(AED) a type of external *defibrillator that can analyse the heart rhythm it detects and advise via voice prompts on therapy to be given according to the latest guidelines. In cases of ventricular fibrillation, some defibrillators will make decisions on delivering electric shocks and do so after issuing appropriate warnings to the attending health-care professionals.
Apparatus that delivers a controlled electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm in patients whose hearts have developed VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION or have stopped beating. The shock is delivered by electrodes placed on the chest wall or directly to the heart after the chest has been surgically opened. De?brillators are a standard item of equipment for paramedical sta? in ambulances, and aeroplanes of some airlines now routinely carry the apparatus. (See also HEART, DISEASES OF.)... defibrillator
n. the apparatus used for *defibrillation, which may be internal (see implantable cardiovertor defibrillator) or external. External defibrillators may be fully automated (see automated external defibrillator), semiautomated, or manual and usually deliver the electric current via two defibrillation paddles. They are now all manufactured to deliver a biphasic current waveform (until recently they were all monophasic). The efficacy of the first shock during *cardiac arrest is higher with biphasic systems, which also use less battery power per shock.... defibrillator
(EECP) an experimental treatment for patients with intractable angina. Specially designed inflatable trousers are inflated rhythmically in time with ventricular *diastole. Theoretically this imparts additional energy to the circulating blood volume when the heart is relaxed, and this may improve blood flow down severely narrowed coronary arteries. It is also claimed to have beneficial effects on blood flow to other organs. Despite promising clinical trials, this technique has not been widely adopted.... enhanced external counterpulsation
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