Using a modified Valsalva maneuver to treat supraventricular tachycardia

Improving the Care Trajectory for Patients With Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia in the Emergency Department by Implementing the Modified Valsalva Maneuver: A Realist Evaluation

NA · Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg · NCT05466227

This study is testing a new way to help people with a fast heart rate called supraventricular tachycardia by using a special breathing technique to see if it can restore their normal heart rhythm.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorZiekenhuis Oost-Limburg (other)
Locations2 sites (Genk and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05466227 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Modified Valsalva Maneuver (MVM) as a non-invasive method to restore normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The MVM aims to enhance the effectiveness of traditional vagal maneuvers by increasing myocardial refractoriness through changes in intrathoracic pressure. Adult patients presenting to the emergency department with confirmed SVT will be included, while those with certain exclusions, such as atrial fibrillation or significant hemodynamic instability, will be omitted. The trial will be conducted at Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg in Genk.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults presenting to the emergency department with confirmed cases of supraventricular tachycardia.

Not a fit: Patients with atrial fibrillation, significant hemodynamic instability, or those outside the age range of 18 to 70 years may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a rapid and effective non-invasive treatment option for patients experiencing SVT.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success rates for conventional vagal maneuvers, indicating that this modified approach may offer a novel improvement.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All adult patients that present to the emergency department
* Only true SVT will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ECG more suggestive of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
* Age \< 18 years or \> 70 years
* Broad QRS, including known aberration
* Known aneurysm (aortic, intracranial or elsewhere)
* Known aortic stenosis
* Known glaucoma
* Hemodynamic instability requiring immediate electric cardioversion.
* Patients that experience an SVT in the hospital but are never admitted to the emergency department (e.g., patients in the cardiac care unit), as the MVM protocol will be only implemented in the prehospital setting and ED.

Where this trial is running

Genk and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Supraventricular Tachycardia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.