Essentials of low-power electrocution: established and speculated mechanisms.
Even though electrocution has been recognized--and studied--for over a century, there remain several common misconceptions among medical professional as well as lay persons. This review focuses on "low-power" electrocutions rather than on the "high-power" electrocutions such as from lightning and power lines. Low-power electrocution induces ventricular fibrillation (VF). We review the 3 established mechanisms for electrocution: (1) shock on cardiac T-wave, (2) direct induction of VF, and (3) long-term high-rate cardiac capture reducing the VF threshold until VF is induced. There are several electrocution myths addressed, including the concept--often taught in medical school--that direct current causes asystole instead of VF and that electrical exposure can lead to a delayed cardiac arrest by inducing a subclinical ventricular tachycardia (VT). Other misunderstandings are also discussed.
Biomedical Engineering Dept., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. kroll051@umn.edu
Mark W
MW
Kroll
Raymond M
RM
Fish
Dhanunjaya
D
Lakkireddy
Richard M
RM
Luceri
Dorin
D
Panescu
D004556:Electric Injuries; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006323:Heart Arrest; D006801:Humans; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology