Defibrillator Malfunctions: Types, Risks, and What to Know

Defibrillators, like all technology, are prone to malfunctions and problems. There are two basic types of defibrillator: an external defibrillator and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Both use electrical shocks to either correct a patient's heart rhythm or, in extreme situations, restart the heart.

Implantable Defibrillators

• The most dangerous malfunctions are the ones that occur in cases involving implantable defibrillators. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is used to monitor a patient's heart rhythm. If an abnormal rhythm is detected, electric shocks are delivered to correct it.

Causes

• There are several known causes for defibrillator malfunctions. In some cases, software problems were to blame. In others, manufacturing errors caused the devices to fail. The most common cause, however, was faulty hardware. This includes batteries, capacitors and other electronics.

Dangers

• Since the primary function of a defibrillator is to prevent death in the event of heart fibrillation or failure, a malfunction can cause troubling problems of its own. Device failure can result in serious patient injury, even death.