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Defibrillation is often an important step in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). [6] [7] CPR is an algorithm-based intervention aimed to restore cardiac and pulmonary function. [6] Defibrillation is indicated only in certain types of cardiac dysrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a form of cardiac arrest in which the electrocardiogram shows a heart rhythm that should produce a pulse, but does not.Pulseless electrical activity is found initially in about 20% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests [1] and about 50% of in-hospital cardiac arrests.
Some clinicians may attempt to defibrillate fine V-fib in the hope that it can be reverted to a cardiac rhythm compatible with life, whereas others will deliver CPR and sometimes drugs as described in the advanced cardiac life support protocols in an attempt to increase its amplitude and the odds of successful defibrillation. [citation needed]
CPR can prolong the survival of the brain in the lack of a normal pulse, but defibrillation is the only intervention that can restore a healthy heart rhythm. Defibrillation is performed by applying an electric shock to the heart, which resets the cells, permitting a normal beat to re-establish itself.
An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered device that monitors electrical activity in the heart, and when an arrhythmia is detected, can deliver an electrical shock to terminate the abnormal rhythm. ICDs are used to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in those who have survived a prior episode of sudden cardiac arrest ...
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (a device that shocks your heart into a normal rhythm when needed) Electric cardioversion (a shock to your heart to restore its rhythm)
Biphasic defibrillation may be better than monophasic. [5] While waiting for a defibrillator, a precordial thump may be attempted (by those who have experience) in those on a heart monitor who are seen going into an unstable ventricular tachycardia. [5] In those with cardiac arrest due to ventricular tachycardia, survival is about 75%. [2]
Attaching the defibrillator and establishing vascular access should NOT interrupt chest compressions. Automated external defibrillator (AED) Once the monitor/defibrillator is connected, the provider should assess the heart rhythm. Of the 4 cardiac arrest rhythms, VF and pVT are shockable rhythms and asystole and PEA are unshockable rhythms ...