Theoretical possibility of ventricular fibrillation during use of TASER neuromuscular incapacitation devices

Panescu, Dorin; Kroll, Mark W.; Stratbucker, Robert A.

doi:10.1109/iembs.2008.4650501

Cited by 8 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…We have previously estimated the current density threshold required to induce ventricular fibrillation (VF) at 91 mA/cm 2 [5,6].This threshold is consistent with data published by others [7][8][9][10]. To avoid induction of VF, the CEW current density in the heart volume should be less than 91 mA/cm 2 .…”

Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 52%

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The sternum as an electrical shield

Panescu

Kroll

Iverson³

et al. 2014

2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

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Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 52%

“…The results were then compared against the VF and cardiac capture thresholds discussed above. (Table I) [5,6,8,14]. [5,6,8,15].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 98%

The sternum as an electrical shield

Panescu

Kroll

Iverson³

et al. 2014

2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society

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“…However, it is also implausible that it is as negligibly low as 8.10 À7 as claimed [4]. The evidence of the existence of a fibrillation risk and its estimated amount explains the divergence in published experimental results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…From theoretical analyses it was concluded that Taser weapons cannot deliver enough energy, cardiac current densities would be far below fibrillation thresholds and, hence, fibrillation would be highly unlikely [2][3][4][5][6] and fibrillation risk would be as small as 8.10 À7 [4]. Experimental findings are controversial.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Cardiac fibrillation risk of TASER X-26 dart mode application

Leitgeb

Niedermayr

Loos

et al. 2011

Wien Med Wochenschr

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In view of reported fatalities there are still controversial discussions on whether electronic stun law enforcement weapons can cause cardiac fibrillation. Experimental data are contradictory. Simplified theoretical estimations led to a negligible low risk of 8.10(-7). With a detailed numerical-anatomical model of an adult man (NORMAN) cardiac exposure to Taser X26 high-tension pulses was quantitatively assessed and the fibrillation risk estimated by accounting for its dependence on excited volume based on 3D cardiac exposure patterns. For distance mode and worst case dart hits it could be demonstrated that cardiac exposure can reach the 30% fibrillation risk level. Risk reduces considerably if direct current flow across the heart is prevented. The overall fibrillation risk of Taser application is further reduced by the limited probability of critical hits. However, in agreement with experimental findings it is demonstrated that cardiac fibrillation risk of Taser X26 dart mode application is small, however, not negligible.

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“…Recent work focusing on geometric alignments between the tethered barbs and the heart suggested that the probability of ventricular fibrillation and death may be much greater if barb strikes occur in certain high-risk configurations and depths [Nanthakumar et al, 2006;Dennis et al, 2007;Beason et al, 2009]. Others contend that both experimental and modeled risks of ventricular fibrillation remain relatively low in these worst-case configurations [Holden et al, 2007;Panescu et al, 2008]. Given these and other concerns, TASER waveforms have been altered for the newer model, X26, and alternative means to produce effective immobilization and deterrence are under development [Panescu et al, 2006].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Frequency-dependent interaction of ultrashort E-fields with nociceptor membranes and proteins

Jiang

Cooper

2010

Bioelectromagnetics

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We examined the influence of ultrashort pulses (USP) on sensory neurons. Single and high frequency bursts of 12 ns E-fields were presented to rat skin nociceptors that expressed distinct combinations of voltage-sensitive proteins. A single E-field pulse produced action potentials in all nociceptor subtypes at a critical threshold (E(c) ) of 403 V/cm. When configured into high frequency bursts, USP charge integrated to reduce the action potential threshold in a frequency and burst duration-dependent manner with E(c) as low as 16 V/cm (4000 Hz, 25 ms burst). There was no evidence of electroporation at field intensities near the E(c) for nociceptor activation. USP bursts activated a late, persistent Ca(++) flux that was identified as a dantrolene-sensitive Ca(++) -induced Ca(++) release (CICR). Influx of Ca(++) into the cell was required for the CICR and resulted in a reduction of the single pulse E(c) by about 50%.

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Theoretical possibility of ventricular fibrillation during use of TASER neuromuscular incapacitation devices

Abstract: The results indicated that TASER devices, while not risk free, have a very low cardiac risk profile when used for suspect temporary incapacitation.

Cited by 8 publications

References 7 publications

The sternum as an electrical shield

The sternum as an electrical shield

Cardiac fibrillation risk of TASER X-26 dart mode application

Frequency-dependent interaction of ultrashort E-fields with nociceptor membranes and proteins

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