Transtelephonic defibrillation.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to assess the safety and reliability of a device for transtelephonic defibrillation.


METHODS
The transtelephonic system consists of a patient unit and a base station. The patient unit contains a monitor-defibrillator, electrode pads, microphone, microprocessor, and DC defibrillator. The base station comprises a control panel, computer, and ECG display.


METHODS
Fifteen patients who were treated in our emergency department for cardiac arrest were placed on patient units that activated our base station in a remote location within the ED.


METHODS
Thirteen patients were treated for ventricular fibrillation, and two patients were treated for ventricular tachycardia.


METHODS
Thirty-one shocks were delivered transtelephonically.


RESULTS
In all cases, voice and ECG transmission were established without difficulty.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that this system represents a safe and reliable method for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation, and we advocate additional use to study the prehospital applications of transtelephonic defibrillation.
Feldstein
J S
JS
Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Center of Delaware, Wilmington 19899.
O'Connor
R E
RE
Henry
J
J
Simmons
B
B
Nitowski
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012449:Safety; D013689:Telephone