Cardiac fibrillation risk of TASER X-26 dart mode application

Abstract

In view of reported fatalities there are still controversial discussions on whether electronic stun law enforcement weapons can cause cardiac fibrillation. Experimental data are contradictory. Simplified theoretical estimations led to a negligible low risk of 8.10(-7). With a detailed numerical-anatomical model of an adult man (NORMAN) cardiac exposure to Taser X26 high-tension pulses was quantitatively assessed and the fibrillation risk estimated by accounting for its dependence on excited volume based on 3D cardiac exposure patterns. For distance mode and worst case dart hits it could be demonstrated that cardiac exposure can reach the 30% fibrillation risk level. Risk reduces considerably if direct current flow across the heart is prevented. The overall fibrillation risk of Taser application is further reduced by the limited probability of critical hits. However, in agreement with experimental findings it is demonstrated that cardiac fibrillation risk of Taser X26 dart mode application is small, however, not negligible.

Risk of Pacemaker Patients by TASER X26 Contact Mode Application

“…After an oscillating onset phase the main pulse lasts for about 100 µs. Pulse parameters including time course and repetition frequency vary with load impedance [11][12][13]. Depending on electrode location the pulse peak amplitude extended to 12 kV (the open circuit voltage exceeded 70 kV).…”

“…Other sideeffects such as adverse tissue heating or cardiac fibrillation were not investigated. The risk of Taser X26-related cardiac fibrillation has already been analysed in [11], the exposure to Taser X26-induced myocardial current densities has been quantitatively analysed in [12].…”

“…The load-dependence of delivered Taser pulses was accounted for by numerical calculation of position-dependent body impedances and selecting delivered Taser X26 pulses from the results of own measurements accordingly. For this purpose the delivered Taser X26 pulses had been measured [11,12]. Calculated body impedances have been verified by directly measuring body impedances at volunteers with constant contact pressure.…”

Cardiac Changes Due to Electronic Control Devices? A Computer‐Based Analysis of Electrical Effects at the Human Heart Caused by an ECD Pulse Applied to the Body's Exterior

“…The main concern about ECDs is their ability to cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. The impact of the current depends on its characteristics such as frequency, amplitude, mode as well as on considerable interindividual variance . We suggest using a delivered charge or charge density as a comparable measure for the different types of currents.…”

Exposures to Conducted Electrical Weapons (IncludingTASER®Devices): How Many and for How Long are Acceptable?

“…Using an integration technique and anatomical model of a standardized man for numerical simulation, Leitgeb et al. characterized the risk of VF as small, but not negligible. Those same authors suggested that X26 CEW application to the upper part of the body could theoretically result in cardiac capture and alteration of heart rate in subjects with implanted cardiac pacemakers or cardioverter–defibrillators.…”