Auvi-Q
Auvi‑Q
Generic Name
Auvi‑Q
Mechanism
- Electro‑cardiographic (ECG) detection: The device continuously monitors the intracardiac electromechanical activity to identify VF/VT that require defibrillation.
- Energy delivery: Once a shockable rhythm is confirmed, Auvi‑Q generates a biphasic electric pulse (120–200 J). Biphasic waveforms improve cardioversion success and reduce myocardial injury compared with monophasic shocks.
- Neurologic protection: By reducing time to successful shocks, Auvi‑Q preserves cerebral perfusion during cardiac arrest, improving neurologically intact survival.
Pharmacokinetics
*Auvi‑Q* is a device, not a pharmacologic agent; therefore, traditional pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) are not applicable. Key technical parameters include:
• Battery life: 24 h (single use) or up to 7 days (rechargeable models) at 80 % shock energy.
• Shock memory: Retains up to 8 shock history entries to verify proper placement and delivery.
• Audio‐feedback: Integrated speaker provides step‑by‑step voice prompts, ensuring procedural compliance.
Indications
- Out‑of‑hospital cardiac arrest: Adults, children ≥20 kg, and adolescents (15–19 y) exhibiting VF/VT.
- In‑hospital resuscitation (by trained personnel): When a treated or untreated rhythm is suspected to be VF/VT.
- Pre‑hospital emergency medical services: Rapid deployment during transport of patients with cardiac arrest.
Contraindications are linked to the underlying rhythm, not the device: it is ineffective in asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and non‑shockable rhythms.
Pregnancy: Safe; no contraindications in fetal development.
Contraindications
- Battery depletion: Device will not shock; a backup AED or replacement is mandatory.
- Implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator (ICD) present: Use only when the ICD is failed or ineligible; avoid overlapping shock zones.
- Extensive burns or electrical injury: Discontinuation or limited shock delivery as per operator discretion.
- Foreign bodies, conductive skin surfaces: Ensure proper electrode placement to avoid ineffective shock deposition.
Dosing
- Shock Energy: Adjustable between 120–200 J; the default is 200 J for adults. Pediatric setting lowers to 120 J for ages 5–12 y; 80 J for infants <5 y.
- Shock Sequence:
1. Attach electrodes – confirm rhythm.
2. "Listen and Decide" – one minute of CPR if rhythm non‑shockable.
3. Deliver shock if indicated.
4. Resume CPR immediately post‑shock.
• Rescuer Instructions:
• Keep a minimum 3‑foot distance while shocking.
• Audio cues guide breathing rhythm and pulse checks.
• Use “No‑one‑inside” check to avoid joint injuries.
Adverse Effects
| Category | Example | Severity |
| Common | Thermal skin burns at electrode sites | Mild – treat by cleaning and replacing pads |
| Chest discomfort or shortness of breath | Mild – transient | |
| Drooping of upper eyelid (due to shock wave) | Mild – self‑limiting | |
| Serious | Cardiac arrhythmia (rare, post‑shock) | Potentially life‑threatening – requires advanced monitoring |
| Hematologic injury (rare) | Rare – treat per ACLS protocol |
*Because Auvi‑Q is a medical device, “adverse effects” refer to device‑related complications rather than pharmacologic toxicity.*
Monitoring
- Electrical: Continuous rhythm strip; confirmation of VF/VT clearance post‑shock.
- Hemodynamic: Intermittent pulse checks every 2 minutes; use capnography or arterial pressure monitoring where available.
- Device: Battery indicator; shock count display; operational redundancy checks.
- Patient: Monitor for potential iatrogenic injury such as bruising, hyperthermia, or impaired consciousness; evaluate neurologic status post‑arrest.
Clinical Pearls
- Biphasic Superiority: Auvi‑Q’s biphasic waveform requires roughly 25‑30 % less energy than monophasic AEDs, which translates into lower myocardial injury and improved survival rates.
- Memory Recall: The device saves a brief “shock memory” that includes patient position, shock interval, and achieved rhythm – essential for post‑resuscitation audit and quality improvement.
- Voice Prompts: For *trained* responders, vocal instructions are often more reliable than visual cues; ensure the operator hears each prompt before proceeding.
- Pediatric Flexibility: The automated adjustment of shock settings (120 J for ages 5–12 y; 80 J for infants) eliminates the need for manual energy calculations, reducing human error.
- Battery‑Life Visibility: A low‑battery icon appears 5 minutes before depletion; ground crews must have a spare unit or a charging unit on‑hand.
- Co‑ordinated Defibrillation: When available, pairing Auvi‑Q with a cardiac monitor can allow for targeted rescue interventions (e.g., anti‑arrhythmic drugs) while awaiting EMS.
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• *These notes are intended as a concise reference for clinicians, medical students, and emergency responders. Always refer to your organization’s protocol and the latest manufacturer’s guidelines for specific usage instructions.*