EP on EP Episode 92: Commotio Cordis with Mark S. Link, MD, FHRS-EP on EP Episode 92: Commotio Cordis with Mark S. Link, MD, FHRS

EP on EP Episode 92: Commotio Cordis with Mark S. Link, MD, FHRS

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Mark Link, Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern, explains commotio cordis, a condition of sudden cardiac death caused by ventricular fibrillation when an individual is struck in the chest. It typically occurs in adolescence and involves being hit in the left chest over the heart with a hard object, like a ball or body part. The person experiences about five seconds of lucidity before collapsing. The diagnosis requires a collapse with a strike in the chest and a normal heart. Dr. Link conducted research using animals and found that impact in a 20-40 millisecond window prior to the peak of the G-wave induced ventricular fibrillation. He also emphasizes the importance of CPR training and the availability of AEDs, especially at sporting events.

Keywords

commotio cordis

sudden cardiac death

ventricular fibrillation

adolescence

CPR training