Optimal timing for electrical defibrillation after prolonged untreated ventricular fibrillation

Abstract

Improved outcome after prolonged untreated ventricular fibrillation may result from strategies that provide chest compression before attempting defibrillation and avoid early and repetitive defibrillation attempts. The amplitude and frequency characteristics of the ventricular fibrillation waveform could help identify the optimal timing for attempting electrical defibrillation.