Demystifying biphasic defibrillation

Abstract

This technology is making defibrillators less likely to injure patients. Here's what you need to know.

Defibrillation

“…This reduces the potentially adverse effect of patient impedance on successful defibrillation. 11 Another recent development in defibrillators is the degree to which the device can make decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of the arrhythmia. Auto mated external defibrillators (AEDs), are designed to assist individuals with minimal training perform CPR, defibrillation, and cardioversion in people.…”

“…The rectilinear waveform maintains a stable shape in response to impedance, and the constant current in the first phase reduces potentially harmful peak currents. 11 The truncated exponential biphasic (TEB) waveform was developed for internal use in implantable cardioverterdefibrillators (ICDs), where impedance is generally low relative to external methods. If a TEB waveform is utilized in an external defibrillationcardioversion attempt, then thoracic impedance may alter the waveform's shape.…”

Effectiveness of local cold application on skin burns and pain after transthoracic cardioversion

“…Atrial arrhythmias are common after cardiac surgery 8. The incidence of atrial arrhythmias has been reported to be 10–65% after cardiac surgery 10.…”