A defibrillator can reinstate a normal heartbeat to save your life.
Defibrillators are any electronic device used to restart the heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). In traditional hospital settings, defibrillators use paddles to deliver an electric shock to the heart muscle to reinstate normal beating. However, for patients who are at risk for recurrent SCA, there are substitutes for a hospital defibrillator that can help save lives outside of the hospital setting.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
These devices are implanted inside the body and are connected to leads that are on or in the heart muscle. The leads deliver electric shocks to pace or restart the heart's normal beating pattern. Leads are connected to a pulse generator that is installed in the chest or abdomen that detects rhythm irregularities. Today's pulse generators are small enough that many of them can be installed through blood vessels, but larger ones require open-heart surgery.
Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD)
The wearable device is another solution for those at risk of recurrent SCA, and it does not require any invasive surgery. This device is a vest that is worn underneath the clothing. It has an electrode belt that has cardiac monitoring electrodes and therapy electrodes that deliver the necessary shocks. Users must wear a connected monitor that has a battery pack and an alarm device on their belt.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
are the most similar to those in a traditional hospital setting and are most commonly found in commercial settings, such as on aircraft, in case of emergencies. However, there are also at-home versions that individuals can purchase. These devices need to be operated by another individual because like the traditional paddle model, they must place electrodes on the body to deliver a shock. This device is not recommended for those who are at risk for recurrent SCA.
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