defibrillator
(dē-fib'rĭ-lāt‵ŏr 
)
[de- + fibrillat(ion)]
A device that delivers an electrical shock that completely depolarizes the myocardium, producing a brief period of asystole. The goal of defibrillation is to let the sinoatrial node recover control of the heart's electrical activity and terminate potentially fatal heart rhythms, such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
SEE: cardioversion.
A defibrillator may be used with conductive pads applied to the chest wall or may be surgically implanted in the chest, e.g., in patients who have previously been resuscitated from sudden death.
ABBR: AED
A defibrillator that performs all functions by computer (analyzes rhythm, selects an energy level, charges the machine, and shocks the patient). The operator applies adhesive paddles and turns the machine on, then makes certain that no one is in contact with the patient.
The analytical functions of an AED are sensitive to motion. CPR and moving or transporting the patient must be stopped while the AED is analyzing the patient's heart rhythm. SYN: automatic defibrillator.
automatic d.Automated external defibrillator.
automatic implanted cardioverter d.
ABBR: AICD
A defibrillator surgically implanted in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac (arrhythmia-induced) death. The device automatically detects and treats life-threatening arrhythmias.automatic implanted ventricular d.A defibrillator surgically implanted in patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death from ventricular arrhythmias. This device is capable of automatically restoring normal heartbeat by generating an electrical stimulus to the heart.
manual d.A defibrillator that requires the operator to assess the need for defibrillation (by reviewing monitor data and the patient's clinical condition), select an energy level, charge the machine, and deliver a shock.
semi-automatic d.A defibrillator that assesses rhythm and gives voice prompts to the operator concerning the patient's condition, the energy level, charging, and shocking the patient.