A heart defibrillator is a device used to restore the normal rhythm of the heart. This is done by delivering electric shocks to the patient, usually in the form of electrodes or paddles placed on the chest. A defibrillator will be used when the heart’s rhythm is thrown and results in a loss of blood to the heart, which can lead to death if not treated soon. The defibrillator works by stopping the electrical current in the heart, allowing the healthy electrical impulses in the heart to take control.
Internal Defibrillator
There are two main types of defibrillators – internal and external. An internal defibrillator is permanently implanted into the patient. It is used primarily for high-risk patients who have experienced previous heart attacks or who are at risk for recurring heart problems. It works to constantly monitor the patient’s pulse rate, rhythm, and waveform. By keeping constant tabs on the heart, it is able to sense fibrillation (the distorted rhythm of the heart) and provide defibrillation when necessary.
However, recent studies have shown that implanted defibrillators can increase the patient’s risk of heart failure as well as the chances the patient will die from the attack.
External Defibrillators
External defibrillators are the ones you will see in hospitals and ambulances. They are portable and contain a power source and two electrodes, which are placed on the patient’s skin. These electrodes are usually paddles with insulated handles and are held in place on the patient’s chest while the shocks are delivered. Because they have the potential to burn skin, a special gel must first be applied to the skin before defibrillation occurs.
One type of defibrillator is called the Automated External Defibrillator, or AED. This type of defibrillator is easy to transport and contains a battery, a control panel, and the two electrodes. It contains an advanced system that can read the type of arrhythmia present in the patient once the electrodes are affixed. After that, it will then determine and automatically set the appropriate power levels. In some cases, a patient’s heart disease is not arrhythmic and defibrillation is not required. The AED can sense this, and if this is the case, will not allow a shock to be administered. This type of defibrillator is usually used in ambulances or patient’s homes by EMTs. In addition, many areas that carry large numbers of people, such as arenas and airports, will usually have several AEDs on-hand.
Sometimes, in place of paddles with insulated handles, adhesive pads are used to supply the shock. These are often placed on the patient while still connected to the power source in anticipation of use. If it turns out the patient needs to be defibrillated, the machine will charge and a shock will be delivered. Although not as fast as the paddles, the adhesive pads are considered superior, as they can provide accurate EKG tracing without the interference that paddles cause. They are also safer for the technician administering the shock. When paddles are used, the technician runs the risk of coming into contact with the electricity emitted from the paddles.
When placing electrodes or paddles on the patient, the technician has two options – he can place one electrode on the chest, in front of the heart, and the other is placed on the back. While this is the preferred method, it is not always convenient. The other method includes placing the electrodes or paddles on the left and right sides of the patient, below the clavicles.
A heart defibrillator is an effective tool used to restore normal heart rhythm in patients who have undergone cardiac arrest.