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Determining the optimal paddle force for external defibrillation

2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 90; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0002-9149(02)02623-1

1879-1913

Charles D. Deakin, Daniel Sado, Graham W. Petley, Frank Clewlow,

Healthcare Technology and Patient Monitoring

Minimizing transthoracic impedance (TTI) during external defibrillation increases transmyocardial current and increases the chance of delivering a successful shock. 1 Dalzell G. Adgey A. Determinants of successful transthoracic defibrillation and outcome in ventricular fibrillation. Br Heart J. 1991; 65: 311-316 Crossref PubMed Scopus (61) Google Scholar , 2 Ewy G. Electrical therapy for cardiovascular emergencies. Circulation. 1986; 74: 111-116 Google Scholar , 3 Dalzell G. Cunningham S. Anderson J. Adgey A. Electrode pad size, transthoracic impedance and success of external ventricular defibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 1989; 64: 741-744 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (80) Google Scholar Firm force applied to defibrillator paddles decreases TTI. Recent International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2000 guidelines recommend that “firm force” should be applied to both the sternal and apical paddles. 4 Anonymous. Part 6: advanced cardiovascular life support. Section 2: defibrillation. Resuscitation 2000;46109–113 Google Scholar Earlier 1992 European Resuscitation Council guidelines recommended that a 12-kg force should be applied to both paddles, 5 Robertson C. The European Resuscitation Council guidelines for adult advanced life support. Resuscitation 1988;1988:37:81–90 Google Scholar although only 14% of defibrillator operators are physically capable of achieving this force. 6 Sado D. Deakin C. Petley G. Are European Resuscitation Council recommendations for paddle force achievable during defibrillation?. Resuscitation. 2001; 3: 287-290 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (3) Google Scholar The optimal paddle force for external defibrillation is unknown. We investigated the effect of defibrillation paddle force on TTI with the aim of establishing the optimal force that should be applied.