Energy attenuator for pediatric application of an automated external defibrillator

Although automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are extensively deployed to rapidly treat sudden cardiac arrest in adults, their applicability for children is presently limited. It is desirable to extend the indications for this lifesaving equipment to all ages, even though AED application to children will be rare compared with adults. It is imperative that the inherent simplicity of present adult AED operation not be compromised to extend its use to include children. We propose a method that does not affect the normal operation of an AED on adults. For adults, unmodified AEDs would be used normally with adult electrodes. However, special pediatric electrodes would be available as a disposable accessory. When used with the AED, the delivered energy would be reduced within the electrodes, and only a portion of the energy output by the AED would be delivered to the pediatric patient. These electrodes could be used in conjunction with currently deployed AEDs with electrocardiographic analysis algorithms appropriate for children. This eliminates the need for a separate AED specifically for children or the purchase of a new AED with pediatric capability to replace previously deployed models.