Defibrillator Dangers

Scientific advancement has created the defibrillator for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. A Defibrillator is a small electrical box implanted into the muscle near the heart that sends an electrical shock to the heart when beating becomes detrimentally rapid. Depending on the device, the battery must be replaced and a new surgery undertaken approximately every five years. While this device saves countless lives every day, it is not without its drawbacks and hazards.

Malfunctioning Defibrillator

• Patients with a defibrillator implantation often complain that their defibrillator went off, producing an electrical pulse, when it was unnecessary. While the patient cannot be absolutely sure the shock was unjustifiable, in at least some of these instances the patients were correct. As this is an electrical device implanted in the body, any malfunctioning in the battery or wire runs the risk of sending an unwarranted electrical shock to the heart.

Dangers for Children

• While defibrillators can be worn at virtually any age, they are predominantly used for the elderly. Still, children who require such a device receive the implantation. Children are at a higher risk of receiving accidental shock as they are more active than the elderly. Engaging in activities that produce a fast heart rate will trigger the shock mechanism. This can occur during normal play with children.

Surgical Risk

• Every surgery consists of at least some degree of risk for the patient. Because a defibrillator must be implanted near the heart, the doctor musdt provide an anesthetic. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, risks include excessive bleeding from surgery, damage to the heart, nerves, or surrounding blood vessels, infection, and/or a collapsed lung.