Saturday July 24, 2010


Q: What is the basic difference between monophasic and biphasic cardioversion?


Answer:

In monophasic cardioversion, the current travels only in one direction - from one paddle to the other.

In biphasic cardioversion, the current travels towards the positive paddle and then reverses and goes back; this occurs several times delivering one cycle every 10 milliseconds. They are associated with fewer burns and less myocardial damage and said to have higher first shock success.