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Can changes in transcardiac impedance appropriately detect ventricular fibrillation?
S M Weiss1, R Einstein, R McCulloch
1Telectronics Pacing Systems, Lane Cove, N.S.W., Australia.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Transcardiac impedance variations (delta Z) differ significantly between normal sinus rhythm and ventricular fibrillation (VF). This change in delta Z magnitude shows potential for detecting the onset of VF.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Medical device technology
Background:
- Transcardiac impedance (delta Z) fluctuates with ventricular contractions.
- Implanted defibrillator patches enable transcardiac impedance monitoring.
- Detecting ventricular fibrillation (VF) onset is critical for patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if delta Z magnitude changes significantly between normal sinus rhythm and VF.
- To evaluate the potential of delta Z changes as an indicator for VF onset detection.
Main Methods:
- Acute study on 14 anesthetized dogs.
- Measurement of transcardiac impedance between implanted defibrillator patches.
- Analysis of delta Z magnitude during normal sinus rhythm and induced VF.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in delta Z magnitude were observed between normal sinus rhythm and VF.
- The change in delta Z magnitude could be distinguished between the two cardiac rhythms.
Conclusions:
- The magnitude of transcardiac impedance variations (delta Z) is significantly altered during ventricular fibrillation compared to normal sinus rhythm.
- Delta Z shows promise as a potential marker for detecting the onset of ventricular fibrillation.