title: Combined epicardial-transthoracic electrode paddle placement: a method for defibrillation during open-chest cardiac resuscitation.
abstract: We present a case of open-chest cardiac massage where ventricular fibrillation developed and a direct current shock was required. In the absence of 'surgical' electrode paddles, standard paddle electrodes were used; one small electrode was placed directly on the exposed epicardial surface and the second electrode was placed on the lateral chest wall. Defibrillation was achieved with a 100 J shock. This combined epicardial-transthoracic electrode paddle placement technique allows defibrillation to be accomplished when open chest cardiac massage is being performed and no 'surgical' electrode paddles are available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA. dick-kerber@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Kerber
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004566:Electrodes; D006336:Heart Massage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy; D013909:Thorax; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy