Name of the Procedure:

Injection, Ibutilide Fumarate, 1 mg
Common name(s): Ibutilide injection
Technical/medical term: Ibutilide fumarate injection (HCPCS Code: J1742)

Summary

Ibutilide fumarate injection is a medical procedure where a medication is administered intravenously to help correct abnormal heart rhythms, specifically atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Purpose

Ibutilide helps restore normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter:

• Medical conditions: Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter
• Goals: To convert irregular heart rhythms to a normal rhythm (sinus rhythm), reduce symptoms, and prevent complications associated with atrial fibrillation/flutter.

Indications

• Symptoms: Palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue
• Conditions: Diagnosed atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter that does not resolve on its own or with other medications
• Patient Criteria: Generally suitable for adults experiencing recent onset of atrial fibrillation/flutter

Preparation

• Pre-procedure instructions: Patients may be advised to avoid certain foods, beverages, and medications that could affect heart rhythm.
• Diagnostic tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm abnormal heart rhythm, blood tests to check electrolytes and kidney function.

Procedure Description

1. IV Setup: A healthcare professional will insert an IV line into a vein, usually in the arm.
2. Medication Administration: Ibutilide fumarate will be administered through the IV over a span of 10 minutes.
3. Monitoring: Heart rhythm will be monitored continuously during and after the injection using ECG.
   • Tools/Equipment: IV catheter, infusion pump, ECG machine
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required

Duration

The actual injection takes about 10 minutes, but the entire procedure and monitoring may take 1-2 hours.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic setting equipped with cardiac monitoring facilities.

Personnel

• Healthcare professionals involved: Cardiologist or Physician, Nurse, Cardiac Monitoring Technician

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Transient low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, nausea
• Rare Risks: Serious arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes, allergic reactions, QT interval prolongation
• Management: Continuous ECG monitoring and emergency medications or electrical cardioversion if complications arise.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Restoration of normal heart rhythm, improved heart function, relief from symptoms of arrhythmia
• Timing: Benefits are often realized immediately following the procedure.

Recovery

• Post-procedure instructions: Patients may need to stay for a short observation period. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Recovery Time: Typically a few hours of monitoring before discharge.
• Restrictions/Follow-up: Follow-up with a cardiologist. Continue medications as prescribed.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Electrical cardioversion, other antiarrhythmic medications, rate control medications, catheter ablation.
• Pros and Cons: Electrical cardioversion may be quicker but more invasive; alternative medications may have different efficacy and side effect profiles.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: Minimal discomfort during IV insertion, occasional feelings of dizziness, or nausea.
• After the procedure: Generally quick recovery with potential short-term fatigue or dizziness. Pain management is typically not required, but any discomfort is usually mild and transient.