Dual External Defibrillation
Cardiovascular
Context
- Refractory Ventricular Fibrillation (RVF) is defined as ventricular fibrillation that is unresponsive to three or more defibrillation attempts.
- Dual External Defibrillation (DED) is a technique in which two defibrillators are used to treat RVF after failure of traditional Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) measures and defibrillation. DED includes Dual Simultaneous Defibrillation (DSiD – shocks delivered at exactly the same time) and Dual Sequential Defibrillation (DSD – shocks delivered in close sucession). Because it is practically very difficult to defibrillate at exactly the same time, functionally most studies evaluate DSD, as opposed to DSiD.
How does DED work?
- There are several theories why DED might work:
- More Power – Most commercial defibrillators cannot deliver more than 360J, and some studies have shown that more energy results in higher likelihood of ROSC.
- The Set Up – The first shock lowers the defibrillation threshold and “sets up” a successful second shock.
- Multiple Vectors – Multiple vectors of energy delivery ensure more of the myocardium is depolarized by the defibrillation.
What are the harms of DED?
- There are unlikely to be any iatrogenic complications of DED for the patient, especially given the premorbid state of cardiac arrest.
- However, there can be harm to your defibrillator if not performed correctly. Specific pitfalls include:
- Using different defibrillators (different brand OR different model).
- Pads in contact with each other.
- Simultaneous defibrillation.
How is DED performed?
- Two IDENTICAL (same brand and model) defibrillators are required. Use of different defibrillators can result in damage to the devices.
- The original pads (DEFIB 1) are placed in the traditional anterolateral position, and will already be on the patient.
- The second set of pads (DEFIB 2) can be placed either Anterior-Posterior (Figure 1) or Anterior (Figure 2).
- NOTE: Defibrillator pads should be close, but NEVER touching each other.
![](https://www.bcemergencynetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Anterior-Posterior.png)
Figure 1. DEFIB 1 positioned anterolateral and DEFIB 2 positioned anterior-posterior.
![](https://www.bcemergencynetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Both-Anterior.png)
Figure 2. DEFIB 1 positioned anterolateral and DEFIB 2 positioned anterior.
- One provider should ideally press both shock buttons at approximately (but not exactly) the same time. In theory, simultaneous defibrillation may damage some types of defibrillators and is not recommended by manufacturers.
When should I consider using DED?
- DED should be considered in patients with RVF and after traditional ACLS measures (e.g. anti-arrhythmics) have failed. DED should NOT be used for patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT/electrical Storm).
- Given the low quality of evidence for DED, greater consideration should be given to interventions with higher likelihood of patient benefit, if available in your center. For example, activation of your extracorporeal life support team, or transport of the patient with mechanical CPR for percutaneous coronary intervention should take precedent. However, there are many centers where these interventions are not available without ROSC, or not available at all, and DED may be a reasonable intervention.
Other Resources
Quality Of Evidence?
High
We are highly confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect. There is a wide range of studies included in the analyses with no major limitations, there is little variation between studies, and the summary estimate has a narrow confidence interval.
Moderate
We consider that the true effect is likely to be close to the estimate of the effect, but there is a possibility that it is substantially different. There are only a few studies and some have limitations but not major flaws, there are some variations between studies, or the confidence interval of the summary estimate is wide.
Low
When the true effect may be substantially different from the estimate of the effect. The studies have major flaws, there is important variations between studies, of the confidence interval of the summary estimate is very wide.
Justification
- The overall evidence for DED is low, comprised of case reports and case series with a high risk of bias. DED is not currently recommended by the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care (AHA-ECC) Guidelines.
- In May 2020, a pilot randomized controlled trial called DOSE-VF was published, with promising results. However, the full randomized controlled trial is ongoing and will need evaluation and external validation before widespread use.
Related Information
Reference List
Relevant Resources
RELEVANT RESEARCH IN BC
Cardiovascular EmergenciesRESOURCE AUTHOR(S)
DISCLAIMER
The purpose of this document is to provide health care professionals with key facts and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the emergency department. This summary was produced by Emergency Care BC (formerly the BC Emergency Medicine Network) and uses the best available knowledge at the time of publication. However, healthcare professionals should continue to use their own judgment and take into consideration context, resources and other relevant factors. Emergency Care BC is not liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs or obligations arising from the use of this document including loss or damages arising from any claims made by a third party. Emergency Care BC also assumes no responsibility or liability for changes made to this document without its consent.
Last Updated Sep 08, 2024
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