Defibrillator pads are a useful tool for the management of life-threatening arrhythmias that occur during complex or reoperative cardiac surgical procedures. During these, internal defibrillation cannot be achieved. So two self-adhesive external pads are attached to the patient before the delivery of current for defibrillation or cardioversion is delivered. It does away with the need for removal of adhesive surgical drapes and the cumbersome use of external defibrillator paddles.
Defibrillator pads are constructed of a thin flexible conductor sandwiched between a protective polymer backing and a hydro-gel adhesive. These pads withstand the rigors of Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation and harsh conditions. Soft, flexible and oval-shaped, these pads conform to body contours for larger surface contact and adhesion. These electrode pads can serve various important functions such as ECG monitoring, external pacing, and synchronized cardioversion as also defibrillation.
Defibrillators, ever since their invention, have traditionally been used on adults. Unfortunately, in recent times, there are many children who have succumbed to cardiac arrests. Special defibrillator pads can be used safely on children under 8 years or 55 pounds of weight. As per American Health Association guidelines, 50 J pads provides sufficient energy to ensure that children up to 8 years or 55 pounds receive at least 2 J/kg,
Defibrillator pads ease the defibrillator's shock from the adult dose of 150 Joules to just 50 Joules, an appropriate dose for infants and small children. The pad was designed carefully to ensure safety in treating infants and children. Their packaging, graphics and pink bear-shaped connector clearly communicate that they are for children.
It is not possible to perform significant defibrillation clinical trials on children to test for shock efficacy because of ethical reasons. American Health Association has laid down a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 100%.
When a small child suffers cardiac arrest, many response protocols traditionally bank on Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation. A paramedic with a manual defibrillator must be on hand to do this, and not all paramedics have this equipment and training. This could lead to a tragic delay.
Automated defibrillator pads are recommended in cases of children with a known cardiac history. They are also recommended for use on adults undergoing complex surgical procedures.
