Liverpool Hospital ICU Guideline: Defibrillation and Cardioversion Intensive Care Unit

Systems_Cardiovascular

Guideline Title: Defibrillation and Cardioversion

Summary: 1
Electrical cardioversion and defibrillation are procedures in the management of patients
with cardiac arrhythmias. Cardioversion is the delivery of energy that is synchronised to
the QRS complex, while defibrillation is the non-synchronised delivery of a shock randomly
during the cardiac cycle.
Approved by: ICU Medical Director Prof Michael Parr
Publication (Issue) Date: July 2015

Next Review Date: July 2018

Replaces Existing Guideline: Defibrillation and Cardioversion_ November 2011

Contents:
1. Definitions
2. Background Information
3. Introduction
4. Policy Statement
5. Principles/guidelines
6. Clinical issues
7. Indications
8. Contraindications
9. Precautions
10. Troubleshooting
11. Performance Measures
12. References
13. Appendix

1. Definitions: 2
 Energy:
 Energy in a defibrillator is expressed in joules. A joule is the unit of work
associated with one amp of current passed through one ohm of resistance for
one second.
 When we express it in a formula, it is generally stated as follows:
Joules (Energy) = Voltage X Current X Time
Joules have become a surrogate for current in modern defibrillator language.
 Current:
 Current is what actually defibrillates the heart. It is also expressed as
Voltage/Impedance (resistance).
 Impedance:
 Resistance to Flow; there is resistance in the electrical circuit itself as well as
in the patient. The amount of impedance in a patient is difficult to determine as
it relates to body mass, temperature, diaphoresis, and quality of the contact
with paddles or pads. Impedance is expressed in ohms (ohms).

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2. Background Information: 1
Defibrillation is treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular
fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Electrical energy is delivered to the heart
via a device called a defibrillator and pads which are placed on the chest. This depolarises
a critical mass of the heart muscle, terminates the arrhythmia, and allows normal sinus
rhythm to be re-established by the body's natural pacemaker, in the sino- atrial node of the
heart. Defibrillators can be external, transvenous, or implanted, depending on the type of
device used or needed. This guideline will only discuss external defibrillation.
Most defibrillators are energy-based, meaning that the devices charge a capacitor to a
selected level and then deliver a pre-specified amount of energy in joules. The amount of
energy which arrives at the myocardium is dependent upon the selected energy level and
the transthoracic impedance (which varies by patient)1 Defibrillators can also deliver
energy in a variety of waveforms, characterised as monophasic, where the current flows in
one direction, or biphasic, where there are two current pulses in opposite directions.
Biphasic waveforms defibrillate at lower energies than monophasic waveforms. Biphasic
defibrillators are now the only one used in ICU.

Biphasic waveforms. www.resuscitationcentral.com

There is good evidence to suggest that minimal time delay to defibrillation for Ventricular
Fibrillation and Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia improves patient survival.
Cardioversion 1, 3
Cardioversion terminates arrhythmias such as, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrioventricular
nodal re-entrant tachycardia, atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia, or haemodynamically
stable ventricular tachycardia, by delivering a synchronised shock. By depolarising all
excitable tissue of the circuit and making the tissue refractory, the circuit is no longer able
to propagate or sustain re -entry. As a result, cardioversion terminates those arrhythmias.
By pressing the “SYNC” soft key, the defibrillator will enter “SYNC” mode and the
synchronising circuit within the defibrillator will detect the patient's R-waves. When the
shock button is pressed and held, the unit discharges with the next detected R-wave, thus
avoiding the vulnerable T-wave segment of the cardiac cycle. When in the “SYNC” mode,
the unit displays downward arrow markers above the ECG trace to indicate the points in
the cardiac cycle (R waves) where discharge can occur.3

Cardioversion. zollmedical.com. 2015

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3. Introduction:
The risk addressed by this policy:

Patient Safety

The Aims / Expected Outcome of this policy:

Staff managing a patient who requires defibrillation or cardioversion will have the skills and
knowledge to perform this skill effectively and safely.

Related Standards or Legislation

NSQHS Standard 1 Governance

National Standard 4 Medication Safety

Related Policies
LH_PD2013_C03.01 Drug Administration
LH_PD2013_C03.00 Drug Prescribing
LH_PD2013_C03.12 Administration of Intravenous (IV) Medications
LH_ICU_2011 Management of Arrhythmias in ICU
LH_ICU_2014 Cardiac Monitoring
LH_ICU_2011 Adrenaline
LH_ICU_2014 Amiodarone
LH_ICU_2011 Atropine
LH_ICU_2013 Suxamethonium
LH_ICU_2013 Vecuronium
LH_ICU_2012 Midazolam
LH_ICU_2012 Propofol

4. Policy Statement:
 All care provided within Liverpool Hospital will be in accordance with infection
prevention/control, manual handling and minimisation and management of aggression
guidelines.
 Defibrillation or cardioversion should only be done by accredited staff following ALS
assessment
 If there are no signs of life ( loss of consciousness, no pulse, abnormal
(agonal)breathing) commence immediate CPR and call a MET: dial 666 and state ward
and bed number, except if the ICU team are at the bedside
 Emergency trolley must be checked each shift by an RN
 Infection Control guidelines are to be followed.
 All drugs administered during an emergency (under the direction of a medical officer)
are to be documented during the event, then prescribed and signed following the event.
 Defibrillation pads must be in good contact with chest wall
 Defibrillation pads must be checked for an expiry date
 One defibrillation pad must be positioned at the mid axillary line, left 6th intercostal
space and one to the right parasternal area 2nd intercostal space
 Before discharging the defibrillator “Stand clear” must be stated loudly and clearly and
a visual sweep of the bed area for any hazards

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 Electrical hazards ( jewellery, water, ECG electrodes, GTN patches) must be removed
before discharge of defibrillator
 When Cardioversion procedure is going to be performed the “SYNC” mode must be
activated

5. Principles / Guidelines
Equipment:
 Defibrillator
 Multi function adult pads
 Emergency trolley
 IV access
 Mask size 3 or 4 and resuscitation bag
 Suction equipment
 Sedative agent for cardioversion as appropriate

Monitoring functions

Defibrillation functions

Pacing functions
Rate
Output

Zoll M series: ICU Emergency trolleys

Monitoring functions

Defibrillation functions

Pacing functions
Rate
Output

Zoll R series defibrillator: ICU4

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Monitoring functions

Defibrillation functions

Pacing functions

Zoll X series: MET trolley

Multi function pads

Procedure for Defibrillation

 Defibrillation as soon as possible provides the best chance of survival in patients with
VF or pulseless VT
 ARC guidelines for shockable rhythms should be commenced (see Appendix 1)
 Clean and shave the area where the pads need to be applied (for cardioversion)
 Remove pads from package and separate lead wires
 Remove pad protective liner
 Connect the pads to the defibrillator

Connection from pads to Defibrillator

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 Apply the defibrillator ECG electrodes to patients chest

 Apply a pad to mid axillary line, left 6th intercostal space and one to the right
parasternal area 2nd intercostal space

Correct placement of defibrillation pads. ARC Guideline 7

 If patient has implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or permanent pacemaker the
pads should be placed on chest wall at least 8cms from the device
 Ensure there are no IV lines or ECG electrodes under the pads
 Smooth the pads from the centre outward to the edges with finger tips to ensure there
are no air pockets under the pads
 Pads are not repositionable. Replace with new pads if they need to be repositioned
 Replace pads every 24 hours or 50 defibrillations ( Manufacturers recommendations)
 Turn dial onto defibrillation (Defib)

3. Press Charge
1. Turn dial to Defib

2. Ensure energy is 200joules

4. Press Shock

Steps for defibrillation of shockable rhythms

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 The defibrillator will default to biphasic mode and energy 200 joules if not press energy
select button to change joules
 Charge the defibrillator
 In a loud clear voice say “STAND CLEAR” and ensure all staff have moved away from
the bed
 Deliver the shock and recommence compressions
 Observe patient and ECG monitor for results
 Continue with ARC algorithm for shockable rhythms (see Appendix 1)

Procedure for Cardioversion

 Explain procedure to patient
 Sedation may be required if the patient is fully conscious
 Follow ARC Algorithm for Tachycardia’s (see Management of Arrhythmias
Guideline_2011)
 Place ECG electrodes from the defibrillator behind the shoulders and away from where
the defibrillation pads are placed
 Pay careful attention to skin preparation; make sure the surface is dry, free of hair and
lotions that can impact adhesion.
 Remove pads from the package and separate the lead wires
 Smooth the pads from the centre outwards to ensure there is no air between the pads
and patients skin
 If patient has implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or permanent pacemaker the
pads should be placed on chest wall at least 8cms from the device
 Ensure there are no IV lines or ECG electrodes under the pads
 Smooth the pads from the centre outward to the edges with finger tips to ensure there
are no air pockets under the pads
 Pads are not repositionable. Replace with new pads if they need to be repositioned
 Replace pads every 24 hours
 The defibrillation pads for Cardioversion can be placed either Anterior–Posterior (AP) or
Anterior-Anterior (AA), though AP placement is preferable for maximum current flow
through the atria2
 Posterior pad is placed left lateral of the spine and just under the scapula
 Anterior pad is placed mid clavicular,4th intercostal space, lateral to the sternum

3
Anterior placement of defibrillation pad
3
Posterior placement of defibrillation pad

 Turn defibrillator dial to Defib

 Ensure SYNC mode is activated by pressing SYNC button on defibrillator
 Ensure R wave marker is seen on ECG trace, if not increase amplitude of ECG trace

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R wave marker

Dial on DEFIB

SYNC button

Zoll defibrillator settings for cardioversion

 Select energy required 50 - 100 joules (for cardioversion of SVT, AF and conscious VT)
depending on patients weight
 Press Charge button
 In a loud clear voice say STAND CLEAR and ensure all staff have moved away from
the bed
 Press shock
 Check rhythm
 Follow ARC Algorithm for Tachycardia’s (see Management of Arrhythmias ICU
Guideline_2011 Appendix 5)

Procedure for Pacing:

 Press the PACER button on the front panel of the unit. (Zoll X series)The Pacer
Settings window displays.

 Set Mode
 Use the arrow keys to navigate to Mode, press the Select button, and then use the
arrow keys and the Select button to set the Pacer Mode to Demand.
 Set Pacer Rate
 Use the arrow keys to navigate to Rate, press the Select button, and then use the
arrow keys and the Select button to set the Pacer Rate to a value 10-20 ppm higher
than the patient’s intrinsic heart rate. If no intrinsic rate exists, use 100 ppm

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 Turn On Pacer
 Use the arrow keys to navigate to Start Pacer, then press the Select button to select
it. The Pacing window displays behind the Pacer Settings window

 Set Pacer Output

 In the Pacer Settings window, use the arrow keys and the Select button to adjust the
pacer output.
 The pacer output is adjustable in 10 mA increments when increasing the output, and
in 5 mA increments when decreasing the output.
 Observe the ECG for evidence of electrical capture.
 Select the lowest output current that achieves both electrical and mechanical
capture.
Note: If the Pacer Settings window disappears before you have set the output current,
press the PACER button again to display the settings window
 Determine Capture
 It is important to recognize when pacing stimulation has produced a ventricular
response (capture).
 Determination of capture must be assessed both electrically and mechanically in
order to ensure appropriate circulatory support of the patient.
 Electrical capture is determined by the presence of a widened QRS complex, the
loss of any underlying intrinsic rhythm, and the appearance of an extended, and
sometimes enlarged, T-wave.
 Ventricular response is normally characterized by suppression of the intrinsic QRS
complex.
 Determine Optimum Threshold
 The ideal pacer current is the lowest value that maintains capture — it is usually
about 10% above threshold.
 Turn down output till capture is lost. Then slowly increase output till capture returns.
Then set output 10mv above threshold

 For Zoll M and R series

 Turn dial to pacer (Zoll M and R series)
 Set rate to 80-100bpm
 Increase output till capture occurs
 Find threshold and safety settings

6. Clinical Issues:
 Minimise interruptions to CPR when defibrillating
 Manual chest compressions should stop only when delivering a shock
 Avoid placing pads over ECG electrodes, ECG leads, CVC sites, implanted devices,
medication patches
 Move patients limbs away from metal fixtures e.g. bed rails
 Move flow of oxygen away from patients chest during delivery of shock as risk of spark
 Check that the patient has motor response to shock which indicates delivery of the
charge. If no response may be that defibrillator has flat battery or lead fracture
 Replace electrode pads every 24hours or 50 defibrillation shocks (Manufacturers
recommendations)
 Check patients skin for burns

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If patient not intubated:

 Recover in left lateral position; administer 02 at 6L/min.
 Maintain NBM until fully conscious.
 Observe for alterations in respiratory pattern.
 Continuous ECG monitoring.
 ½ hourly BP and pulse until stable.
 Obtain 2 hourly and PRN rhythm strips.
 Perform 12 lead ECG.
 Report arrhythmias and abnormal observations

7. Indications:
Defibrillation
 Shockable Rhythms: Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), Unconscious Ventricular Tachycardia
(VT)
Cardioversion
 Tachyarrhythmia’s causing hemodynamic compromise, e.g. VT, SVT, AF, Atrial
Flutter, Atrial tachycardia, Junctional tachycardia

8. Contraindications:
Defibrillation
 If patient has current Do Not Resuscitate order
 Non Shockable rhythm: Asystole, PEA, Bradycardias, Supraventricular Tachycardia’s,
Conscious VT
Cardioversion
 VF, unconscious VT
 Current Digoxin therapy - if emergency cardioversion necessary, reduce energy

9. Precautions:
 Be aware of electrical hazards, the presence of water, metal, oxygen and flammable
substances
 Move flow of oxygen away from patients chest during delivery of shock as risk of spark
 Manual chest compressions should not continue during the delivery of a shock
 Avoid placing pads over ECG electrodes, ECG leads, CVC sites, implanted devices,
medication patches
 Do not allow any person to have direct contact with the patient during defibrillation
 Avoid delivering the shock with a space between the pads and patients chest as it may
cause a spark hazard
 Do not defibrillate if patient and /or resuscitator are in a wet or explosive environment
 Do not use pads if electrodes are damaged

10. Troubleshooting:
 If defibrillation or cardioversion is unsuccessful check:
o 4 H’s and 4 T’s (see Appendix 2 and 3)
o Check pad placement
o Check if there is adequate skin contact. Clean and shave as necessary
o Change the defibrillator pads
o Ensure joules selected are fully charged on defibrillator
o Ensure shock button is pressed
o Ensure defibrillator battery is not depleted

11. Performance Measures

All incidents are documented using the hospital electronic reporting system: IIMS and
managed appropriately by the NUM and staff as directed.

Author: Paula Nekic, CNE ICU

Reviewers: ICU CNC, CNE’s, NM, NUM’s, CNS’s & Staff Specialists
Endorsed by: ICU Medical Director – Prof. Michael Parr

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12. References / Links

1. Basic principles and technique of cardioversion and defibrillation. www.uptodate.com 2015.

Bradley P Knight MD, FAC
2. Resuscitation Central. Defibrillation. www.resuscitationcentral.com 2015
3. Cardioversion. Zoll Medical Corporation. www.zoll.com 2015
4. Australian Resuscitation Guideline. 2010. Guideline 11.4 Electrical therapy for Adult Advanced
nd
Life Support, accessed 2 July 2015 via http://www.resus.org.au/policy/guidelines

13. APPENDIX

Management of Reversible causes: 4 H’s

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4 H’s MANAGEMENT
Hypoxia  Check and maintain airway
 Insert Guedel, ETT, LMA, surgical airway if required
 Check oxygenation and ventilation
Hypovolaemia  Replace blood or fluid loss
Replacement of blood with:
- Crystalloid/ Colloid
- Blood Products
 Anaphylaxis:
Management of ABC
- Adrenaline (IMI, S/C, or IV)
- Hydrocortisone
- Correct hypovolaemia
Hypo/Hyperkalaemia Hypokalaemia
 Potassium of less than 3.5mmol/L
 Replace Potassium

Hyperkalaemia
 IV calcium, 10 mLs 10% CaCl2, up to 3 ampoules, each
over 5 minutes
 hyperventilation: CO2 + H2O  H2CO3  H+ + HCO3-
 50mls 50 % glucose + 10 units Actrapid over 10-15
minutes.
 NaHCO3 to correct acidosis
 Nebulised salbutamol
Hypo/Hyperthermia Hypothermia
 Active core re-warming
 Warmed humidified oxygen
 Warmed intravenous fluids
 Peritoneal lavage
 Extracorporeal warming
 Pleural lavage
Hyperthermia
 Cooling Blankets
 Cooling packs or ice to head, axilla, chest, groin and legs
 Cooled IV fluids
Management of reversible causes: 4 T’s

4 T’s MANAGEMENT
Tamponade  Pericardiocentesis
 open sternotomy wound if post cardiac surgery
Tension  Thorococentesis
Pneumothorax -Chest tube insertion if there is time or a large bore needle through the
2nd intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line

Toxins/tablets  Antidote
 Charcoal (within 1 hr of ingestion)
 Supportive measures ABCDEFG

Thrombus  Thrombolysis, embolectomy or cardiopulmonary bypass to

allow operative removal of the clot.

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