Defibrillation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Delivery of an electric shock to the heart to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias like VF and VT.
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What is Defibrillation?
Delivery of an electric shock to the heart to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias like VF and VT.
Immediate — seconds per shock
ICU monitoring post-procedure
Emergency — hospital charges
None
85% (VF treated within 3 min)
Inpatient
Why Defibrillation Is Needed
Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening abnormal heart rhythms, specifically ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, where the heart quivers or beats too fast to pump blood effectively. It's performed immediately whenever these dangerous rhythms are identified, most often during cardiac arrest.
Signs You May Need Defibrillation
Sudden collapse with loss of consciousness, absence of a pulse, and no normal breathing are the defining signs that prompt defibrillation, usually identified through an ECG monitor or automated external defibrillator (AED) reading a shockable rhythm. There are no warning symptoms beforehand in most cases since the arrhythmia itself causes sudden collapse.
Types of Defibrillation
Manual defibrillation, used by trained medical personnel who interpret the heart rhythm themselves, allows immediate shock delivery in a hospital or ambulance setting. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), found in public spaces, automatically analyze the heart rhythm and guide even untrained bystanders through delivering a shock safely.
Hospitals offering Defibrillation (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Chennai, Tamil Nadu — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Defibrillation (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone use a defibrillator?
Yes, AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders, with voice prompts guiding you through each step, and they won't deliver a shock unless one is actually needed.
How successful is defibrillation?
Survival rates are around 85% when ventricular fibrillation is treated within the first 3 minutes, which is why speed is so critical in cardiac arrest.
Is it safe to use a defibrillator on someone?
Yes, AEDs are designed to be safe for use by the public and will only advise a shock if the device detects a shockable rhythm.
What happens after a successful shock restores the heartbeat?
The patient is taken to the ICU for close monitoring and treatment of the underlying cause of the arrhythmia.
Can defibrillation be used on someone whose heart has completely stopped?
No, defibrillation only works on specific shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation; a fully stopped heart (asystole) requires CPR and medications rather than a shock — emergency responders are trained to recognize the difference.