How the HWD Works
- The Hospital Wearable Defibrillator (HWD) is a tool for managing patients at risk for cardiac arrest. It provides patients with extra protection and monitoring as well as peace of mind.
- Unlike an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), the HWD is worn outside the body rather than implanted in the chest. This device continuously monitors the patient's heart with adhesive electrodes.
When a Minute Matters
With each minute that passes after the start of cardiac arrest, the chance of survival decreases by 10%.1 The HWD complements the hospital's resuscitation protocol and provides timely defibrillation.
The HWD is designed to deliver treatment during ventricular fibrillation as follows:
1. Arrhythmia detected, siren alert activated |
If the arrhythmia continues after the first treatment shock, the sequence repeats. Multiple shocks may be given. Entire event (arrhythmia detection to treatment shock) typically occurs in less than one minute. |
1Larsen MP, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 1993;22: 1652–58.