Types of Defibrillators - Overview and Uses

Defibrillators are important tools for physicians and surgeons, often crucial in helping restart a patient's heart. There are five main types of defibrillators, each with its own unique features and success rates. Defibrillators (AEDs), certain types of pacemakers, and other tools generally fall under the technical category of "defibrillator". 1. Types of Defibrillators
CPR works by keeping blood circulating throughout the body when the heart is not working. The function of defibrillation is to restore the pulse/reignite the heart's innate ability to pump blood. However, each defibrillator is designed specifically for specific situations, so knowing when to use which type of defibrillator is crucial to saving lives. There are five main types of defibrillators: automated external defibrillator, advanced life support defibrillator, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, artificial external defibrillator, and wearable defibrillator. Each unique defibrillator works under different conditions. Each device together is like an emergency tool kit that has saved countless lives. 2. Details of the defibrillator

First, let’s talk about the automatic external defibrillator. It uses electrical pulses to treat cardiac arrest within the first few minutes of an arrhythmia. Once it is fixed, the electrode pads begin to detect irregularities. The AED can distinguish between ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. If the machine notices either irregular rhythm, it will deliver an electric shock to restore the patient’s pulse. People who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital benefit most from an AED. A defibrillator makes it easier for bystanders to help restart the patient’s heart as quickly as possible. Defibrillators can be used for both adults and children. Sometimes, such as when a patient has a pacemaker or medical alert bracelet, it is not advisable to use a defibrillator. Because the AED can automatically detect arrhythmias and irregular heartbeats, it is a critical tool that bystanders can use. Many schools, homes, and public places have automatic defibrillators ready for emergency use. Compared with CPR alone, AEDs have greatly increased the survival rate of victims, and in many studies, bystanders can save victims before emergency personnel arrive. Recent studies show that survival rates from cardiac arrest double when bystanders intervene with an AED rather than waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Advanced Life Support ALS Defibrillator, Advanced Life Support Defibrillators are heavy-duty resuscitation machines used by medical professionals and paramedics. Older ALS defibrillator models use paddles that technicians press against the patient's chest to deliver a shock. Typically, ambulances are equipped with ALS devices to monitor and revive a patient's heart on the way to the hospital after a critically ill patient has received CPR and an AED shock. Using an ALS defibrillator on a patient is called "late resuscitation," a key link in the American Heart Association's "Chain of Survival for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest." While monitoring a patient's pulse and delivering a shock as needed, an Advanced Life Support Defibrillator also monitors a patient's blood pressure, carbon monoxide levels, and other critical medical information. ALS defibrillators stabilize patients by delivering regular shocks to ensure their heart is pumping blood. This greatly increases their chances of survival before they reach the hospital. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are medical devices that surgeons implant into a patient's body. Doctors install an ICD under a patient's collarbone. Thin wires are connected to the heart, and if an irregular heartbeat is detected, this battery-powered device delivers an electric shock to the heart. Newer models also function as pacemakers. Typically, ICD patients have a history of recurrent heart abnormalities or heart failure. Doctors only consider implanting these devices in certain potentially life-threatening situations, such as: surviving a cardiac arrest or heart attack; a genetic predisposition to irregular heart rhythms; a congenital heart defect that prevents the heart from beating adequately. The main benefit of an ICD is that it provides continuous protection against irregular heartbeats, even outside of the hospital. Studies have shown that ICDs are associated with increased survival and reduced mortality in patients with inherited arrhythmias. This ties in with the conditions listed above and further clarifies when these devices are used on patients.

A wearable defibrillator (also called a WCD) is a defibrillator that patients wear as a vest under their clothing. Sensors within the WCD detect ventricular arrhythmias. If so, the WCD delivers a shock to the wearer and restores the heartbeat. WCDs are fully automatic and do not require the involvement of bystanders or medical professionals to deliver life-saving shocks. Essentially, WCDs are external and removable versions of ICDs. Like ICDs, WCDs are a way to treat patients who are at risk of dying from arrhythmias. However, WCDs are often prescribed to patients who only need this support for a shorter period of time. For example, a patient awaiting a heart transplant may need the support of a WCD until surgery can take place. Or a patient awaiting a replacement ICD may need a WCD in the meantime. The main benefit of WCDs is that patients can enjoy physical activities that might otherwise be dangerous after having a pacemaker implanted. Additionally, conscious patients can prevent unwanted shocks by interacting with the controls on the vest. With this technology, people with life-threatening conditions can continue their daily lives without constant protection from cardiac arrest. In patients without ICDs, the survival rate with wearable defibrillators exceeds 90%.

Manual external defibrillators, he is primarily used by technicians with extensive medical training. Unlike defibrillators and other devices, manual external defibrillators require the user to select a specific shock frequency and deliver the shock at a time that they specify. They do not automatically detect the patient's heartbeat and select the voltage for the user. In other words, it is a completely manual system, rather than relying on automatic functions. Patients who experience cardiac arrest in a hospital or in an ambulance can be treated with a manual external defibrillator. For example, if someone experiences cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, receives CPR and an AED shock, and is found by emergency personnel, they may receive a shock from a manual external defibrillator in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Manual external defibrillators are also a great option for infants who experience cardiac arrest, as the dose of the shock can be very customized. Manual external defibrillators allow medical professionals to customize the shock they deliver to their patients. An electrocardiogram (ECG) connected to an AED gives a more accurate and timely picture of heart activity than a defibrillator. Providers can then use their expertise to deliver a customized shock based on the ECG, which means that the shock is more tailored to the patient's needs than an AED. Additionally, because the device is operated by a trained technician, there is much less chance of machine errors, sensor inaccuracies, or technology-related delays. Survival rates for patients treated with a manual defibrillator are comparable to those treated with an AED. However, manual defibrillators are often unavailable until emergency responders arrive, meaning they are often a late-stage tool for treating cardiac arrest.

Each pacemaker-defibrillator works differently, but they all share a common goal of regulating a patient's heartbeat. Whether it's an ambulance, a skilled physician, or the average person, there's a defibrillator tool that can help save someone's life. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are especially convenient and cost-effective for nonprofessionals. Having one installed at home can save the life of a cardiac emergency patient while the EMS is on the way.