title: Biphasic external defibrillation for adults in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
abstract: Cardiac arrest, as a result of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, is a common phenomenon, and the only treatment available is defibrillation. Currently, defibrillators deliver either a monophasic or biphasic shock, depending on the device used. In 2005, the American Heart Association published new cardiac arrest management guidelines, which included directions about energy selection for both types of defibrillators. These guidelines created a platform to address misconceptions that exist in the practice setting with regard to the use of biphasic defibrillators. The purpose of this literature review was to highlight the issues related to the practical use of biphasic energy, including optimal energy selection and safety.
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Sheila_Finamore@bcit.ca
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Finamore
authors.forename: Sheila A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Turris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D032921:Consensus; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D017751:Safety Management; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*