Defibrillator electrode-chest wall coupling agents: Influence on transthoracic impedance and shock success

Philip E. Aylward, Robert Kieso, Pamela Hite, Francis Charbonnier, Richard E. Kerber

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the difference in transthoracic impedance produced by different coupling agents affects the success of shocks for defibrillation. Three different coupling agents, Harco pads (Hewlett-Packard), Littman pads (3M) and Redux paste (Hewlett-Packard), were assessed in I0 anesthetized dogs in which ventricular fibrillation was induced by electrical stimulation of the right ventricle. Defibrillation was attempted 15 seconds later, using 50, 100 and 150 joules (selected energy). Actual delivered energy, current, impedance and the percent of the shocks that achieved defibrillation were determined for the three coupling agents. Redux paste gave significantly lower impedance and higher current than the two disposable preformed coupling pads tested. Despite this, there were no significant differences in shock success among the three coupling agents. Thus, in this experimental model, over a threefold energy range, disposable coupling pads were as effective as electrode paste for defibrillation despite the slightly higher impedance of the disposable pads.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)682-686
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume6
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1985
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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