Which technique is typically used for immediate treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias?

The technique commonly employed for immediate treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias is cardioversion. This procedure is essential in situations where a rapid correction of a dangerous arrhythmia is necessary, such as in cases of atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response, ventricular tachycardia, or other serious tachyarrhythmias.

Cardioversion can be performed either electrically, using a defibrillator, or chemically with medications, but in emergency settings, electrical cardioversion is the preferred approach due to its immediacy and effectiveness. The goal of this technique is to restore the normal rhythm as quickly as possible to prevent hemodynamic instability and potential complications resulting from the arrhythmia.

In contrast, while medication therapy is a critical part of managing arrhythmias, it typically takes longer to achieve effectiveness compared to the immediate response provided by cardioversion. Electrophysiology studies, though useful for diagnosing and mapping arrhythmias, are not immediate treatment interventions and are instead utilized for further evaluation and planning. Cardiac assessment may aid in understanding the patient's condition but does not directly treat arrhythmias on an immediate basis.