Biphasic waveform, automated, external
defibrillators (AEDs) are rapidly becoming
the standard because they are smaller and lighter than monophasic AEDs. These authors
compared defibrillation with an impedance-compensated, biphasic,
truncated, exponential waveform; a monophasic,
truncated, exponential waveform; and a monophasic,
damped-sine waveform in a trial supported by the manufacturer of the
biphasic
The type of
Comment: This study supports previous small studies
suggesting that the biphasic defibrillation waveform is superior.
There was a 21 percent to 31 percent absolute improvement in the
rate of defibrillation achieved with 3 or fewer shocks and a strong
trend toward improved ROSC. Larger randomized trials are needed to
determine whether the rate of survival to discharge is increased with
biphasic waveform use.
— JM Christenson
Published in Journal Watch Emergency Medicine October 4, 2001
Source
Martens PR et
al. Optimal response to cardiac arrest study: Defibrillation waveform effects. Resuscitation
2001 Jun 49 233-243.