Effect like in a salon: top 5 best devices for home lifting

Tighten the skin, improve the oval of the face, get rid of facial wrinkles and jowls - these effects are promised by manufacturers of home lifting devices. The promises are tempting, because performing anti-aging procedures at home is much cheaper than in a beauty salon. But should we believe them?

Do non-professional RF lifting devices actually work? What results are they capable of and what will they not be able to handle? What to look for when choosing a device, how to use it to achieve the best effect? Read the answers to these questions in the FAN .

Possibilities of hardware lifting

In cosmetology, lifting is a set of procedures aimed at tightening the skin. This effect is achieved in different ways. The most traumatic is the operating room, which is also the most expensive. One of the riskiest and most painful is injection.

Against this background, hardware lifting techniques look completely harmless. Skin tightening using hardware does not cause pain or discomfort, does not pose any side effects, and has a minimal list of contraindications. What's the catch?

In fact, it doesn't exist. Professionals in the field of cosmetology confidently recommend hardware lifting procedures to patients over 25 years of age who are concerned about the first age-related changes:

• ptosis of tissues in the cheeks, chin, neck;
• drooping eyelids, appearance of bags under the eyes;
• changing the oval of the face;
• the appearance of a nasolabial fold, wrinkles in the eye area, eyebrows.

Hardware techniques for rejuvenation are equally effective both after 30 years, when they help preserve and maintain the youth of the skin, and after 40-50 years, making it possible to make even pronounced signs of aging less noticeable.

What problems do microcurrents solve?

According to numerous advertising articles on the Internet, microcurrent therapy can eliminate almost all aesthetic problems, including ptosis, deep wrinkles and loss of firmness. But which of all this is true?

“Microcurrents work well for lymphatic drainage,” says Tatyana Ponomareva. “Therefore, this technique can be recommended if you are prone to swelling of the face as a whole or the formation of bags under the eyes. The procedure is also recommended for those who have recently undergone plastic surgery on the face. The rehabilitation period after plastic surgery is usually accompanied by tissue swelling. A microcurrent course will be very useful in such a situation. All other effects that are attributed to this popular technique are very conditional.”

Types of face lifting devices

There are several types of lifting devices. The device for ultrasonic face lifting generates ultrasound waves that gently stimulate blood flow and improve metabolic processes in tissues. Devices for micromassage create tangible vibrations, allowing you to achieve the same effect using mechanical action.

But the most widely used devices are thermal lifting, or RF lifting. They do not create ultrasonic waves or magnetic radiation, but rather generate short radio waves that penetrate the body to a depth of 40 mm.

The principle of operation of the RF lifting device is the directed impact of waves generated by the device on areas requiring correction. Penetrating deep into the tissues, radio waves heat up the subcutaneous fat, which causes a complex of responses from the body.

Warming up thins the subcutaneous fat layer. This reduces the volume of tissue and prevents sagging.

Blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases. The rate of metabolic processes in the epidermis and dermis increases, which promotes skin renewal.

The structure and quality of collagen fibers change. After the initial thermal effect, they shrink: this is how protein reacts to heat. Thanks to this, the very first procedure significantly tightens the tissue. Subsequently, the thermal effect destroys damaged collagen fibers, forcing the body to produce new structural elements of the skin. Active collagen production begins 21 days after the first RF lifting procedure. The skin becomes denser, more elastic, and the severity of wrinkles is noticeably reduced.

Thanks to the targeted effect, the face lifting device helps to correct the first and already noticeable age-related changes: raise eyebrows, get rid of folds in the nasolabial area, tone the neck, cheeks and chin. The effect lasts for six months.

Devices are distinguished according to the principle of influence. There are three types of devices on the market.

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Monopolar

They generate a stream of radio waves, which is concentrated strictly under the handpiece. The selected area of ​​the skin is heated vigorously: the temperature in the subcutaneous fat layer rises to 50-60 degrees. This is acceptable for correcting imperfections on the body, for example, combating cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. But it is unacceptable to use such a device on thin facial skin. In addition, when working with it, the qualifications of a specialist are important: in inexperienced hands, the device can cause serious harm to health.

Fact. The RF lifting procedure performed with a monopolar device may be accompanied by discomfort, a burning sensation, and swelling may occur after the procedure. In modern cosmetology, devices are used in short courses to treat deep fatty deposits on the body.

Bipolar

They generate two streams of radio waves that evenly distribute heat in the subcutaneous fat layer. The degree of heating is controlled, the maximum heating temperature is 40-45 degrees. This allows the devices to be used for RF lifting procedures on the facial skin and thin skin around the eyes.

Fact. Bipolar devices are suitable for home use, but care must be taken when treating the area around the eyes.

Tripolar (multipolar)

A new generation of devices that are considered the best lifting devices. They generate not a constant, but a flux of radio waves that changes every second. Thanks to this, traumatic heating of any area is eliminated, and the temperature effect on the subcutaneous fat tissue is minimal. Discomfort during the procedure is eliminated, while at the same time the speed of working through problem areas is as high as possible.

Fact. The devices are effective and safe, suitable for correcting age-related changes in the face and neck, and can be used at home.

How is the procedure performed?

A microcurrent treatment session is carried out using special devices that generate a current that is supplied to the skin through electrodes. There are two ways to perform this popular aesthetic procedure. They differ mainly in what technique the specialist uses.

• First way. A guide base in the form of a cream, gel or tonic is applied to cleansed facial skin. Then the cosmetologist, having selected the intensity of the device’s impact, treats the face with electrodes using slow rotational movements. The session lasts approximately half an hour and ends with the application of a soothing agent to the skin.
• Second way. After cleansing, a special thermal mask is applied to the face, and a film is placed on top. The microcurrent procedure itself is carried out by hand: the cosmetologist puts on special gloves with electrodes and massages the skin.

Contraindications to microcurrents, as for all physiotherapeutic procedures, according to our expert, are: acute diseases and chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation; malignant and benign neoplasms near the procedure; skin diseases at the site of the procedure in the acute stage; herpes, the presence of dental metal structures and implants; first generation cardiac pacemakers.

How to choose a lifting device for home use

Devices for professional use are stationary installations, equipped with the ability to fine-tune settings and a range of additional functions. They allow the cosmetologist to individually select the temperature and determine the degree of impact on the problem area.

Devices for home lifting are compact, operate at a constant temperature and do not offer individual settings. But they are much cheaper and at the same time adequately cope with the main task.

When choosing, you should focus on the following characteristics of the devices.

Features of RF radiation

Choose a bipolar or tripolar device that can be used safely at home. Pay attention to the radiation frequency: the gold standard for hardware lifting has become a frequency of 1-2 MHz. It is enough to work out the dermis and subcutaneous fat.

Intensity and duration of the procedure

Some models do not allow you to set the radiation intensity, others are more flexible in settings. But the more opportunities for “maneuver” the manufacturer provides, the better. Give preference to a device that has several intensity settings.

Choose a model equipped with a timer: this will make it easier to control the exposure time.

Device type

Even devices for home use can be designed to solve different problems. If the device is universal, that is, it can be used to correct problems of the face and body, then it requires extreme caution when used on the delicate skin of the face and around the eyes.

Decide on the tasks that the device should solve. If you plan to use it only for a face lift, choose a model designed for that purpose only. It will be safer and more effective compared to the universal one.

Brand and guarantees

The device must be certified in Russia. Only in this case is it considered safe and can be used for cosmetic procedures. Please note the warranty period stated by the manufacturer: the minimum should be six months. The longer the manufacturer claims, the better.

Additional features

Manufacturers can provide devices with other capabilities that turn the device into a full-fledged machine for cosmetic procedures at home. Here are a few of the most useful ones.

Myostimulation. Electrical impulses cause contraction of facial muscles, which improves blood circulation, stimulates metabolic processes, and smoothes out small and pronounced facial wrinkles. The effect is comparable to a professional massage, only without a superficial effect on the skin, which reduces the risk of rashes and clogged pores.

Microcurrents. Microcurrent therapy improves metabolic processes in cells, promotes tissue regeneration, increases the intensity of production of structural elements of the skin, and helps cope with noticeable defects on the face: post-acne marks, pigmentation.

Iontophoresis. A hardware technique that allows the active components of cosmetics to penetrate deeper into the tissue. Thanks to it, you can get a more pronounced and faster effect from the use of anti-aging serums, anti-inflammatory drugs, and whitening agents.

Chromotherapy. Exposure of the skin to light waves. By selecting the spectrum of the light wave, the user can set the depth of exposure and the desired effect. The red spectrum penetrates deeper than others, it has a rejuvenating effect. Blue works on the surface of the epidermis, has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect.

Ultrasonic cleaning. An ultrasonic cleaning and lifting device will allow you to carry out deep facial cleansing and correct age-related changes at home. However, it is important to understand that the lifting effect declared by the manufacturer will be achieved not through RF exposure, but through micromassage. The working head of the device is identical to a scrubber for ultrasonic cleaning, which, in micromassage mode, stimulates the dermis and subcutaneous fat layer without heating it. The effectiveness of the device will be lower compared to traditional RF lifting devices.

The more additional functions a device provides, the more expensive it is. However, expensive does not mean it is effective. As a rule, the user is limited to one or two functions, while others remain unclaimed. The most valuable additional features, according to user reviews, are myostimulation and microcurrent therapy.

Microcurrent procedure at home

Microcurrent therapy, due to its complete safety, can be easily performed both in the salon and at home. All the necessary devices and products can be easily found in specialized cosmetic stores, saving your budget several times. The price of the procedure in this case will be quite affordable.

But do not forget that devices for home use are significantly inferior in power to salon ones. Therefore, if you decide to practice microcurrent therapy on your own, increase the number of sessions several times.

When performing the procedure at home, the sequence of actions remains unchanged:

• First, remove makeup and cleanse the skin.
• Apply contact gel containing hyaluronic acid.
• Using a special apparatus, we begin the procedure itself.

At the end of the course of microcurrent therapy, there are no traces, redness or other side effects left on the skin. There are also absolutely no restrictions on makeup, no need to take additional medications or follow strict instructions.

Read material on the topic: Modeling the oval of the face: methods, possible effects, advantages of the procedure

The best lifting devices

In this selection, we included devices that use traditional radiofrequency technology to deeply affect tissue and combine ease of use, effectiveness and safety in a compact package while following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Beauty Star 3D RF

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The working head of the device is equipped with 12 magnets that generate radio waves. Their oscillation frequency is 1 MHz, the operating principle is multipolar. The procedure does not cause discomfort: the user may notice a slight warmth. The manufacturer notes that after a course of procedures, collagen synthesis increases by 37%, and more than 90% of users report increased skin elasticity.

The device is compact and lightweight, with a built-in battery, making it convenient to use. The intensity of the impact can be set using buttons on the body. The size of the handpiece allows you to capture large areas of skin, which means that the device can be used not only to correct the oval of the face, but also to combat cellulite on the body.

The average price is 5490 rubles.

Sennix RF-lifting Flawless

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The compact device has a whole range of valuable features. It generates radio waves for thermolifting and allows you to use chromotherapy and myostimulation to correct age-related changes. It looks stylish, is equipped with a display that makes it convenient to select the operating mode, and a timer for auto-shutdown. Lights up during use and fits comfortably in your hand.

According to reviews, there is an effect from using the device. The device helps to cope with small wrinkles and makes deep ones less noticeable. Reduces fat in the cheeks and double chin, but requires discipline and a course of procedures to achieve results. Among the shortcomings, users note the instructions in English, which are difficult to understand, and the low-quality plastic of the case.

The average price is 2890 rubles.

Gezatone 6 in 1 M1610

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The manufacturer positions the device as a cosmetology machine with wide capabilities for aesthetic procedures at home. The Gezatone face lifting device is equipped with the functions of RF skin tightening, myostimulation, microvibration and cooling toning. It has a delicate effect on the skin, does not cause damage, and allows you to choose an individual correction program. It is recommended to perform the procedures up to three times a week for 15 minutes.

Users note the ease of use of the device, its mobility, compactness and stylish appearance. Powered by a battery, it retains its charge for a long time. The procedures are effective, comfortable and painless, and the instructions for use are simple and logical, easy to understand. The only dissatisfaction among users is the manufacturer's recommendation to purchase a special gel or serum for each of the six procedures. Their price cannot be called budget, just like the cost of the device itself.

The average price is 15,490 rubles.

Ecotone RF-lifting Piony

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One of the budget models that is highly appreciated by users. The manufacturer positions it as a device for effective cleansing and lifting of the skin, and provides detailed instructions for the procedures. The device has heating and microvibration functions that improve metabolic processes in the skin and stimulate the production of collagen fibers. There are three intensity levels, you can choose the most comfortable one. Battery powered and fully charged in three hours.

According to reviews, it performs the promised functions, is comfortable to use, and makes a slight buzz in operating mode. The duration of each procedure is four minutes; it turns off at the end of the program. Not too compact, but light, comfortable to hold in your hand. High-quality plastic and decent appearance complement the positive impression. If you follow the manufacturer's recommendations, users note the effect after two or three procedures.

The average price is 3490 rubles.

ReadySkin Nanoskin

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A device for home anti-aging care in a compact body with four active functions. In addition to thermolifting, it is equipped with the possibility of cooling and electrical myostimulation. Can be used for age-related correction of facial skin, décolleté, as well as combating cellulite on the thighs and abdomen. Each problem area has its own treatment mode. It is convenient to set settings using the LED display. Powered by a battery that fully charges in 3.5 hours, it weighs only 280 grams.

Users note that the device works, but the effect does not appear immediately, but after several procedures. The care program will require at least half an hour of free time, as well as the purchase of special cosmetics for RF peeling and massage. The build quality and design of the device are at a decent level, but the lack of at least a gel sample in the kit upsets buyers. Another drawback is the short operating time after charging the battery. According to some users, the device discharges very quickly.

The average price is 11,520 rubles.

What is microcurrent

Microcurrents are classified as physical therapy methods. The essence of the procedure is the effect on facial tissues of a weak electric current, which is in many ways similar to the electrical impulses of our body. “The main effect of microcurrent facial therapy
is to normalize the functioning of the cell membrane,” says
Tatyana Ponomareva, physiotherapist, cosmetologist at the Premium Aesthetics clinic .
— If the membrane works like a clock, then nutrients flow into the cell uninterruptedly, and decay products come out. With age, due to stress and other negative factors, the function of the membrane deteriorates. In this case, microcurrents will help bring it back to normal, which will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of cells as a whole. Another important function of microcurrents is to improve the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This substance is an energy accumulator that the cells of our body use for all life processes. Again, over time, due to exposure to aggressive factors, the amount of ATP in the cell decreases.” Microcurrent therapy should not be confused with microstimulation. These procedures, although based on the use of current, are completely different. Microcurrents simply penetrate deep into damaged areas of the cell and promote their restoration. In this case, the muscles do not contract. With microstimulation, the current causes the facial muscles to alternately contract and relax.

In the photo: Tatyana Ponomareva, physiotherapist, cosmetologist at the aesthetic medicine clinic “Premium Aesthetics”.

Recommendations for use

Manufacturers note that the devices are not intended for medical use, which means that the users themselves bear responsibility for the consequences of their use. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the list of contraindications and refuse to purchase and use the device if there are health risks. Among the main contraindications:

• oncological diseases;
• skin diseases and damage;
• exacerbation of acne;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• tendency to form scars on the skin;
• the presence of implants and gold threads.

It is not recommended to use the device in severe forms of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and it is also worth postponing the procedure until you recover from infectious, inflammatory and colds.

It is impossible to evaluate the effect of RF lifting without a special gel for the procedures. It not only makes it easier for the handpiece to glide over the skin, but also allows radio waves to penetrate deeper into its structure and additionally saturates the epidermis with nutrients and rejuvenating substances. You will have to buy the gel separately: no manufacturer offers it complete with the device.

Face massage

Seeing the first wrinkles, women strive to eradicate them, restoring youth and smoothness to their faces. Various serums, creams, and injectable preparations are used. But often, the manifestation of the first unpleasant signs of old age indicates changes in the muscles, blood vessels and bones of the skull. Some muscles weaken under the influence of years and begin to sag, while others, on the contrary, are in constant tension. Overexertion and hypotension are equally dangerous for the beauty and health of muscle tissue. These factors slow down the flow of lymph, causing the face to look swollen and puffy, and furrows and creases also appear.

It is massage that can stop the manifestation of unpleasant signs and launch your own rejuvenation program . When training skeletal muscles, you can achieve good results at any age, making them more elastic and toned. In addition, during the massage, blood flow to the tissues increases , giving them the necessary amount of nutrients and oxygen. This helps smooth out wrinkles, give the skin an even tone, and produce its own collagen. Also, with the help of massage, you can prevent sagging ovals and get rid of a double chin , which manifests itself as a result of poor nutrition and decreased physical activity. During the procedure, active points on the face are used , which transmit signals to the nerve centers, forcing the entire body to work. Therefore, after the sessions, you can notice an interesting “side effect”: overall well-being improves, metabolism normalizes, headaches disappear.

The massage technique for the face is very soft and differs significantly from the techniques used for the body. There are more intense types, for example, plastic, it is aimed at sculpting the muscles and dermis, suitable for people with age-related problems.

How many treatments are required for maximum effect? How long does the result last?

The course of microcurrents for the face, décolleté, and other areas of the body is individual. The specialist must determine your skin type, problems, general condition, and after 1–2 procedures it will become clear how your skin responds to microcurrents.

However, you will see the result after 1 procedure!

That’s why some visitors to our center come for microcurrents before an important date or other important event: the procedure not only transforms the face, but gives many pleasant sensations that improve their mood and help them relax.

Each time the transformation effect intensifies. Moreover, it increases after the course, as if you visit a beauty salon every day.

On average, for a lasting anti-aging effect, 5–6 procedures are required once every six months. Depending on desire, condition and indications, the course can be repeated more often or less often - everything is decided in communication with the doctor.

Cost of microcurrent therapy

The price for one session depends on the type of procedure and can range from 1,200 to 1,500 rubles. To get a detailed consultation or make an appointment with a specialist, contact us by phone or fill out the online form on the website. As soon as our administrators see your request, they will immediately call you back and answer all your questions.

Non-surgical facelift

Ultrasonic facial cleansing using Gezatone device

Oxygen rejuvenation Intraceuticals

Electropulse therapy in the treatment of arrhythmia

Defibrillation and cardioversion are types of electrical impulse therapy. Despite all their similarities, they have some differences. Defibrillation is the process of stopping ventricular fibrillation by applying an electrical discharge; it is the most important resuscitation measure. Cardioversion is a method of treating tachyarrhythmias, which is based on stopping the circulation of excitation in the myocardium by applying an electrical discharge at a certain phase of the cardiac cycle. Cardioversion requires synchronization - applying an impulse at the moment of registration of the R wave, since otherwise, applying a discharge in another phase of the cardiac cycle can lead to ineffectiveness of the procedure and even to the development of ventricular fibrillation. Cardioversion can be planned, when the rhythm is restored with stable hemodynamic parameters if other treatment methods are ineffective, and emergency - with paroxysms with unstable hemodynamics, with ventricular tachycardia without a pulse (in the latter case, it is carried out without synchronization and is equivalent to defibrillation).

Electrical methods for treating arrhythmias have been known since the beginning of the second half of the 18th century. The first officially documented case of using electrical impulses to help with sudden death dates back to 1774, when Mr. Squires, a resident of London, tried to help a three-year-old girl who had fallen from the first floor, using discharges of electricity from Leyden jars. Over the next few days, the girl experienced stupor, but after about a week she was completely healthy.

Defibrillation was subsequently studied by Luigi Galvani, Charles Kight, John Snow, Jean-Louis Prevost and Frederic Batelli and other scientists. In 1947, American surgeon Claude Beck performed successful defibrillation during heart surgery on a fourteen-year-old boy. Developed by Claude Beck, the defibrillator operated on alternating current and allowed only open defibrillation.

Laying the scientific foundations for understanding EIT, as well as the first serious experiments in this area, were carried out by Paul Zoll. While studying cardiac pacing, he hypothesized that the application of a strong external electrical shock could interrupt ventricular fibrillation, and already in 1956 Zoll and his colleagues made the first clinical demonstration of successful transthoracic defibrillation. In his research, he used a self-designed defibrillator that generated alternating current. In 1960, Bernard Lown developed his first DC defibrillator. This defibrillator was the first in a line of modern devices of this type. Lown also proposed the method of cardioversion - the use of electrical discharges synchronized with the cardiac cycle to treat tachyarrhythmias.

Preparation for planned EIT

• If AF lasts more than 48 hours and there is no adequate anticoagulant therapy during the last 3 weeks, before restoring sinus rhythm with ECV, preliminary transesophageal echocardiography is necessary to exclude intra-atrial thrombosis.
• All patients should refrain from eating for 6-8 hours.
• Cancel cardiac glycosides 3–4 days before the procedure
• Normalization of electrolyte balance (EIT for hypokalemia is less effective and is more often complicated by ventricular fibrillation)

EIT methods

External EIT is the main method. Both electrodes are placed on the chest so that the heart is covered by the electric field of the capacitor discharge. The ERC and AHA guidelines establish recommended energy values ​​for the first shock during defibrillation. They are (for adults): when using a monopolar impulse - 360 J, when using a bipolar impulse - 120-150 J., in children, shocks are used at the rate of 2 J / kg of body weight. When carrying out defibrillation, the anterior or standard arrangement of electrodes is now predominantly used; the electrodes must be lubricated with a special conductive gel, and care must be taken that it does not spread over the surface of the chest between the electrodes. It is permissible to use wipes moistened with saline solution. During the procedure, one electrode marked “Apex,” or red (positive charge), is placed exactly above the apex of the heart or below the left nipple; another electrode labeled “Sternum,” or black (negative charge), is placed just below the right collarbone. An anteroposterior arrangement of electrodes is also used - one electrode plate is located in the right subscapular region, the other in front above the left atrium. There is also a postero-right subscapular location of the electrodes. The choice of electrode location depends on the specific situation; the benefit or harm of any of the described locations has not been proven.

Before administering a shock, make sure that no one touches the patient or the bed on which he is lying. Modern control and diagnostic equipment is protected from defibrillator impulses. At the moment the discharge is applied, the monitor readings change and the patient’s reaction is noted - muscle contraction, shuddering, and sometimes a scream. It is strictly forbidden to touch the patient or objects in contact with him at the time of delivering the shock, as this is dangerous for the personnel. After the discharge is completed, the monitor readings are assessed and, if necessary, the issue of repeated discharge is decided.

If the patient is conscious, then general anesthesia is mandatory. The objectives of general anesthesia during cardioversion are to ensure the loss of consciousness for a short period of time and provide amnesia for the period of the manipulation. As a rule, they are limited to the use of short-acting hypnotics in small doses administered intravenously (thiopental 100-250 mg or propofol 50-100 mg).

Internal EIT – electrodes are applied directly to the heart. In this case, a significantly smaller discharge value is required (for an adult patient, about 500 V or 12.5–25 J).

Transesophageal EIT - one of the electrodes is inserted into the esophagus to the level of the atria, the other is placed in the precordial region. Discharge energy 12–25 J. Transesophageal EIT is indicated for severe supraventricular tachyarrhythmias that are resistant to transthoracic discharges, as well as for suppressing severe ventricular tachyarrhythmias with low-energy discharges.

Transvenous intracardiac EIT using a multipolar electrode, which is installed in the right ventricle, is used in intensive care units for recurrent ventricular tachycardia. The discharge energy during endocardial EIT varies from 2.5 to 40 J. To relieve atrial fibrillation, intracardiac EIT can also be used, which can be of two types: high and low energy. When using high energy (200–400 J), one electrode is placed in the right atrium, the other on the surface of the body. Efficiency up to 100%. When using low energy 2–4.5 J, one electrode is placed in the right atrium, the other in the coronary sinus.

Complications of cardioversion

ECV may be complicated by thromboembolism and arrhythmias, and complications of general anesthesia may also occur. The incidence of thromboembolism after defibrillation is 1-2%. It can be reduced by adequate anticoagulation before elective cardioversion or by ruling out left atrial thrombosis. A common complication is skin burns. Patients with sinus node dysfunction, especially older adults with organic heart disease, may develop prolonged sinus arrest. Dangerous arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation may occur in the presence of hypokalemia, cardiac glycoside toxicity, or inadequate timing. The use of anesthesia may be accompanied by hypoxia or hypoventilation, but arterial hypotension and pulmonary edema are rare.

Electrical cardioversion in patients with implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillator

It is clear that the presence of such a device in a patient somewhat changes the technique of the procedure, but is by no means a contraindication to external defibrillation. If the patient has an implanted pacemaker-cardioverter, then the position of the electrodes should be slightly changed. The electrode for external cardioversion must be located at a distance of more than 6-8 cm from the implantation site of the pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator. Anterior-posterior placement of electrodes is recommended. It is preferable to use a biphasic defibrillator, since in this case a lower energy discharge is required to stop AF. In pacemaker-dependent patients, it is necessary to take into account a possible increase in the stimulation threshold. Such patients should be closely monitored. After cardioversion, the implanted device should be tested using an external programmer.

Recurrence of arrhythmia after electrical cardioversion

Factors predisposing to recurrent AF include age, duration of AF before cardioversion, number of previous relapses, enlarged left atrium or decreased left atrium function, presence of coronary artery disease, pulmonary disease, or mitral valvular disease. Atrial extrasystoles with changing coupling intervals and the so-called early extrasystoles “P” to “T”, sinus tachycardia, intra-atrial and inter-atrial conduction disorders also increase the risk of relapse of AF. Antiarrhythmics given before cardioversion increase the likelihood of restoration of sinus rhythm and reduce the risk of immediate and early relapses. To prevent late relapses, constant long-term use of antiarrhythmic drugs is necessary. The most effective means of such prevention is amiodarone, which is superior in its effectiveness to all other means of antiarrhythmic therapy. 69% of patients maintain sinus rhythm within a year of amiodarone use. For sotalol and propafenone this figure is 39%. Some patients whose episodes of AF occur with severe clinical symptoms, but do not recur frequently (1-2 times a year), prefer repeated cardioversion to long-term anti-relapse antiarrhythmic therapy or treatment aimed at reducing heart rate in conditions of persistent arrhythmia.

Automatic external defibrillators and the concept of early defibrillation

In this regard, the concept of early defibrillation using a “publicly available defibrillator-monitor” has recently become increasingly popular among specialists. According to this concept, automatic defibrillators should become publicly available, allowing even an unqualified user to provide first aid to a patient with cardiac arrest before the arrival of a medical team. Several case reports of successful defibrillation at airports have already been published. At two Chicago airports, automatic defibrillators are located throughout the terminal and in the baggage area. All airport personnel, including security, are trained to use defibrillators and have the appropriate certificates. As a result of this organization of assistance, 69% of passengers who suffered cardiac arrest as a result of ventricular fibrillation at the airport survived. Thus, only early defibrillation is the only chance in these situations to restore hemodynamically effective cardiac contractions and save the patient.