Biphasic vs Monophasic Energy Settings for Defibrillation

03/04/22 • 4 min

The amount of energy needed to successfully defibrillate, or cardiovert, someone used to confuse a lot of ACLS students. AEDs and biphasic technology has made this easier. AED use for cardiac arrest. Biphasic energy needed to defibrillate someone in V-Fib or pulseless V-Tach. Monophasic defibrillators require more energy to successfully convert a fibrillating heart. The energy settings to deliver a sychronized shock for cardioversion of perfusing rhythms is less when using a biphasic vs monophasic defibrillator. Be sure to engage the synch button and remember that it can take several seconds for the machine to discharge when cardioverting. More energy is needed to convert wide complex rhythm such as V-Tach than a narrow-complex SVT. Connect with me: Website: https://passacls.com (https://passacls.com) https://twitter.com/PassACLS (@PassACLS) on Twitter https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ (@Pass-ACLS-Podcast) on LinkedIn Good luck with your ACLS class!

Previous Episode

Unstable Bradycardia

Some people have very low resting heart rates and do not require intervention. To determine if patients are unstable we should assess: Blood pressure; Level of consciousness; Signs of shock; Signs/symptoms of CHF; or Complaints of ischemic-like chest pain. Unstable bradycardia patients should receive 1 mg Atropine rapid IV push. Some patients, such as heart transplant or those with second type II or third degree AV blocks, may not respond to Atropine and require TCP. If there's a delay in TCP, a Dopamine or Epinephrine drip may be started. Connect with me: Website: https://passacls.com (https://passacls.com) https://twitter.com/PassACLS (@PassACLS) on Twitter https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ (@Pass-ACLS-Podcast) on LinkedIn Good luck with your ACLS class!

Next Episode

Vagal Maneuvers for Treatment of Stable Tachycardia

Vagal maneuvers stimulate the vagus nerve to slow the heart rate of patients in stable tachycardia. Unstable patients with a pulse greater than 150 beats a minute should be cardioverted with a synchronized shock. What are some common and less common vagal techniques. Safety assessment and risks of carotid sinus massage. Stable patients with SVT refractory to vagal maneuvers should receive 6 mg Adenosine rapid IVP. Connect with me: Website: https://passacls.com (https://passacls.com) https://twitter.com/PassACLS (@PassACLS) on Twitter https://www.linkedin.com/company/pass-acls-podcast/ (@Pass-ACLS-Podcast) on LinkedIn Good luck with your ACLS class!