Different Types of Defibrillators & Their Applications

There are a variety of medical defibrillation machines available, including AEDs, ICDs, advanced life support defibrillators, pacemakers, and wearable defibrillators. The latter is used for treating and monitoring dangerous heart conditions like cardiac arrest, life-threatening arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. 

So, when such an array of choices are available, how do you choose the one best suited for your needs?  

Let's take a look at the medical defibrillator devices available in the market today. All defibrillators use electrical shocks to treat a patient’s irregular heart rhythm, helping prevent the high risk of sudden death. 

They can also be classified into four groups:

• Advanced life support defibrillators
• Automated external defibrillators – AEDs
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators – ICDs
• Wearable defibrillators

​
Let's go into more detail.

Advanced Life Support Defibrillators
Medical professionals use advanced life support (ALS) defibrillators in hospitals and emergency medical transport to control the patient's heart rate and manually intervene if a shock is needed. In addition, most of these devices include an AED or Advisory function that analyses waveforms and recommends shocks based on the device's sophisticated algorithms.

Advanced life support systems may be used with pads or electrodes. But defibrillation electrodes are favoured since it is a safer and more secure manner for the user to receive the shock. Plus, it distributes the shock more uniformly and effectively. 

Self-adhesive defibrillator electrode pads are equally effective as gel pads, and they can be used to assess and administer a shock rapidly if necessary prior to sudden cardiac arrest. As a consequence, self-adhesive pads can be used on a regular basis over conventional paddles.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Regular people and those who have received basic CPR, first aid, AED, and life support training are equipped to operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). They can be found at schools, employment offices, retail malls, airports, sports stadiums, universities, dentist clinics, entertainment venues, and other public areas.

They guide rescuers through the electrode placement procedure and automatically assess the patient's heart rate or irregular cardiac rhythms in order to alert the user or administer a shock to the heart. Many devices also teach users how to start CPR, but few AEDs on the market teach users how to do chest compressions at the appropriate rate and depth.

As the importance of CPR administration is increasingly acknowledged as a critical component of effective treatment and rescue, this functionality is likely to extend to other manufacturers and defibrillation devices.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)
ICDs are devices that are surgically implanted into the chest of individuals who are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. A thin medical wire connects an ICD to the patient's chest or heart. This group includes patients who have a known medical condition that puts them at risk or who have previously experienced ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

An ICD, or implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, is a great method to keep track of a person's heart rate and rhythm. An ICD device must be placed by a doctor or other trained health & medical expert to ensure that a safe shock is administered.

When an ICD detects an uncontrolled heartbeat or cardiac rhythm, it sends a shock to the patient.
Research has proven that people with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation can avoid death or the need for surgery or another treatment with the use of an ICD. An ICD device may help avoid cardiac arrest in individuals who have never had ventricular arrhythmia or other associated disorders but are at risk of developing them.

Wearable Defibrillators
Wearable defibrillators can help patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death. Suppose a person is at risk of sudden cardiac arrest owing to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and is not a candidate for an ICD. In that case, they should use a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) for external analysis, assessment, and monitoring of defibrillation shocks.

A wearable defibrillator provides both tracking and defibrillation assistance. You can use a wearable defibrillator device as a bridge to provide the necessary therapy when a patient's condition precludes or delays the installation of an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or when an appropriate ICD must be removed. Following a myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, or a new diagnosis of heart failure, these defibrillator devices are used to prevent sudden cardiac death in high-risk intervals.

When Should You Use a Defibrillator?
If you have ventricular fibrillation (ICD), you'll require an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator. Cardiac arrest occurs when the lower chambers of the heart in a person's chest do not contract strongly enough to pump blood throughout the body. An implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is needed if you've ever experienced a cardiac arrest owing to ventricular fibrillation, arrhythmia, or another analogous condition.

You may need echocardiography if you do not have a history of such problems but are at greater risk of them owing to a heart attack or another kind of heart disease. This process evaluates your heart's pumping capacity in your chest or ejection fraction. You'll probably require an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if your ejection fraction is less than 35 or 30% depending on whether you've had a prior heart attack. If it's higher, ask your doctor why he or she thinks you need an ICD.

ICDs are recommended by a doctor if:

• You survived sudden cardiac arrest induced by ventricular fibrillation.
• A patient experiences fainting due to structural cardiac disease, ventricular fibrillation, arrhythmia, or ventricular tachycardia.
• Patients recover from a heart attack with an ejection fraction of 35% or lower.
• An ejection fraction of 35% or less is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy.
• There has been a history of ventricular tachycardia.
• Unexpected fainting, dilated cardiomyopathy, and decreased left ventricular fibrillation in an individual.
• There are symptoms of one or more high-risk conditions associated with sudden cardiac arrest.
• You suffer from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• You are experiencing some heart or cardiac rhythm problems that need shocks.

• You are suffering from Giant cell myocarditis, Chagas disease, or cardiac sarcoidosis.

When Is a Defibrillator Not Necessary?
An ICD health device isn't always the best answer for your thumping heart issue; in certain cases, a wearable defibrillator may be a superior option.

A person should not wear a defibrillator when:

• They have a one-year life expectancy or less.
• They have ventricular arrhythmia, tachycardia, or fibrillation on a regular basis.
• There is a history of mental disease, as the device may interfere with pre-existing medical treatment, resulting in more serious problems.
• The reasons for fainting are unknown or undeterminable.
• One may have a ventricular arrhythmia, which a doctor can treat with catheter ablation or another related surgery or treatment.
• The chest or heart problem is a result of a reversible diagnosis, such as the use of a medicine.

I hope this article gives you a good idea about the different kinds of defibrillators available today and their various uses. If you want to learn more about how to use them and make a huge difference to your community or loved ones, then sign up for our courses today. 

You can also reach out to us if you have any queries. 

FAQs1. What is the purpose of a defibrillator?
A defibrillator is used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart in order to restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias.

2. How does a defibrillator work?
A defibrillator works by delivering a controlled electric shock to the heart, which interrupts irregular electrical activity and allows the heart's natural pacemaker to resume its normal rhythm.

3. What are the different types of defibrillators?
There are several types of defibrillators, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), advanced life support defibrillators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and wearable defibrillators.

4. Who can operate a defibrillator?
In many places, including public locations, AEDs are designed to be used by anyone with minimal training. However, for more advanced defibrillators and medical settings, trained healthcare professionals typically operate the devices.

5. When should a defibrillator be used?
A defibrillator should be used when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

6. How do I know if someone needs a defibrillator?
Signs that someone may need a defibrillator include sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no breathing.

7. Are defibrillators safe to use?
Yes, defibrillators are designed to be safe when used correctly. They often include automated features and voice prompts to guide users through the process.

8. What are the risks associated with using a defibrillator?
Risks associated with using a defibrillator are minimal when used correctly. However, improper use or use on someone who does not need it can potentially cause harm.

9. Can a defibrillator save someone's life?
Yes, defibrillators are a critical tool in saving lives during sudden cardiac arrest by restoring a normal heart rhythm.

10. What are the differences between wearable and implantable defibrillators?
Wearable defibrillators are worn externally and provide temporary protection against sudden cardiac arrest, while implantable defibrillators are surgically implanted and continuously monitor and deliver therapy to the heart.

11. How long do defibrillators last?
The lifespan of a defibrillator varies depending on the type and model, but they typically last several years before requiring replacement or maintenance.

12. Are defibrillators covered by insurance?
In many cases, defibrillators may be covered by health insurance, but coverage can vary depending on the type of device and individual insurance policies. It's important to check with your insurance provider for specific details.