Key result
Reversing electrode polarity changes defibrillation efficacy for monophasic but not clinically common biphasic shocks.
Why the study?
The effect of shock polarity on defibrillation thresholds depending on waveform duration for monophasic and biphasic waveforms was not well characterized.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Reversing polarity need not alter practice for common biphasic defibrillation; leaves open targeted research on monophasic and inefficient waveforms.
Huang et al. (1997) studied Defibrillation (n=32). Reversing shock polarity (RV anode vs cathode) vs. Opposite polarity was evaluated on Defibrillation thresholds (DFTs). Reversing electrode polarity changed defibrillation efficacy for monophasic shocks and inefficient biphasic waveforms with a long second phase, but not for clinically common biphasic shocks.
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