title: Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator rhythm strip data as used in interpretation of a motor vehicle accident.
abstract: The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is an electronic device that monitors the rhythm of the heart and, upon detecting a life-threatening arrhythmia, shocks the heart in an attempt to restore a normal rhythm. The AICD will electronically store the information of the event. Later, the AICD can be "interrogated" and the information electronically retrieved, with a printout of the rhythm strip obtained. The interrogation is fairly simple and involves a magnetic device placed over the AICD, which in turn is connected to a portable computer, which, with specialized software, can deliver the information in a usable form. Not only can information about the most recent shock be obtained, but also information about previous shocks can be retrieved. This case presentation highlights how such preterminal information retrieved from an AICD helped to interpret the circumstances leading to a death--in this case, a fatal motor vehicle accident. Additionally, driving restrictions that may be placed on individuals with AICDs are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dolinak
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guileyardo
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D004562:Electrocardiography; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000473:pathology*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000628:therapy*