Precise Measurement of Pediatric Defibrillation Thresholds

Measurement of the defibrillation threshold was performed using a modified binary search protocol. This protocol specified three distinct inductions of ventricular fibrillation (VF) for all subjects, with a 3-5 minute observation/waiting period between inductions. The initial shock energy was programmed at 9 joules (J) for all patients, with internal rescue shocks at 31J followed by device-specific maximum deliverable energy. The outcome of the initial induction determined the programmed energies for both the initial and internal rescue shocks for the second induction, and likewise for the third induction. All shocks were biphasic and delivered at manufacturers' default tilt, polarity and duration, and all final programmed shock vectors included an active can. External defibrillation pads were in place for delivery of external rescue shock should the internal shocks fail.

Prior to each of the three ventricular fibrillation inductions performed as part of the binary search protocol, post-shock pacing was re-programmed using a pre-determined, stepwise protocol that progressively decreased the lower rate limit. For the purpose of this protocol, post-shock pacing was considered necessary if 1) ≥7 ventricular-paced beats or 2) asystole >4 seconds was observed in the first 20 seconds after defibrillation, or if the systolic blood pressure demonstrated a >10% decrease from pre-induction baseline at follow-up measurement 1 minute post-defibrillation. Rescue ventricular pacing via the programmer was available for all subjects.