Final answer:
Cardioversion and defibrillation are procedures providing electric shocks to treat different types of heart arrhythmias. An AED can diagnose and treat such conditions in emergencies. Transcutaneous pacing with devices like pacemakers is used for chronic arrhythmias, sometimes integrated with defibrillator capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Cardioversion, Defibrillation, and Transcutaneous Pacing
When addressing heart arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms, patients may require urgent treatment to restore normal function. Cardioversion and defibrillation are procedures that deliver controlled electric shocks to the heart. Cardioversion is typically used for arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation, where the goal is to restore a normal rhythm while the ventricles continue to pump blood. Defibrillation, on the other hand, is an emergency response to conditions such as ventricular fibrillation, where the ventricles do not pump blood effectively. In such cases, if left untreated for several minutes, it may result in brain death.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can deliver a needed shock to correct an arrhythmia. This device is commonly found in public places and can be used by laypersons, as it diagnoses the heart condition and delivers a shock with the appropriate energy and waveform.
For chronic arrhythmias, a transcutaneous pacing device like an artificial pacemaker might be used. It delivers electrical impulses to the heart muscle to ensure continuous, effective pumping of blood. Some pacemakers also incorporate defibrillator functions to address irregular rhythms as they occur.