A Defibrillator is a device that mainly applies in the medical field for patients suffering from cardiac arrest. This article explains defibrillator side effects long-term.
The gadget gives a high-energy electric shock to the heart of the patient. The process aims to save the life of an individual suffering from cardiac arrest.
This device usually is effective in its function. However, some customer reviews show that the device can expose patients to long-term Defibrillator side effects.
Therefore, exploring the possible side effect is vital before buying or allowing doctors to use the gadget on you or your patient.
What is a Defibrillator Used For?
A Defibrillator is a device used to promote heart health. The device works by sending an electric shock or pulse to the heart. This process aims to restore a normal heartbeat.
In addition, the gadget can correct or prevent arrhythmia. This condition is where the heartbeat is too fast or too slow, which makes it uneven.
Defibrillator Placement
There is a specific procedure for placing a Defibrillator on a patient. Placing the gadget on the left upper chest is vital if the patient is right-handed. The converse is true for left-handed patients.
In the first case where the patient is right-handed, the S-ICDs should be implanted near the heart, specifically on the left side of the chest. The converse is also true for a left-handed patient.
Is CPR Needed After Defibrillation?
When performing first aid, users can administer CPR until a defibrillator is available.
CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. When you find someone unresponsive, start CPR. Call emergency services and wait for them to provide a defibrillator if you don’t have one.
When a defibrillator is available, cut open the patient’s clothing to ensure the defibrillator pads can touch the patient’s skin.
Ensure you wipe away any sweat too.
According to St. John’s Ambulance, the defibrillator monitors the patient’s cardiac rhythm once you stick the pads as instructed above.
Keep bystanders away when the defibrillator tells you that a shock is needed. The defibrillator then tells you when to press the shock button.
After the shock, the defibrillator tells you to continue CPR for two minutes before it re-analyzes the patient’s heartbeat.
If the defibrillator instructs you that no shock is needed, continue CPR for two minutes before the defibrillator re-analyzes.
10 Little Known Defibrillator Side Effects Long-Term
#1. Infection at the Implant Point
One of the little-known defibrillator side effects, long-term, is a possible infection at the point of implantation. Like any other wound, the point of implantation can develop an infection if exposed to bacteria.
Research shows that wound infection can be dangerous and even life-threatening, mainly if it develops into tetanus. Therefore, the wound should be treated carefully after implantation.
The best remedy for this symptom is antibacterial and antibiotics for treatment.
#2. Swelling
Swelling is another possible side effect of using a Defibrillator. This condition usually is alarming, especially if it continues for a more extended period.
This symptom is one of the anticipated little-known defibrillator side effects long-term that affects most patients. The inflammation is usually caused by inserting the gadget through the skin.
This symptom can also be mitigated using anti-inflammatory formulas and antibiotics for adverse cases.
#3. Bleeding
Bleeding is mandatory, especially if the skin is injured. Therefore, the patient will bleed in the process of implanting the Defibrillator.
However, a study shows that normal bleeding should stop after some time because of blood clotting. If this process does not happen, the symptom becomes one of the little-known defibrillator side effects long-term.
This situation can be alarming and life-threatening.
In this case, it is vital to seek medical help from a qualified health practitioner.
#4. Bruising
It is also possible for the skin to bruise, especially when implanting a defibrillator. However, the bruises should diminish with time.
If this symptom persists, the condition also becomes one of the alarming defibrillator side effects in the long term. In such a case, the patient needs to seek medical help.
Besides, bruises can also develop into wounds which can cause infection. Therefore, it is also vital for medical practitioners to follow instructions carefully when implanting the Defibrillator to minimize bruises.
#5. Blood Vessel Damage
The process of implanting a Defibrillator can also damage the blood vessels. Research shows that this condition can occur if the medical practitioner is not careful or the vessels are too delicate.
In addition, this kind of damage mainly results from ICD leads.
The best remedy or preventive measure for blood vessel damage is following the manufacturer’s instructions when implanting the device.
It is also essential to employ the services of a vascular doctor if the implantation is done in a hospital.
#6. Bleeding Around the Heart
Another one of the little-known defibrillator side effects, long-term, is bleeding around the heart. This kind of bleeding differs from the one at implanting the device.
Bleeding around the heart can be life-threatening and should be avoided.
The best way to avoid this symptom is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for implantation. It is also vital to involve the service of a cardiologist if the process is conducted in a hospital.
#7. Blood Leakage
Blood can leak through the heart valve through a process called regurgitation. According to research, the situation can, specifically, occur at the point where the ICD lead is placed.
This kind of leakage can also be life-threatening, especially if not detected and rectified in time.
Therefore, it is also vital to seek a cardiologist’s services to help in the implantation process. In addition, this is one of the little-known defibrillator side effects; long-term, a cardiologist can only detect that.
#8. Collapsed Lung
Another one of the little-known defibrillator side effects, long-term, is collapsing of the lung. This situation can occur if the implantation is not done correctly and touches the lungs.
The condition is also known as pneumothorax.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is the best way to prevent this risk. However, it is also necessary to incorporate the services of a pulmonologist if necessary.
Besides, there can be a tiny window to correct any problem.
Furthermore, long-term side effects can lead to other alarming and life-threatening conditions.
#9. Cardiac Perforation
Cardiac perforation is one of the little-known defibrillator side effects long-term. Research shows that cardiac perforation occurs when the leads or the entire device shift during the implantation process.
This condition can sometimes result from strange events during the implantation process.
The best remedy or preventive measure for this symptom is following the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also necessary to incorporate the services of a cardiologist if necessary.
#10 Uneven Heartbeat
The device is supposed to regularize the heartbeat. However, this is one of the little-known defibrillator side effects, long-term, where the beat becomes uneven instead of lowering or increasing the heartbeat.
This situation is like worsening an already bad situation. In most cases, the condition happens under certain conditions. Therefore, the best remedy here is to seek the services of a cardiologist.
Conclusion
A defibrillator is a device that can help regularize heartbeat, especially for cardiac arrest patients. If used properly, the device can help save lives.
However, there are little-known defibrillator side effects, long-term, that users should know. Some symptoms result from not following instructions during implantation or ignoring some underlying conditions.
Therefore, using the device as per the manufacturer’s instructions is vital.
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