Defibrillation Waveforms: Is There a Better Biphasic?

Biphasic defibrillation waveforms have been used effectively for two decades, largely replacing traditional monophasic waveforms for defibrillation and cardioversion. Not all biphasic waveforms are the same, however; and member healthcare organizations continue to ask us for guidance when selecting from among the available defibrillator models. Common questions include:

1. Is any one biphasic waveform preferable to another?

2. Is high-energy or low-energy biphasic better?

We answer these questions with the same response we gave when we addressed the topic in 2001: There is not...