UNLABELLED In-vitro studies indicate that the electric-field intensity, or voltage gradient (VG), generated by a defibrillation shock is a determinant of defibrillation success as well as potential shock-induced cardiac injury. It is not clear how common descriptors of shock dose, e.g., joules (J), relate to VGs. OBJECTIVES To assess the relationships between shock energy descriptors and VG. ...

BACKGROUND Pacemakers have been available for 50 years, and implantable cardiac defibrillators for 25. Clear indications for each have been established on the basis of data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS This review article is the product of a collaborative effort by a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon. The authors arrived at a consensus through a selective review of the lit...

OBJECTIVE To determine the cost effectiveness and cost utility of locating defibrillators in all major airports, railway stations, and bus stations throughout Scotland. DESIGN Economic modelling exercise with data from Heartstart (Scotland). Parameters used in economic model included direct costs derived for increased accident and emergency attendances, increased hospital bed days, purchase a...

Correspondence: walt. [email protected] Medtronic, Inc. MVN41, 8200 Coral Sea Street NE, Mounds View, MN 55112, USA This book [1] focuses on fibrillation and defibrillation with extensive historical material, qualitative descriptions of fibrillation mechanisms, defibrillation phenomena, defibrillator devices, detection algorithms, electrodes, pastes, safety, efficacy and theoretical models. T...

OBJECTIVE To describe the policy and practice relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation in cardiac arrest in Australian hospitals. DESIGN Cross-sectional postal survey conducted in December 2001, using a semi-structured, four-page questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS Australian hospitals with more than 10 beds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Type of defibrillator; provision of CPR/...

Background. In the region of Koroška, there are more and more public spaces equipped with automated external defibrillators which can be used by a witnessed bystander. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the skills required for using automated external defibrillators. Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in two family medicine practices. We included volunteers who vis...