A commercially available AED demonstrated 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for recognizing ventricular fibrillation in a swine model of commotio cordis, successfully terminating all episodes.
RCT (n=26)
1, 2, 4, or 6 minutes of ventricular fibrillation
Does an automated external defibrillator accurately detect and terminate ventricular fibrillation in a juvenile swine model of commotio cordis?
In a juvenile swine model of commotio cordis, a commercially available AED accurately detected and successfully terminated ventricular fibrillation, supporting its potential life-saving use in children on athletic fields.
INTRODUCTION: Cardiac arrest due to chest wall blows (commotio cordis) has been reported with increasing frequency in children, and only about 15% of victims survive. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been shown to be life saving in adults with cardiac arrest, but data on their use in children are limited. In a swine model of commotio cordis designed to be most relevant to young children, we assessed the efficacy of a commercially available AED for recognition and termination of ventricular fibrillation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ventricular fibrillation was produced in anesthetized juvenile swine by precordial impact from a baseball under controlled conditions. Animals were randomized to defibrillation after 1, 2, 4, or 6 minutes of ventricular fibrillation. Twenty-six swine underwent 50 ventricular fibrillation inductions. Sensitivity of the AED for recognition of ventricular fibrillation was 98%, and specificity for nonshockable episodes was 100%. All episodes of ventricular fibrillation were successfully terminated by the AED. CONCLUSION: In this experimental model of commotio cordis, the AED proved to be highly sensitive and specific for recognition of ventricular fibrillation and effective in terminating the arrhythmia and restoring sinus rhythm. These findings suggest that early defibrillation with the AED could save young lives on the athletic field.
Link et al. (Wed,) conducted a rct in Cardiac arrest due to commotio cordis (n=26). Automated external defibrillator (AED) vs. Different time intervals (1, 2, 4, or 6 minutes) was evaluated on Sensitivity for recognition of ventricular fibrillation. A commercially available AED demonstrated 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for recognizing ventricular fibrillation in a swine model of commotio cordis, successfully terminating all episodes.