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Estimating the probability that the Taser directly causes human ventricular fibrillation
H Sun1, D Haemmerich, P S Rahko
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 1415 Engineering Drive, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|January 13, 2010
Summary
This study estimates the risk of Tasers causing human ventricular fibrillation (VF). The probability is low, decreasing with distance from the heart, with estimated mean probabilities of 0.001 or 0.000006.
Area of Science:
- Medical Device Safety
- Biomedical Engineering
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Tasers are electroshock weapons used by law enforcement.
- Concerns exist regarding their potential to induce ventricular fibrillation (VF).
- Previous research has not quantified the direct probability of Taser-induced VF in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a methodology for estimating the probability of Taser-induced human ventricular fibrillation (VF).
- To quantify the risk associated with the X26 Taser model.
- To assess the influence of dart-to-heart distance on VF probability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D finite-element (FE) models to estimate current density near the human heart.
- Incorporated data from pig studies on dart-to-heart distances causing VF.
- Used echocardiography to measure human skin-to-heart distances.
- Analyzed police reports for dart landing distributions.
Main Results:
- Estimated mean human VF probabilities were 0.001 (resected pig chest) and 0.000006 (unresected pig chest).
- VF probability decreased as the horizontal dart-to-heart distance (radius) on the skin surface increased.
- The methodology provides a quantitative risk assessment framework.
Conclusions:
- The direct probability of Taser-induced human VF is estimated to be low.
- Distance from the heart is a critical factor influencing VF risk.
- This study provides the first quantitative estimates for Taser-related VF probability.
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