Electric defibrillation is a life-saving intervention used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. The phonetic transcription for this word is ɪˈlɛktrɪk dɪˌfɪbrəˈleɪʃən. The word "electric" is spelled with the IPA symbol /ɛ/ to indicate that the vowel sound is "eh" as in "bed". "Defibrillation" is spelled with stress on the second syllable /fɪbrəˈleɪʃən/, with the "i" pronounced as "ih" as in "it". Correct spelling is vital in medical terminology to ensure clear communication and accuracy in treatment.
Electric defibrillation is a medical procedure that involves the use of an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in individuals experiencing a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, particularly ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. It is performed using a device known as a defibrillator, which delivers controlled electric shocks to the heart through electrodes placed on the chest of the patient.
During an episode of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the heart's electrical signals become disorganized, causing it to quiver rather than contract effectively and pump blood. Electric defibrillation aims to interrupt this chaotic rhythm and allow the heart's electrical system to regain a normal pattern.
The defibrillator delivers an electrical shock to the heart, typically in the form of a brief high-energy pulse. This shock momentarily stops the heart's electrical activity, allowing the natural pacemaker cells to regain control and reestablish a regular heartbeat. Electric defibrillation is often performed in conjunction with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maximize the chances of successfully restoring normal heart rhythm.
Electric defibrillation is considered a time-sensitive emergency procedure that should be administered as soon as possible after the onset of cardiac arrest. When used promptly and correctly, it has proven to be highly effective in saving lives and preventing irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs.
The word "electric defibrillation" is derived from two main sources:
1. Electric: The term "electric" comes from the Latin word "electrum" and the Greek word "ēlektron", both meaning "amber". Amber is a fossilized tree resin known to produce static electricity when rubbed. The scientific study of electricity began with discoveries related to static electricity and electrical phenomena in the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Defibrillation: The term "defibrillation" originates from two Latin roots: "de-" which means "removal" or "away from", and "fibrilla" which means "small fiber" or "nerve fiber". The term refers to the removal or interruption of abnormal fibrillations, specifically in the context of cardiac arrhythmias. In medical practice, defibrillation involves delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm.