Defibrillator electrode-chest wall coupling agents: Influence on transthoracic impedance and shock success

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1985-09, Vol.6 (3), p.682-686
• Main Authors: Aylward, Philip E., Kieso, Robert, Hite, Pamela, Charbonnier, Francis, Kerber, Richard E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohols; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Animals; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; Disposable Equipment; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Electric Conductivity; Electric Countershock; Electrodes; Emergency and intensive cardiocirculatory care. Cardiogenic shock. Coronary intensive care; Exact sciences and technology; Intensive care medicine; Medical sciences; Ointments; Other techniques and industries
• ISSN: 0735-1097; 1558-3597
• DOI: 10.1016/S0735-1097(85)80131-5

The purpose of this study was to determine if the difference in transthoracic impedance produced by different coupling agents affects the success of shocks for defibrillation. Three different coupling agents, Harco pads (Hewlett-Packard), Littman pads (3M) and Redux paste (Hewlett-Packard), were assessed in I0 anesthetized dogs in which ventricular fibrillation was induced by electrical stimulation of the right ventricle. Defibrillation was attempted 15 seconds later, using 50, 100 and 150 joules (selected energy). Actual delivered energy, current, impedance and the percent of the shocks that achieved defibrillation were determined for the three coupling agents. Redux paste gave significantly lower impedance and higher current than the two disposable preformed coupling pads tested. Despite this, there were no significant differences in shock success among the three coupling agents. Thus, in this experimental model, over a threefold energy range, disposable coupling pads were as effective as electrode paste for defibrillation despite the slightly higher impedance of the disposable pads.