Inconsistent shock advisories for monomorphic VT and Torsade de Pointes--A prospective experimental study on AEDs and defibrillators.

Background: Cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac arrest are the leading causes of death in the United States. Early defibrillation is key to successful resuscitation for patients who experience shockable rhythms during a cardiac arrest. It is therefore vital that the shock advisory of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) or defibrillators in AED mode be reliable and appropriate.