A single low-energy shock from a miniature defibrillator successfully removed ventricular fibrillation in 73 of 82 episodes (89%), challenging the need for high-energy shocks.
Observational (n=82)
Most deaths from ischaemic heart disease are sudden, occur outside hospital, and result from ventricular fibrillation. But defibrillators have only limited availability because of their size and weight. A miniature defibrillator has been developed. A singe low-energy shock succeeded in removing ventricular fibrillation in 73 out of 82 episodes, and a further shock was successful in seven more episodes. Primary ventricular fibrillation probably always responds to low-energy electrical shocks, which challenges the conventional view that correction of ventricular fibrillation requires high-energy direct-current shock. Thus even smaller and lighter defibrillators are possible. Furthermore low-energy shocks cause less myocardial damage.
Pantridge et al. (Sat,) conducted a observational in Ventricular fibrillation (n=82). Miniature defibrillator (low-energy shock) was evaluated on Removal of ventricular fibrillation. A single low-energy shock from a miniature defibrillator successfully removed ventricular fibrillation in 73 of 82 episodes (89%), challenging the need for high-energy shocks.