A defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to reset the heart’s rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Coronary stents are small, mesh tubes placed in arteries to keep them open, a common intervention for heart conditions. As stent prevalence increases, a common question arises: can a defibrillator be safely used on someone with stents?
Defibrillators and Stents: A Safe Combination
Yes, a defibrillator can and should be used on someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, even if they have coronary stents. The life-saving benefit of defibrillation far outweighs any theoretical concern related to the presence of stents. Delaying defibrillation significantly reduces the chance of survival.
Coronary stents are tiny, internal devices typically made from metal alloys such as cobalt-chromium or stainless steel. These stents are designed to integrate with the artery wall and are not positioned in a way that would interfere with the external electrical current delivered by a defibrillator. Studies have shown that using a defibrillator on individuals with stents is safe, with no reported problems related to the stent material or its placement.
Essential Defibrillator Usage Guidelines
When using an automated external defibrillator (AED), several guidelines ensure its effective and safe application. Immediately call emergency services and begin chest compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Once the AED arrives, expose the person’s bare chest and apply the pads as directed by the AED’s visual diagrams and voice prompts. Ensure no one touches the patient during the shock delivery.
It is important to differentiate between stents and other implanted cardiac devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). While stents do not require altered pad placement, pacemakers or ICDs present a small bulge under the skin, typically near the collarbone. If a person has such a device, place AED pads at least one inch (or approximately 3 cm) away from the device’s visible bulge to avoid damaging it or interfering with its function.
Prioritizing Immediate Action
Time is of the essence when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest. Every minute without defibrillation dramatically decreases the chance of survival, with rates dropping by 7% to 10% each minute.
The primary goal in a cardiac arrest emergency is to restore a normal heart rhythm as quickly as possible. Prompt activation of emergency services and immediate use of an available AED are paramount. Rapid defibrillation is the most effective treatment for restoring normal heart function during sudden cardiac arrest.