Which shock works best for AFib? new trial pits zoll vs lifepak
NCT ID NCT05992623
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested two different defibrillator waveforms—Zoll's 200J rectilinear biphasic shock and Lifepak's 360J biphasic truncated exponential shock—to see which restores normal heart rhythm better in people with atrial fibrillation. Over 500 adults were randomly assigned to receive one type of shock during a cardioversion procedure. The main goal was to compare how many patients had a normal heartbeat one minute after the first shock, and also to check for side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- external defibrillator (Zoll or Lifepak)
- What this could lead to
- If one waveform proves more effective, hospitals may adopt it to improve success rates for restoring normal heart rhythm with fewer shocks.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed, moderate-sized trial, but results may not apply to all patients or settings. Both shocks are already in use, so no major breakthrough is expected.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Inova Health System
Falls Church, Virginia, 22042, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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