Defibrillators are devices that are used to regulate the heart rhythm. They are designed to deliver a very brief electric current across the heart muscle. This is accomplished with the either the well-known paddles (metal plates attached to plastic handles) and a conductive gel on the skin or with solid-gel adhesive pads.
Types
There are fully automatic defibrillators, semi-automatic defibrillators (those that can overridden by hand) and full manual defibrillators. There are specialized internal defibrillators that surgeons can employ to apply current directly to the heart muscle. There are also can implanted in some patients.
Settings
Defibrillators are usually found in medical setting such as hospitals and doctor's offices. They are also common on emergency service vehicles, such as ambulances. Fully automatic defibrillators are sometimes found in office buildings and other high traffic areas, such as subway stations.
Causes for Emergency Use
Defibrillators are used in cases of heart attack and life-threatening arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms).
Non-Emergency Uses
Defibrillators can be used in non-emergency situations to serve a pacemaker-like function though a process called cardioversion to control arrhythmias that are not life-threatening. Implanted defibrillators can be used in this way.
Risks
There is some possibility of burns and, in a small number of cases, damage to the heart when a defibrillator is used. Generally, though, defibrillators are considered to be a very safe medical device.
Tags: , , heart muscle