Friday, November 13, 2009

Problems With Low-Energy External Defibrillators?

Seems the FDA wants to know more:
FDA is investigating energy levels in (automatic) external biphasic defibrillators (AEDs) with shocks ≤ 200 J. FDA has received reports of 14 events since 2006 in which a 200 J biphasic defibrillator was ineffective in providing defibrillation/cardioversion therapy to a patient, whereas a subsequent shock from a different 360 J biphasic defibrillator resulted in immediate defibrillation/cardioversion. The majority of events occurred during attempts at cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, but there was at least one instance with defibrillation of a ventricular arrhythmia as well. FDA is seeking additional information in order to interpret the significance of these events, and to determine whether FDA activities are advised.
I haven't seen this, but others may have, so let 'em know.

-Wes