Defibrillator/monitor/pacemakers

In this Evaluation, we present our test results and ratings for two newly evaluated defibrillator/monitor/pacemakers--the Medtronic ERS Lifepak 20 and the Philips HeartStart MRx. We also summarize and update our findings for eight previously evaluated models that are still on the market. We rate the models based on their desirability for in-hospital applications, such as general crash-cart use and in-hospital transport use, and for prehospital applications, specifically emergency medical service (EMS) use. The primary function of the devices examined in this study is to allow operators to assess and monitor a patient's ECG and, when necessary, deliver a defibrillating shock to the heart. However, currently available models can also be equipped to do much more during a resuscitation attempt - from monitoring multiple physiologic parameters to providing noninvasive pacing capability to functioning as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Our testing examined all these capabilities to help hospital and EMS purchasers make effective selection decisions.