐐. Thank you for this!

[@CriticalCareNow]

He’s the man!

[@katiemcgraw4751]

Intensivist here- this was amazing, thank you so much. Having a slight existential crisis right now that I have misdiagnosed WCT in the past, but regardless I think this 15 minute lecture helped me understand what to do in future with a mysterious WCT.

[@CriticalCareNow]

Wonderful! Great to hear

[@lungduan240]

Am sure your video save life even you don't know when, where and who they are. Thanks.

[@ThaliaRam]

Very insightful, thank you

[@CriticalCareNow]

Thank you!

[@bojanaradulovic9738]

So goood! gold material.. Thank U form Croatia

[@CriticalCareNow]

Thank you!

[@kwesib4695]

Thanks for sharing

[@CriticalCareNow]

My pleasure

[@briekhnaa]

👍👍👍👍

[@FearIsaLiar]

Thank you

[@CriticalCareNow]

Thanks for this

[@isrrarahmed6699]

Great

[@CriticalCareNow]

Appreciate it

[@nolongerapatient5743]

Couldn’t lidocaine be used to treat Torsades or lengthened QT?