Defibrillator

A defibrillator is an electronic device that is used to administer an electric shock to the heart as a treatment for life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. The defibrillator sends an electric shock of preset voltage to the heart through the chest wall attempting to restore the norinal rhythm of the heat-t during ventricular fibrillation. These are three main types of devices used for defibrillation of the heart.

Defibrillator

Design

The most well-known type of electrode is the traditional metal paddle with an insulated handle. This type must be held in place on the patient's skin while a shock or a series of slioclts is delivered. Before the paddle is used, a gel must be applied to the patient's skin, in order to ensure a good connection and to minimize electiical impedance.

Anotlier type of resuscitation electrode is designed as an adhesive pad. When a patient has been admitted due to h e a t problems, and the physici'an or nurse has determined that lie or she is at risk of arrhythmia, they may apply adhesive electrodes to the patient in anticipation of any problems that may arise. These electrodes are left connected to a defibrillator. If defibrillation is required, the machine is charged, and the shock is delivered, without any need to apply any gel 'or to retrieve and place any paddles.Both solid-gel and wet-gel adhesive electrodes are available. Solid-gel electrodes are more convenient, because there is no need to clean the patient's skin after removing the electrodes. However, the use of solid-gel electrodes presents a higher risk of bunis during deiibrillation, since wet-gel electrodes more evenly conduct electricity into the body.Adhesive electrodes are designed to be used not only for defibrillation, but also for non-invasive pacing and electrical cardioversion.

Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs, Pacemakers, DefibrillatorsColntnon

External Defibrillators

External defibrillators are typically used in hospitals or ambulances, but are increasingly common outside the medical realm, as automated external defibrillators become safer and cheaper. There are a variety of technologies and form factors in use for external defibrillators, and recent progress in cardiac research has led to substantial improvenlents in the underlying technology.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Small electronic devices that are placed in locations where people can quickly respond to sudden cardiac arrest. These locations range from private office buildings to public gathering areas such as ail-ports and hospitals.implantable 

Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICDs)
 

Implanted devices similar to pacemakers that briefly passes an electric cui-rent through the heart. It includes a pulse generator and one or more leads that constantly monitors the heartbeat. It is a small computer that operates on a battery that takes signals from your heart to the ICD and then takes an electric cument from the pulse generator to your heart.

Electrodes

The electrode is a key part of any defibrillation system. The proper selection and placement of electrodes can determine tlle effectiveness of the procedure.