“Second-Chance” AED Pad Design May Prevent Cardiac Death

Bioengineering students at Rice University have collaborated with the Texas Heart Institute to invent a new pad system for AED's.  The pads literally give victims of cardiac arrhythmia a second chance at life.
 
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are common devices that diagnose heart arrhythmias and, when appropriate, deliver an electric shock to bring the heart back into a proper rhythm. Sometimes one shock isn't enough, and a second shock is needed to reset the heart.  But, before a second shock can be delivered, the pads on the chest must be repositioned.  This can take valuable time when every second counts.
 
The Second-Chance AED Pads allow rescuers to deliver the second shock without taking the time to remove the pads and reposition them on the victim's chest. Each pad can deliver two shocks without being removed. 
 
If the first shock doesn't reset the patient's heart, the rescuer can flip an attached switch.  This changes the path of the shock for the second attempt.  The students estimate that the new pads could save at least 13,000 lives a year.
 
The pads are not currently on the market and have not undergone clinical trials. 
 
Most AED devices require that pads be replaced every two years.  Old pads can cause AED malfunction.  Learn more in our article: "It Is Not Enough To Install AEDs: To Save Lives In Florida, AEDs Must Be Properly Maintained."
 
If you have lost a loved one because an AED was not properly maintained, contact AED injury attorney Craig Goldenfarb.