Modelling transthoracic defibrillation waveforms

Recent investigations connected with implantable defibrillators yielded new data on heart electrophysiology, resulting in reassessment of existing and advancing of new types of electrical impulses. Different electrical equivalent circuits were proposed for modelling intracardiac and transthoracic defibrillation pulse waveforms, comprising generator, electrode interface and tissue resistances. We attempted modelling of the transmembrane voltage Vm time course, induced by different applied voltage Vs waveforms, taking into account only the shapes and the relative Vs and Vm amplitudes. The excitable cell membrane impedance Zm was modelled with higher resistance and lower capacitance, so that a shunting effect on the generator and tissue resistances was avoided. The result was a very simple equivalent circuit. We proposed criteria for efficient defibrillation pulse waveforms yielding a straightforward approach to model existing and new pulses and to assess their efficiency.     

Assessment of balanced biphasic defibrillation waveforms in transthoracic atrial cardioversion

From the earliest stages of computer development, scientists have aspired to the creation of advanced systems which could simulate human thought and reasoning. Of all the modern technological quests, this research to create artificially intelligent computer systems has been one of the most ambitious and fascinating. Although attempts have been made for the last 30 years to develop and apply such systems to the medical sciences, only limited progress has been made. This paper reviews and discusses the important role of expert systems in medicine and outlines future trends in this area.     

Assessment of balanced biphasic defibrillation waveforms in transthoracic atrial cardioversion.

Various electrical pulses have been used for defibrillation. The monophasic damped sinusoid waveform, initiated in 60 s, was adopted in virtually all defibrillators. Biphasic pulses were introduced recently, achieving success with less energy. A biphasic exponential waveform was modelled with 4 ms duration per phase with a balanced 3:1 ratio of the first to second phase peak voltages and implemented in a defibrillator. A version obtained by chopping the pulses with a 5 kHz frequency was also used. It was hypothesized that the modelled transmembrane voltage decay time is a parameter that could be associated with successful defibrillation. The results of cardioversion for two groups of patients with the 'classic' monophasic waveform and with the biphasic pulses were compared. The mean efficient energy with the damped sinusoid was 205 +/- 85 J, versus 88 +/- 43 J with the biphasic pulses, yielding a ratio of 2.32 (1.92 to 3.2 for fibrillation and flutter, respectively). An acceptable agreement between model data and clinical results was found. The transmembrane voltage decay time ratios for monophasic versus biphasic pulses was in the approximate range of 2.5 to 3.5.     

Comparison between two defibrillation waveforms

Two defibrillation waveforms, the chopped biphasic pulses and the constant current pulses, were assessed and compared. Two indices are introduced. The first one is the ratio between the delivered energy W and the energy W₀ of a rectangular pulse with the same duration and electric charge. The second index η_C?=?W₀/W_C0 stands for the level of utilizing the initially loaded capacitor energy W_C0. Some design considerations are also discussed. Another aspect of the study is the choice of appropriate capacitor for pulse generation. The results obtained show that there is no outstanding optimal waveform. The W/W₀ ratio is higher for the known constant current shapes but specifically with a patient resistance lower than 80 Ω. On the other hand, the implementation of these shapes would face several difficulties. The chopped biphasic waveforms are obtained by relatively simple technical solutions leading to very small in size and weight portable instruments.     

Transthoracic defibrillation with chopping-modulated biphasic waveforms

The superiority of different biphasic pulses for transthoracic defibrillation was proven by several studies. These efficient waveforms were implemented in some commercially available defibrillators. Recently we have devised and evaluated a biphasic waveform with a specially balanced ratio of the first-to-second phase voltages and with 5 kHz frequency 1:1 on-off chopping. It used less than half the energy for successful defibrillation in comparison with the 'classic' monophasic damped sinusoidal wave and showed considerably less post-shock negative effects. This experience led us to try several laws of chopping modulation. A pulse-width modulation, combining low energy with gradual upslope of the modelled transmembrane potential, proved to have better performance than the standard damped sinusoid wave and the non-chopped biphasic truncated exponential pulse. This waveform was tested in a series of animal experiments in comparison with other modulated pulses, with the non-modulated waveform and the standard damped sinusoid wave. The experiments demonstrated the superiority of the modulated waveform, assessed by combining the parameters of threshold defibrillation energy and of post-shock disturbances reduction.     

Automatic adjustment of biphasic pulse duration in transthoracic defibrillation

Many studies have proven that biphasic defibrillation pulses are more efficient than the damped sinusoid monopolar waveform. Transthoracic resistance was shown to change during the two phases. On the other hand, it was proven that transthoracic resistance plays an important role in the defibrillation process, yielding the current for selected energy or voltage. Pre-shock measurement of the resistance may lead to improved selection. Stabilized current defibrillators are of low stored-to-delivered energy ratio. Therefore, automatic dynamic adjustment of some defibrillator parameters with respect to transthoracic resistance changes seems rational. An approach is known for modifying the pulse duration, in order to deliver a selected energy. A method is proposed here and an experimental defibrillator is developed for dynamic pulse duration adjustment with the purpose of obtaining a desired optimal timecourse of the cardiac cell transmembrane potential.     

Automatic adjustment of biphasic pulse duration in transthoracic defibrillation

Many studies have proven that biphasic defibrillation pulses are more efficient than the damped sinusoid monopolar waveform. Transthoracic resistance was shown to change during the two phases. On the other hand, it was proven that transthoracic resistance plays an important role in the defibrillation process, yielding the current for selected energy or voltage. Pre-shock measurement of the resistance may lead to improved selection. Stabilized current defibrillators are of low stored-to-delivered energy ratio. Therefore, automatic dynamic adjustment of some defibrillator parameters with respect to transthoracic resistance changes seems rational. An approach is known for modifying the pulse duration, in order to deliver a selected energy. A method is proposed here and an experimental defibrillator is developed for dynamic pulse duration adjustment with the purpose of obtaining a desired optimal time-course of the cardiac cell transmembrane potential.     

Electrical current distribution under transthoracic defibrillation and pacing electrodes

The known effect of high current density under the perimeter of defibrillation electrodes, leading to skin damage and even severe burns in some cases, has been considered by many investigators. Two main approaches for improvement were proposed: (i) interfacing with layers of varying and high resistivity and (ii) lengthening and shaping the perimeter line. Using finite element and physical modelling, it is shown that the second approach does not yield significant improvement in the distribution uniformity. Moreover, the application of high resistivity layers is unacceptable in dibrillation. The use of a low resistance layer with a diameter covering and extending over the metal plate by at least 2.5 mm results in better uniformity. A similar effect can be obtained by recessing the metal plate in an isolating support--an approach adopted from implantable neurostimulation electrodes. These two versions can be applied in combination.     

Impedance-gradient electrode reduces skin irritation induced by transthoracic defibrillation

A new type of disposable external defibrillation electrode has been developed to reduce the skin irritation commonly associated with defibrillation and synchronised cardioversion. This design employs an impedance gradient to reduce the proportion of current delivered to the electrode periphery. The temperature distribution under the new electrode was compared with that of four other types of commercially available electrodes after repeated high-energy biphasic defibrillation discharges to domestic swine. Skin temperature distributions were acquired using non-invasive thermography. Measurements of the maximum temperature rise at each electrode site, taken 3.6s after the fifth defibrillation discharge, demonstrated that the new impedance-gradient electrode produced 50–60% less skin heating than two of the three uniform-impedance electrode designs. Histological examination of erythematous sites excised 24h after defibrillation quantified the associated skin damage using a scoring protocol developed for this study. In contrast to previous studies, histological examinations demonstrated second-degree skin burns following defibrillation. The new electrode design, however, induced 44–46% less skin damage than two of the traditional uniform-impedance electrodes.     

Electrical current distribution under transthoracic defibrillation and pacing electrodes

The known effect of high current density under the perimeter of defibrillation electrodes, leading to skin damage and even severe burns in some cases, has been considered by many investigators. Two main approaches for improvement were proposed: (i) interfacing with layers of varying and high resistivity and (ii) lengthening and shaping the perimeter line. Using finite element and physical modelling, it is shown that the second approach does not yield significant improvement in the distribution uniformity. Moreover, the application of high resistivity layers is unacceptable in defibrillation. The use of a low resistance layer with a diameter covering and extending over the metal plate by at least 2.5 mm results in better uniformity. A similar effect can be obtained by recessing the metal plate in an isolating support--an approach adopted from implantable neurostimulation electrodes. These two versions can be applied in combination.     

Possibilities for predictive measurement of the transthoracic impedance in defibrillation

Transthoracic electrical defibrillation is administered by high voltages and currents applied through large size electrodes. Therefore, the defibrillator load impedance becomes an essential factor for the efficacy of the procedure. Attempts at prediction of transthoracic impedance by pre-shock measurement with lowamplitude high-frequency current have yielded apparently promising results. A reassessment was undertaken of the comparison between transthoracic impedance measured over a wide frequency range (bioimpedance spectroscopy) and measured during the shock. An estimation of the possibilities for pre-shock 'prediction' of the impedance was performed, to allow adequate selection of the defibrillation energy or current with the intention of increasing the possibility for positive results with the first shock. Data were obtained from experimental fibrillation/defibrillation cycles on dogs and from cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients. The final results suggest that high-frequency low-amplitude impedance measurements cannot predict the corresponding value during the shock with very high accuracy, as differences up to 15-17% were found using biphasic pulses in patients. However, the method can be used for approximate assessments.     

Automatic adjustment of chopping-modulated defibrillation pulses to patient transthoracic resistance

Defibrillation of the heart requires a high amplitude short duration current pulse to be passed through large electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The current meets a virtually active resistance, which can vary in the approximate range of 25 to 180 &#122. As the delivered current or energy depends on the resistance, several methods have been developed to reduce or compensate its influence. For example, pre-shock resistance has been measured by a high-frequency current and the current or energy set accordingly; measurements have been made from the initial tilt and the pulse durations adjusted; and pre-shock measurements have been made by a sub-shock pulse to generate an appropriately selected constant current. A method is proposed using high-frequency chopped biphasic pulses, with pulse-width and period modulation of the elementary pulses. Patient resistance is measured with the first elementary pulse and depending on its value a modulated waveform is generated, selected by a micro-controller from a preprogrammed set. Thus the selected energy is accurately delivered to the patient. In addition, this method allows the shaping of a desired mean patient current waveform, maintaining adequate charge balance between the two phases and securing an appropriate time course of the model-derived transmembrane potential.     

Automatic adjustment of chopping-modulated defibrillation pulses to patient transthoracic resistance

Defibrillation of the heart requires a high amplitude short duration current pulse to be passed through large electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The current meets a virtually active resistance, which can vary in the approximate range of 25 to 180 Omega. As the delivered current or energy depends on the resistance, several methods have been developed to reduce or compensate its influence. For example, pre-shock resistance has been measured by a high-frequency current and the current or energy set accordingly; measurements have been made from the initial tilt and the pulse durations adjusted; and pre-shock measurements have been made by a sub-shock pulse to generate an appropriately selected constant current. A method is proposed using high-frequency chopped biphasic pulses, with pulse-width and period modulation of the elementary pulses. Patient resistance is measured with the first elementary pulse and depending on its value a modulated waveform is generated, selected by a micro-controller from a preprogrammed set. Thus the selected energy is accurately delivered to the patient. In addition, this method allows the shaping of a desired mean patient current waveform, maintaining adequate charge balance between the two phases and securing an appropriate time course of the model-derived transmembrane potential.     

Possibilities for predictive measurement of the transthoracic impedance in defibrillation.

Transthoracic electrical defibrillation is administered by high voltages and currents applied through large size electrodes. Therefore, the defibrillator load impedance becomes an essential factorfor the efficacy of the procedure. Attempts at prediction of transthoracic impedance by pre-shock measurement with low-amplitude high-frequency current have yielded apparently promising results. A reassessment was undertaken of the comparison between transthoracic impedance measured over a wide frequency range (bioimpedance spectroscopy) and measured during the shock. An estimation of the possibilities for pre-shock 'prediction ' of the impedance was performed, to allow adequate selection of the defibrillation energy or current with the intention of increasing the possibility for positive results with the first shock. Data were obtained from experimental fibrillation/defibrillation cycles on dogs andfrom cardioversion of atrial fibrillation or flutter in patients. The final results suggest that high-frequency low-amplitude impedance measurements cannot predict the corresponding value during the shock with very high accuracy, as differences up to 15-17% were found using biphasic pulses in patients. However, the method can be used for approximate assessments.     

Functional damage to the heart caused by monophasic and biphasic defibrillation waveforms

Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 116, N ^o 12, pp. 654–655, December 1993     

Electrical waveforms for cardiac defibrillation which dissipate least heat in the cardiac circuit

An analytical approach to the problems of waveform optimisation for cardiac defibrillation is presented. A theoretical analysis based upon an assumed equivalent circuit with constant parameters has shown that (a) thermal dissipation within the resistive tissue in series with the cardiac component of the load is minimised if the charge through it is made to flow at a constant rate, and (b) in all but extreme situations the thermal dissipation in the cardiac circuit as a whole is minimised when a constant current pulse is used to defibrillate.     

Comparison of computational algorithms applied on transthoracic impedance waveforms to predict head-up tilt table testing outcome

The goal of the present study was to develop and evaluate new algorithms for the prediction of the outcome of a head-upright tilt test (HUTT). Using transthoracic impedance and its first derivative, we attempted to determine if indexes computed on these waveforms could detect a positive outcome to a 70 degrees -45min HUTT with reliable sensitivity and specificity. The methods were evaluated retrospectively in a group of 70 patients and validated prospectively in a group of 59 patients. The best detector obtained used a neural network. It compares very favorably with published results for other syncope detectors.     

Success-failure diagram for defibrillation

A new method for presenting defibrillation threshold data (current, voltage or energy) is presented in the form of a success-failure diagram, the y-axis of which is the shock strength employed. A vertical line divides the successful shocks from the unsuccessful shocks for each shock strength. The diagram shows clearly how many shocks have been given at each strength and how the success for defibrillation increases with increasing shock strength.