COMBINED EPICARDIAL-TRANSTHORACIC ELECTRODE PADDLE PLACEMENT - A METHOD FOR DEFIBRILLATION DURING OPEN-CHEST CARDIAC RESUSCITATION

We present a case of open-chest cardiac massage where ventricular fibr illation developed and a direct current shock was required. In the abs ence of 'surgical' electrode paddles, standard paddle electrodes were used; one small electrode was placed directly on the exposed epicardia l surface and the second electrode was placed on the lateral chest wal l. Defibrillation was achieved with a 100 J shock. This combined epica rdial-transthoracic electrode paddle placement technique allows defibr illation to be accomplished when open chest cardiac massage is being p erformed and no 'surgical' electrode paddles are available. (C) 1997 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd.