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[[File:Defibrillation Electrode Position.jpg|Defibrillation Electrode Position|thumb]]<br />
'''Defibrillation''' is a treatment for life-threatening [[cardiac dysrhythmias]], specifically [[ventricular fibrillation]] (VF) and [[ventricular tachycardia|non-perfusing ventricular tachycardia]] (VT).<br />
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==Mechanism==<br />
A defibrillator delivers a dose of [[electric current]] (often called a ''counter-shock'') to the [[heart]]. This process [[depolarization|depolarizes]] a large amount of the [[cardiac muscle|heart muscle]], ending the dysrhythmia. Consequently, the body's [[cardiac pacemaker|natural pacemaker]] in the [[sinoatrial node]] of the heart is able to re-establish [[sinus rhythm|normal sinus rhythm]].<br />
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==Types of Defibrillation==<br />
Defibrillators can be external, transvenous, or [[implant (medicine)|implanted]] ([[implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]]), depending on the type of device used or needed.<br />
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Some external units, known as [[automated external defibrillator]]s (AEDs), automate the diagnosis of treatable rhythms, enabling lay responders or bystanders to use them effectively with little or no training.<br />
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==Medical Uses==<br />
Defibrillation is often an important step in [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR).<br />
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==Medical Uses==<br />
Defibrillation is often an important step in [[cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR). CPR is an algorithm-based intervention aimed to restore cardiac and pulmonary function.<br />
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==Contraindications==<br />
If the heart has completely stopped, as in [[asystole]] or [[pulseless electrical activity|pulseless electrical activity (PEA)]], defibrillation is not indicated. Defibrillation is also not indicated if the patient is conscious or has a pulse. Improperly given electrical shocks can cause dangerous dysrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation.<br />
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==Outcomes==<br />
Survival rates for out-of-hospital [[cardiac arrest]]s are often less than 10%. Outcome for in-hospital cardiac arrests are higher at 20%.<br />
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==See Also==<br />
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* [[Cardioversion]]<br />
* [[Automated external defibrillator]]<br />
* [[Cardiac arrest]]<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Emergency medical procedures]]<br />
[[Category:Cardiology]]<br />
[[Category:Medical treatments]]<br />
{{stub}}<br />
{{Emergency medicine}}<br />
[[Category:American inventions]]<br />
[[Category:Cardiac electrophysiology]]<br />
[[Category:Emergency medical procedures]]<br />
[[Category:Medical devices]]</div>Prab