Asystole During Electroconvulsive Therapy: Does Electrode Placement Matter? A Systematic Review.

Asystole presenting at the start of electrical stimulus application during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a relatively common occurrence. It is most likely caused by vagal nerve stimulation, affecting autonomic cardiac tone. This article reviews the effect of the electrode placement (EP) on the incidence and severity of bradycardia and asystole.