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A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Making post-mortem implantable cardioverter defibrillator explantation safe
Sune B E W Räder1, Volkert Zeijlemaker, Steen Pehrson
1Department of Cardiology, 2013, The Heart Centre, Rigshospitalet, 9 Blegdamsvej, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. sbewr@dadlnet.dk
Summary
Wearing intact double-layered latex, neoprene, or plastic gloves during explantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) effectively eliminates electrical risks to operators. Neoprene gloves are recommended for optimal protection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Safety
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) pose potential electrical risks during post-mortem explantation.
- Operator safety during explantation procedures requires adequate protective measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective insulating properties of various glove materials against electrical hazards during ICD explantation.
- To determine the efficacy of double-gloved protection in a simulated worst-case scenario (ICD shock).
Main Methods:
- Investigated insulating properties of double-layered latex, neoprene, and plastic gloves.
- Exposed gloves to saline for up to 60 minutes to simulate body fluid exposure.
- Measured voltage increase across gloves to assess electrical conductivity.
Main Results:
- Intact double-layered gloves (latex, neoprene, plastic) demonstrated significant electrical resistance when exposed to saline for up to 50 minutes.
- Latex gloves showed a higher voltage increase (up to 68.1 V) compared to neoprene (5.3 V) and plastic (2.3 V) within 60 minutes.
- A resting voltage below 50 V was maintained if fluid exposure did not exceed 50 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The use of intact medical gloves (latex, neoprene, plastic) effectively mitigates electrical risks during ICD explantation.
- Wearing two intact gloves on each hand provides sufficient protection for operators.
- Neoprene gloves are recommended for their superior protective qualities in this context.
