Defibrillation Therapy
1-4 Introduction
Contraindications for AED Therapy
An AED is not to be used on patients that exhibit one or any combination of
the following:
Responsiveness
Spontaneous breathing
Palpable pulse
Precautions for AED Therapy
The AED algorithm is not designed to handle erratic spiking problems caused
by a properly or improperly functioning pacemaker. In patients with cardiac
pacemakers, the HeartStart XLT may have reduced sensitivity and not detect
all shockable rhythms.
NOTE AED mode is not intended for use on children less than 8 years of age. For
children older than 8 years, the American Heart Association recommends that
standard operating procedures for AEDs be followed. American Heart Asso-
ciation Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency
Cardiovascular Care. Dallas, Texas; AHA; 2000"
Indications for Manual Defibrillation Therapy
Asynchronous defibrillation is the initia l treatment for ventricular fibrillation
and ventricular tachycardia, in patients who are pulseless and unresponsive.
Synchronous defibrillation is indicated for termination of atrial fibrillation.
The SMART Biphasic waveform utilized in the HeartStart XLT
Defibrillator/Monitor has undergone clinical te sting demonstrating its
effectiveness for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
The SMART Biphasic waveform utilized in the HeartStart XLT has under-
gone clinical testing in adults. These trials support the waveform’s effective-
ness for defibrillation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias at 150J.
In manual mode operation, the HeartStart XLT incorporates some user select-
able lower energy levels that were not used in the clinical trials.