AED
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
AED or Automated External Defibrillator (pronounced: /ˈɔːtəmeɪtɪd ˈɛkstərnəl dɪˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (PVT), and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electricity which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
Etymology
The term AED is an acronym for Automated External Defibrillator. The word 'automated' comes from the Greek word 'automatos', meaning 'self-acting', 'external' is derived from the Latin word 'externus', meaning 'outward', and 'defibrillator' is derived from Latin 'de-' meaning 'do the opposite of' and 'fibrilla' meaning 'small fiber'.
Related Terms
- Defibrillation: The process of delivering a dose of electric current (often called a 'counter-shock') to the heart.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VF): A condition in which there is uncoordinated contraction of the cardiac muscle of the ventricles in the heart, making them quiver rather than contract properly.
- Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (PVT): A type of cardiac arrhythmia in which there is no pulse, and the ventricles of the heart undergo rapid, chaotic electrical activity.
- Cardiac Arrhythmia: A group of conditions in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AED
- Wikipedia's article - AED
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