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Pericardial effusion increases defibrillation energy requirement
R K Thakur1, J J Souza, P J Troup
1Division of Cardiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Pericardial effusion significantly increases the energy needed for successful defibrillation (E80) in dogs, impacting implantable defibrillator performance. This fluid buildup may explain early device failures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Pericardial effusion, fluid around the heart, can alter electrical conductivity.
- Increased defibrillation energy requirements are a potential complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pericardial effusion on defibrillation energy requirements using monophasic and biphasic waveforms.
- To determine if pericardial effusion affects transthoracic impedance and defibrillation efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Seven dogs underwent induced pericardial effusion via saline instillation.
- Monophasic and biphasic electrical shocks were delivered at varying voltages.
- Defibrillation efficacy curves and impedance were measured before and after effusion induction.
Main Results:
- Pericardial effusion significantly decreased impedance (P < 0.01).
- Energy for 80% successful defibrillation (E80) increased for both monophasic (16.0 to 18.5 J) and biphasic (10.6 to 13.0 J) shocks (P < 0.016).
- Impedance and E80 returned to baseline after effusion removal.
Conclusions:
- Pericardial effusion increases defibrillation energy requirements.
- This finding may explain early failures in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators.
- Managing pericardial effusion could be crucial for defibrillator efficacy.