TY - JOUR T1 - Valsalva using a syringe: pressure and variation JF - Emergency Medicine Journal JO - Emerg Med J SP - 748 LP - 749 DO - 10.1136/emermed-2016-205869 VL - 33 IS - 10 AU - Hilary Sarah Thornton AU - Mohammed H Elwan AU - Joseph A Reynolds AU - Timothy J Coats Y1 - 2016/10/01 UR - http://emj.bmj.com/content/33/10/748.abstract N2 - Background The Valsalva manoeuvre is commonly used in EDs to terminate supraventricular tachycardia by the patient blowing into a syringe.Aim To identify whether a specific syringe size can be recommended for use in the ED.Results 20% of syringes ‘stuck’ and required high pressures to move. In the remaining 80% of syringes, a 20 mL syringe was the most appropriate size to achieve the recommended 40 mm Hg. Once ‘released’ plunger position did not make a difference.Conclusions Use of a syringe of any size cannot be recommended if a consistent pressure is required. ER -