Arrhythmia Detection Algorithm

The Hospital Wearable Defibrillator (HWD) identifies life-threatening VT/VF using an arrhythmia detection algorithm. It was developed by ZOLL®, and is also used on the LifeVest® wearable defibrillator for outpatients. The detection algorithm analyzes both heart rate and morphology, making it highly sensitive and specific to treatment of ventricular arrhythmias.

Sensitivity and Specificity

The HWD has high sensitivity to VT and VF. It correctly identifies VT as VT and VF as VF. The HWD also has extremely high specificity for VT and VF. This means that rhythms that are excluded from treatment are not VT or VF.

Detection Algorithm

The detection algorithm looks primarily at two criteria to define a treatable arrhythmia. It looks at heart rate and QRS morphology.