Automated external cardioversion defibrillation monitoring in cardiac arrest: a randomized trial
2008

Automated External Defibrillator Monitoring in Cardiac Arrest

Sample size: 192 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ali Bakhtiar, Bloom Heather, Veledar Emir, House Dorothy, Norvel Robert, Dudley Samuel C, Zafari A Maziar

Primary Institution: Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Hypothesis

Does automated external cardioverter defibrillator (AECD) monitoring provide earlier defibrillation than standard hospital code teams?

Conclusion

AECD monitoring is safe and likely results in earlier defibrillation than standard telemetry monitoring.

Supporting Evidence

  • 192 patients were recruited for the study.
  • The AECD monitored patients without delivering inappropriate shocks.
  • One patient experienced sustained VT and was defibrillated 17 seconds after criteria were met.

Takeaway

This study looked at a special device that can help people who have a heart problem in the hospital. It found that this device can help doctors give shocks to the heart faster, which can save lives.

Methodology

The study is a prospective trial randomizing patients to standard CPR or standard CPR plus AECD monitoring.

Potential Biases

Potential for selection bias in patient recruitment.

Limitations

The study was conducted at a single center and may not be generalizable to other settings.

Participant Demographics

Majority of participants were men, with an average age of around 61 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1745-6215-9-36

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