What does a ZOLL LifeVest do?
When the
subject of treatment for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) comes up between a patient
and their physician, the conversation can be overwhelming or disorienting as
the patient attempts to understand their own precarious situation, as well as
steps for treatment moving forward. Here, we take the time to take a slightly
closer look at SCA and the ZOLL LifeVest, a wearable
defibrillator that offers a potentially life-saving option to those at risk
of SCA. Before look into the specifics of the ZOLL LiveVest and how it works,
it’s important to understand who can benefit from the LifeVest, and what
circumstances preclude its prescription.
What is SCA?
The heartbeat is controlled by the heart’s electrical system. When
this system fails, it can trigger a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm. This
causes the heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to the body and
brain, which is a sudden and serious condition. This is sudden cardiac arrest
(SCA). Without immediate treatment, death occurs in minutes; this is sudden
cardiac death (SCD).
Over 65%
of Americans not only underestimate the
seriousness of SCA, but also mistakenly SCA for a type of heart attack. A
major contributing factor to how fatal sudden cardiac arrest can be is that it
is truly “sudden.” In most cases, victims of SCA can lose consciousness quickly
and without warning, and thus cannot help themselves. If the victim is alone or
the event is not witnessed, or if the victim does not have a device to
automatically intervene and deliver defibrillation, death occurs within
minutes. Recent research shows that over 50% of sudden
cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital are not witnessed.
As the third most common cause of death in the United States, SCA
is experienced by 356,000 people every year. 90% of SCA episodes are fatal
outside of a hospital; however, survival rates can increase with immediate
treatment. If a bystander is present, they can administer CPR or use an
automated external defibrillator (AED).
Where the ZOLL LifeVest Comes In
For certain at-risk heart patients, a physician may prescribe a
ZOLL LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), which does not require
any bystander assistance.
Unlike an AED, ZOLL LifeVest is worn directly against the skin 24
hours a day. It should only be removed for a short shower or bath. When worn as
directed, the device can provide a constant safeguard against SCD. ZOLL
LifeVest is designed to detect life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and
automatically deliver a treatment shock to restore normal rhythm. LifeVest does
not require the assistance of another person or emergency personnel for it to
work, so it can provide SCD protection even when a person is alone.
LifeVest is indicated for a wide range of heart patients who are
at risk for SCD. This includes patients who have a low ejection fraction (EF)
or weak heart muscle and one of the following:
- Recent heart attack
- A viral infection in the heart
- Heart failure
- Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
How the LifeVest Works
ZOLL LifeVest consists of three main parts: a garment, an
electrode belt, and a monitor. The garment is worn under clothing, directly
against a patient’s skin. It also holds the electrode belt, which is designed
to monitor the heart and deliver a treatment shock if a life-threatening rapid
heart rhythm is detected. The monitor, which is worn around the waist or with a
shoulder strap, continuously records the heart rate.
The entire event, from detecting a life-threatening rapid
heartbeat to automatically delivering a shock, usually takes less than a
minute. It is important to note that LifeVest does not treat all heart
conditions, such as a dangerously slow heart rate or a complete stoppage of the
heart, which are not treatable by a defibrillation shock.
ZOLL LifeVest allows patients to return to most normal daily
activities with the peace of mind that they have protection from sudden cardiac
death. The LifeVest WCD does not require the assistance of another person or
emergency personnel to work, so it can offer protection at any time and in any
location.
More information can be found at ZOLL’s website.