Can we use low-voltage defibrillation to treat heart rhythm disturbances?

Investigating the mechanisms of low-voltage defibrillation and its application to the human ventricle to facilitate its translation into the clinic

Defibrillation, where strong electrical shocks are applied to the heart, is the only effective therapy against life-threatening heartbeat irregularities (arrhythmias). Despite its success, strong electrical shocks can cause pain, trauma and long-term health problems. Recent research suggests that combinations of many much weaker electric shocks may be just as effective at stopping an irregular heartbeat as one strong shock. Dr Martin Bishop and colleagues at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at King’s College London are using computer models, alongside experimental measurements, to better understand how electric shocks interact with cardiac tissue to optimise the use of low-energy defibrillation within the clinic. This research aims to make the use of low-voltage defibrillation protocols a reality in patients, significantly improving the quality-of-life and long-term health prospects of many thousands of individuals in the UK.