Defibrillation is a medical procedure used to restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. It is commonly used in life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, where the heart is experiencing ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
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Defibrillation aims to depolarize the heart's electrical activity to allow for the reestablishment of an effective rhythm.
The procedure can be performed using automated external defibrillators (AEDs), manual defibrillators, or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
Time is critical; the success rate of defibrillation decreases significantly for every minute that passes without intervention.
Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are two primary conditions that require immediate defibrillation.
Healthcare providers follow specific protocols like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines when performing defibrillation.
Review Questions
What are the primary conditions that necessitate the use of defibrillation?
Why is time a critical factor in the effectiveness of defibrillation?
What types of devices can be used to perform defibrillation?
Related terms
ventricular fibrillation: A life-threatening heart rhythm that results in rapid, erratic electrical impulses.
automated external defibrillator (AED): A portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm.