A kinder, gentler defibrillator (2024)

A new technique could lower the intensity of the shock needed to reset electrical instabilities in the heart.

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References

  1. Luther, S. et al. Nature 475, 235-239 (2011).

  2. Fenton, F. H. et al. Circulation 120, 467-476 (2009).

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Authors

  1. Alla Katsnelson

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Flavio Fenton

Stefan Luther

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Katsnelson, A. A kinder, gentler defibrillator. Nature (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/news.2011.414

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/news.2011.414

A kinder, gentler defibrillator (2024)

FAQs

Can you use a defib on a child under 1? ›

Most defibrillators can be used on children down to the age of 1 year old. However, the guideline from the UK Resuscitation Council is that if possible and under the 25Kg threshold, paediatric electrodes should be used to reduce the shock level.

What are the three types of defibrillators? ›

The five main types of defibrillators are:
  • Automated external defibrillators.
  • Advanced life support defibrillators.
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
  • Manual external defibrillators.
  • Wearable defibrillators.
Jul 25, 2022

Are there different defibrillators for children? ›

Many defibrillators allow the user to alter the level of shock depending on whether a child or adult is the casualty. Some AEDs regulate the level of shock through the use of different paediatric electrode pads and some allow the user to switch between 'child' and 'adult' modes.

At what age can you use a defibrillator? ›

Although it is possible to use an adult AED on an infant who is in cardiac arrest and over the age of 1 year old, it is inadvisable. The preferred option is always to make use of a manual defibrillator that is able to set considerably lower energy levels for children under the age of 8 years old.

Can an AED be used on a 2 year old? ›

An AED can be used on children and infants and should be used as early as possible for the best chance of improving the chance of survival.

Can you use an AED on a 6 month old? ›

• For infants up to 1 year old:

the AED doesn't have a pediatric setting—it's safe to use adult AED pads or adult levels of energy. one pad to the center of the infant's chest—on the sternum—and one pad to the infant's back between the scapulae.

What is the easiest defibrillator to use? ›

Philips HeartStart Home

It is a compact, lightweight device that can be easily stored in a home or office setting. The device includes clear, step-by-step instructions and voice prompts to guide users through the process of using the AED.

Which is better an AED or a defibrillator? ›

For someone at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to a specific heartbeat problem, a healthcare professional will likely recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) rather than an AED. An ICD is implanted in the chest. It's connected to the heart through a wire that can deliver a shock when needed.

Is there a pediatric AED? ›

Pediatric AED pads are specifically designed for children, typically aged 1 to 8 years old or those weighing less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms). The reason for specialized pediatric pads is that the electrical energy delivered by AEDs needs to be adjusted to the smaller size and weight of a child.

Where to place defib pads on a child? ›

When placing AED pads on a child or infant, the first pad goes on the front, just to the victim's left-center chest. The second pad goes on the child/infant's back, exactly between the shoulder blades, as shown above.

Where do you put a defibrillator in a child? ›

An ICD is a small device, slightly larger than a pacemaker, that is implanted under the skin, often in the shoulder area, just under the collarbone. In infants and small children ICDs are placed in the abdomen and the wires are connected to the outside surface of the heart, as described above for pacemakers.

What is the AED 3 minute rule? ›

The goal of every AED program is to deliver defibrillation to a cardiac arrest victim within three to five minutes after collapse.

What should you avoid with a defibrillator? ›

Be careful around gas-powered or electric tools and vehicle engines. Keep your ICD or WCD a safe distance away from power tools, as many of them create magnetic fields. Avoid leaning over car engines.

Is having a defibrillator a disability? ›

A pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator won't automatically qualify you for Social Security disability. And if you don't have active symptoms after having the pacemaker or defibrillator implanted, you aren't likely to meet a disability listing. But that doesn't necessarily mean you can't get disability benefits.

Is a manual defibrillator preferred for children under 1? ›

In infants <1 year of age a manual defibrillator is preferred. If a manual defibrillator is not available, an AED with a dose attenuator may be used.

Can you use an AED on an 8 year old? ›

You can use adult pads for children 8 years and older. You can use adult pads for a child less than 8 years, but you may have to apply them differently than shown on the pads: apply one on the front of the chest, the other on the back, so they do not touch.

Can you have a baby with a defibrillator? ›

Conclusions The mere presence of an ICD should not defer a women from becoming pregnant unless she has an underlying structural cardiac disease that is considered a contraindication. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of major ICD-related complications or result in a high number of ICD discharges.

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