Types of Defibrillators and How They Work

Defibrillators are essential medical devices used in emergency situations to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing cardiac arrest. They achieve this by delivering a controlled electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. The main types include automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs).

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)

AEDs are designed for use in public and private settings by individuals with minimal training. They automatically diagnose the heart rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary, instructing the user step-by-step through voice prompts. AEDs are crucial in the chain of survival for victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (ICDs)

ICDs are surgically implanted devices recommended for patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. They continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm and automatically administer shocks when detecting life-threatening arrhythmias. In addition to defibrillation, ICDs also function as pacemakers in some circumstances.

Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (WCDs)

WCDs are external devices worn by patients under risk for sudden cardiac arrest who are not immediate candidates for an ICD. They monitor the heart rhythm and automatically deliver a shock if a dangerous arrhythmia is detected. A major advantage of WCDs is their non-invasive nature, providing a temporary solution until a more permanent treatment can be established.

I’m not a doc, but I learned a lot about defibrillators when my dad had a severe heart attack last year. Basically, these gadgets are a lifesaver. When someone’s heart goes haywire and starts beating irregularly, a defibrillator can send electric pulses that sort of ‘reset’ the heart’s rhythm back to normal. There’s the kind you see in hospitals and some that people can carry around if they’re at high risk of heart problems. I remember the first time I saw the AED being used in public; it talked out loud giving instructions on what to do. Pretty amazing how it helps save lives even if you’ve never touched one before!