Defibrillator goes under the skin and not the heart
Introduction
The term defibrillation is often used in the field of cardiovascular diseases. It is used to treat severe life threatening ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmias. The process mainly consist of an instrument which is termed as a defibrillator. It acts like the body’s normal pacemaker and over the years many new kinds of defibrillators have been invented. Defibrillators are often implanted but some of them are external or even set up transvenously. Prevost and Batelli, were the first to demonstrate defibrillation in 1899 at the University of Geneva, Switzerland. At the Western Reserve University in 1947, the first use of a defibrillator was conducted by Professor Claude Back. Defibrillators often use the technique of transferring electrical signals to the heart in case of abnormal rhythmic motions.
Implanted Defibrillator
As mentioned earlier, the latest technology to defibrillation is an implanted defibrillator which is normally a battery operated device and is termed as implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (or ICD). Till date, there are more than 30 million patients with implanted defibrillators. A team led by Dr. Mark Kremers at the Presbyterian Hospital, was the principal investigator for a new defibrillator. The device was a subcutaneous implantable device which had completed its clinical study and was due for marketing. According to Dr. Kermes, the device is unique, since it did not include complex wiring which was present in most of other defibrillators. It was also said that this could lessen the amount of contamination in the body.
Outcomes of the defibrillator
The defibrillator has said to lower the risk of infection to the heart. It has been proved that it has less complex wiring and is easier to implant compared to previous traditional devices. However a few drawbacks could be considered, since the device may not be useful for a broad range of patients. The new ICD device developed had no significant improvement compared to older devices, except for lower wiring.
Importance
Defibrillators have an important use in the field of cardiovascular disease and treatment. It brings forth researchers to provide better treatment to people suffering from life threatening ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmias. Defibrillators improve the quality of life (QOL) in such patients. It also enables researches to improve the technology being used in defibrillators.
Benefits and Limitations of Technology
The technology should reach nations where traditional methods of defibrillation are still being used. The technology can have significant role on a global scale if it was to be used on every individual suffering from acute ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrhythmias. It will bridge the gap between science and health care system.
How safe are implanted defibrillators?
The safety and efficacy of many ICD’s have not been evaluated and there is no statistical evidence to prove whether a device is 100% safe in all kinds of patient population.
Next Step to Research
Scientist should research and invent devices that can reduce infection and damage to the heart. Also further research should be done for devices to be used on a broader platform. Local signaling of any rhythmic changes in heart should be sent to the doctor immediately for faster treatment process.
References:
“Defibrillator - What is a Defibrillator?” www.news-medical.net. n.p. n.d Web. 05 December 2013.
