The Beat Webinar Series - Episode 1 - Management of Electrical Storm-Episode 1: Management of Electrical Storm

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Professor Michael Lloyd from Emory University discusses the management of electrical storms, which are recurrent and severe episodes of ventricular arrhythmias. He begins by defining electrical storm as a recurrence of greater than three clinically actionable ventricular arrhythmia events within a 24-hour period. He highlights that electrical storm is associated with increased mortality, which is believed to be around three times higher compared to non-electrical storm patients. Professor Lloyd goes on to discuss practical tips for managing electrical storm, which include correcting electrolyte imbalances, supporting hemodynamics, and sedating the patient to interrupt the positive feedback loop of sympathetic tone. He emphasizes the importance of taking action before all information is gathered due to the urgent nature of electrical storm. Professor Lloyd also discusses various treatment options, including medication, device troubleshooting, and neuromodulation techniques such as sympathetic ganglion blockade and stereotactic radiation therapy. He concludes by mentioning that while these therapies may be helpful, controlled studies are needed, and psychological counseling should be considered as many patients experience severe psychological distress following electrical storm. Overall, Professor Lloyd provides an overview of the current understanding and management strategies for electrical storm.

Keywords

electrical storm

ventricular arrhythmias

management

mortality

sedating

treatment options

neuromodulation techniques

psychological distress