Why is it important to turn on the synchronizing circuit of the defibrillator?
This synchronization avoids shock delivery during the relative refractory portion of the cardiac cycle, when a shock could produce ventricular fibrillation.
Why do you sync during cardioversion?
Synchronization to an R or S wave prevents the delivery of a shock during the vulnerable period of cardiac repolarization when ventricular fibrillaiton (VF, vfib) can be induced.
Is AED synchronized?
The computer reads and synchronizes with the patient’s ECG rhythm during this time delay. This is achieved so that the shock can be administered at or near the height of the R-wave in the QRS complex of the patient. During cardiac repolarization, synchronization prevents the transmission of a low energy shock (t-wave).
When should I synchronize Cardiovert?
The most common indications for synchronized cardioversion are unstable atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, and supraventricular tachycardias. If medications fail in the stable patient with the before mentioned arrhythmias, synchronized cardioversion will most likely be indicated.
When should you Cardiovert?
Cardioversion is a procedure used to return an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm. This procedure is used when the heart is beating very fast or irregular. This is called an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can cause problems such as fainting, stroke, heart attack, and even sudden cardiac death.
How does synchronized cardioversion work?
Synchronized cardioversion involves the delivery of a low-energy shock which is timed or synchronized to be delivered at a specific point in the QRS complex (see the image below). A synchronized shock is delivered at this precise moment to avoid causing or inducing ventricular fibrillation.
When should you avoid administering a synchronized shock?
For cases where electrical shock is needed, if the patient is unstable, and you can see a QRS-t complex use (LOW ENERGY) synchronized cardioversion. If the patient is pulseless, or if the patient is unstable and the defibrillator will not synchronize, use (HIGH ENERGY) unsynchronized cardioversion (defibrillation).
What rhythms require synchronized cardioversion?
Synchronized cardioversion is used to treat other arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, and stable ventricular tachycardia when medications have failed to convert the rhythm, or when the patient is becoming unstable and the rhythm must be immediately terminated.
What rhythms do you Cardiovert?
Cardioversion can correct many types of fast or irregular heart rhythms, including:
- Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (the most common conditions providers treat with cardioversion).
- Atrial tachycardia.
- Ventricular tachycardia.
- Ventricular fibrillation.
How is synchronized shock delivered?
When the “sync” option is engaged on a defibrillator and the shock button pushed, there will be a delay in the shock. During this delay, the machine reads and synchronizes with the patients ECG rhythm. This occurs so that the shock can be delivered with or just after the peak of the R-wave in the patients QRS complex.
How does a defibrillator sync with the patient’s ECG rhythm?
When the “sync” option is engaged on a defibrillator and the shock button pushed, there will be a delay in the shock. During this delay, the machine reads and synchronizes with the patients ECG rhythm.
How do you use an electro defibrillator on a patient?
Electrodes should be placed below the clavicle on the right side of the chest and about two inches below the mid-axillary line beside the nipple on the left side. The “SYNC” button on the defibrillator machine should be pressed. Review the rhythm strip to ensure the R wave is being marked and sensed by the machine.
What is the difference between synchronized cardioversion and defibrillation?
Both defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion impose a therapeutic dose of electrical energy on the myocardium. Defibrillation is used to treat certain types of arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia).
What is a manual defibrillator and how it works?
Manual defibrillator is an advanced medical life support device that monitors heart rhythm and allows the user to manually adjust and shock the energy selection. Users of manual defibrillators are professional specialists such as doctors, nurses, paramedics.