Intracardiac injection

Intracardiac injections are injections that are given directly into the heart muscles or ventricles. They can be used in emergencies, although they are rarely used in modern practice.^[1]

History

The practice of intracardiac injection originated in the 1800s. It was commonly performed during the 1960s, as it was considered the fastest way to get medication to the heart. The practice began declining during the 1970s as more reliable delivery methods (i.e., intravenous, endotracheal, and intraosseous) came into use. Around that time, studies revealed that intravenous injections were equally effective and were less prone to risks and complications.^[2]

Procedure

Intracardiac injections of drugs were generally used only to provide emergency drugs to a patient if other approaches would be ineffective; for example if drugs could not be administered

Use of intracardiac injections requires the cessation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and may be more time-consuming than other delivery methods.^[2]

Society and culture

In the movie