What is an advantage of a biphasic defibrillator?

Biphasic defibrillators are now the industry standard for a couple of reasons. First, they are smaller and lighter than monophasic defibrillators. Second, they have been shown to be more effective in mitigating skin burns and injury to the heart due, in part, to biphasic waveforms delivering significantly less current.

Why is biphasic better than monophasic?

Biphasic shocks are more effective for endocardial defibrillation than monophasic shocks. For transthoracic ventricular defibrillation, biphasic and monophasic shocks are equally effective, but biphasic shocks require less energy for the same efficacy.

What is the main difference between monophasic and biphasic defibrillators?

The direct current shock given can have a monophasic or biphasic waveform. In monophasic shock, the shock is given in only one direction from one electrode to the other. In a biphasic shock, initial direction of shock is reversed by changing the polarity of the electrodes in the latter part of the shock.

What is the purpose of using a defibrillator?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart rhythm to normal. Ventricular fibrillation is the uncoordinated heart rhythm most often responsible for sudden cardiac arrest.

What are the benefits of Biphasic defibrillation technology?

For the patient, the benefits of biphasic technology include less myocardial dysfunction after defibrillation and a lower risk of skin burns.

How are biphasic waveforms different from monophasic defibrillators?

In the first phase, the current moves from one paddle to the other as with monophasic defibrillators. During the second phase, the current flow reverses direction. The underlying physiologic mechanisms aren’t fully understood yet, but it’s clear that biphasic waveforms lower the electrical threshold for successful defibrillation.

How much monophasic and diphasic defibrillator should I take?

The pediatric dosage of the monophasic and diphasic defibrillator initial starts with 2-4 joules per kilogram. Then it is followed by 4 joules per kilogram. The dose of monophasic and biphasic Defibrillator for the pediatric can be increased up to 10 joules per kilogram.

What do you need to know about defibrillation?

What is Defibrillation? Defibrillation is a common treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation. Defibrillation consists of delivering a therapeutic dose of electrical energy to the heart with a device called a defibrillator. Energy in a defibrillator is expressed in joules.