Understanding Different Types of Defibrillators

1. Blog 1: Cardiaclife.net UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF DEFIBRILLATORS Before you venture forth into the world of defibrillators, the first step should be attempting to understand what Ventricular Fibrillation or V-Fib means. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) stop beating normally, and all of a sudden develop a disorganized heart rhythm where the heart muscle starts trembling, which results in the improper pumping of blood. This abnormal heart activity needs to be corrected almost immediately or it can end up being fatal. The correction is carried out through the use of AED. There are two types of AED Defibrillators available out there – Monophasic and Biphasic. In the first type, the electric signals are sent from one electrode to another but in a single direction, thereby creating a monophasic rhythm. In the Biphasic variety, the direction of the electronic pulse varies, completing every cycle in every tem milliseconds. In both these cases, the electronic pulse acts as a wake up alarm to the heart, jolting it with a small dose of electricity so that it begins functioning normally and takes on its standard rhythm. This is how defibrillators work. As for the choice between monophasic and biphasic defibrillators, the answer lies with your cardiologist who will suggest using the right one, based on your heart’s condition and requirements. There is a lot of information available on the web about both these kinds of AEDs. You can definitely study up more on the one prescribed to you by your doctor by using the internet to the best of your advantage.