Injection, Adenosine, 1 mg (J0153)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Adenosine Injection
• Technical/Medical Term: Injection, adenosine, 1 mg (not to be used to report any adenosine phosphate compounds) (J0153)

Summary

Adenosine injection is a medical procedure where a specific dose of adenosine is administered intravenously to help treat certain types of irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. This injection helps restore a normal heart rhythm.

Purpose

The primary purpose of adenosine injection is to manage and rectify arrhythmias. It's especially effective in treating a condition called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The goal is to normalize the heart's rhythm quickly and safely.

Indications

• The presence of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).
• Episodes of rapid heart rate originating above the heart's ventricles.
• Patients who have not responded to or cannot take other medications for arrhythmia.

Preparation

• The patient may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some might need to be paused.
• Baseline diagnostic tests like an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, often lying down.
2. An intravenous (IV) line is placed, usually in the arm.
3. Adenosine is administered via the IV, typically over a few seconds.
4. The healthcare team monitors the heart rhythm using an ECG.
5. Immediate effects are noted, and additional doses may be given if needed.

Tools/Equipment: IV catheter, ECG monitor, adenosine in pre-measured doses.

Anesthesia or Sedation: Not typically required, but local anesthesia might be used for IV placement.

Duration

The procedure takes only a few minutes, though monitoring might extend for an additional 15 to 30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is commonly performed in settings like:

• Hospital emergency rooms
• Outpatient clinics
• Cardiology units

Personnel

• A cardiologist or emergency room physician
• Registered nurse (RN)
• ECG technician or other support staff

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Flushing or warmth sensation
• Shortness of breath

Rare Risks:

• Severe bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Chest pain
• Temporary asystole (absence of heartbeat)

Benefits

• Rapid correction of arrhythmia.
• Immediate relief from symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
• Helps avoid long-term complications related to untreated arrhythmias.

Recovery

• Patients are monitored for a short time post-procedure to ensure heart rhythm remains stable.
• Normal activities can usually be resumed almost immediately, unless otherwise instructed.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor heart health.

Alternatives

• Other medications like beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers.
• Electrical cardioversion, a procedure that uses electrical current to reset the heart rhythm.
• Catheter ablation for recurrent arrhythmias.

Pros and Cons: Adenosine works quickly and is minimally invasive compared to procedures like catheter ablation but is often used only for specific types of arrhythmias.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• The patient might feel a sudden but brief feeling of discomfort, chest tightness, or light-headedness.
• There may be a sensation of flushing or warmth.

After the Procedure:

• These sensations usually resolve within a few seconds to minutes.
• Pain management typically isn't necessary, but comfort measures like adjusting positions might help.