cardioversor

A cardioverter is a medical device used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, specifically tachyarrhythmias. It delivers a controlled electrical shock to the heart. This shock aims to reset the heart's electrical activity and restore a normal rhythm. Cardioverters can be used in emergency situations for unstable patients experiencing rapid heart rates that are causing significant symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a drop in blood pressure. They can also be used in a planned, non-emergency setting for patients with specific arrhythmias that have not responded to medication.

There are two main types of cardioverters: external and internal. External cardioverters are applied to the chest wall using paddles or adhesive pads. Internal cardioverters, often referred to as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), are surgically implanted devices that can deliver shocks automatically when a dangerous rhythm is detected or can be activated manually. The decision to use a cardioverter, and which type, depends on the patient's condition, the specific arrhythmia, and the clinical judgment of a healthcare professional. The electrical shock delivered by a cardioverter is timed to occur with specific points in the heart's electrical cycle to minimize the risk of inducing a more dangerous rhythm. Sedation and pain medication are typically administered to the patient before the procedure to ensure comfort.