10.9. Defibrillation and Electroshock
10.9.1. Defibrillator
Defibrillator shocks are the largest electric shocks used in clinical medicine, up to 50 A is applied for some milliseconds through the thorax, driven by approximately 5 kV. The electrode system is usually bipolar with two equal electrodes of surface about 50 cm2 (adult; defibrillation of children is rare). They are positioned so that as much as possible of the current is passing the heart region. With a more unipolar system with one electrode under the shoulder, the current path is more optimal, and this is used if the defibrillation is planned (electroconversion).
Previously, conductive paste was used on the skin, today contact pads are used because they are quick to apply. They also ...
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