What is a Defibrillator?
Introduction
A defibrillator is a medical equipment used for shocking a patient’s heart to restore it to its normal rhythmic patterns. It kicks the heart into action again, resuming blood circulation throughout the body.
Uses of a defibrillator
Defibrillator is used for helping a patient from:
1.Heart Attack
2.SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest)
Working of a defibrillator
Defibrillators work by sending a voltage through two paddles that are placed on an affected patient’s chest area. Advanced versions can even check for heart rhythms to determine if a second shock needs to be sent.
Types of defibrillators
The commonly used defibrillators are:
Manual External Defibrillator
Manual external defibrillator is used in conjunction with electrocardiogram readers. Here the physician or health care provider has to determine the charge to use based on proven guidelines and experience. These units are generally only found in hospitals and on some ambulances as they require detailed medical knowledge for operation.
Manual Internal Defibrillator
Manual internal defibrillator is similar to the external version except that the charge is delivered through internal paddles in direct contact with the heart. These units are generally found in almost all operating theaters where the chest is likely to be open or can be opened quickly by a surgeon.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Automated external defibrillator is designed for use by a layperson correctly with little training. It is a computerized device that can analyze the heart rhythm itself and then advise the user whether a shock is required. These units are generally found in railway stations and other similar public places with multilingual information on operating the same.
Semi-Automated External Defibrillators
Semi-automated external defibrillators with ECG monitor is capable of measuring blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation in addition to the primary functions and fall somewhere between a fully manual and a fully automated unit. These units are generally found in ambulances for exclusive use by health care professionals like paramedics and emergency medical technicians and require a skilled operator.
AICD (Automatic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)
Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is an implantable device similar to a pacemaker. It is programmed to constantly monitor the patient's heart rhythm and automatically administer shocks for various life threatening arrhythmias apart from pacemaker’s functions.
Wearable Cardiac Defibrillator
Wearable cardiac defibrillator is a portable external defibrillator that is worn like a vest. It functions like the AICD and is usually used by patients awaiting AICD.
FDA initiative
In recent years the FDA has received a number of complaints from patients about defibrillator malfunction or defibrillator shutdown. This was considered seriously by the FDA and the FDA has launched an initiative to collaborate with the defibrillator manufacturers to develop innovative external defibrillators.
