CATAPULT LAUNCH-ASSOCIATED CARDIOVERSION OF ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION

A patient is presented with new-onset atrial fibrillation. While being air-evacuated, he cardioverted during the acceleration associated wit h aircraft carrier catapult launch. This case suggests a possible myoc ardial response to the kinetic energy produced by the acceleration for ce, similar to the electrical energy commonly used for cardioversion. Cardioversion using acceleration forces is probably not a clinically u seful modality; however, this case demonstrates the importance of acce leration forces on patients during medical evacuation from aircraft ca rriers.