RV Institute of Technology & Management®

Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust's

Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Institute of Technology and

Management (RVITM), Bengaluru

BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS (21BE45)

SEMESTER- IV

Module-II

HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS AND BIO DESIGNS - 1

Prepared by
Dr.Madhumathy P Dr. Harish H Mr Manjunath K N

Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Assistant Professor,

Dept. of E & C Engg, Dept. of Mechanical Dept. of CSE,

Engg,
RVITM, Bengaluru RVITM, Bengaluru
RVITM, Bengaluru

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Module 2 HUMAN ORGAN SYSTEMS AND BIO DESIGNS - 1 RBT Levels

(QUALITATIVE):

Brain as a CPU system (architecture, CNS and Peripheral Nervous System, signal L1, L2
transmission, EEG, Robotic arms for prosthetics. Engineering solutions for Parkinson’s
disease).Eye as a Camera system (architecture of rod and cone cells, optical
corrections, cataract, lens materials, bionic eye).Heart as a pump system (architecture,
electrical signalling - ECG monitoring and heart related issues, reasons for blockages
of blood vessels, design of stents, pace makers, defibrillators).

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Contents
2 Brain as a CPU system ....................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Architecture ................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 CNS and Peripheral Nervous System.......................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Grey and white matter .......................................................................................... 6
2.2.2 The brain .............................................................................................................. 7
2.2.3 Difference between the peripheral and central nervous systems ......................... 9
2.3 Signal transmission ..................................................................................................... 9
2.4 EEG ............................................................................................................................. 9
2.5 Robotic arms for prosthetics ..................................................................................... 10
2.6 Engineering solutions for Parkinson’s disease .......................................................... 12
2.7 Eye as a Camera system ............................................................................................ 12
2.7.1 Architecture of rod and cone cells ..................................................................... 13
2.7.2 Optical corrections ............................................................................................. 14
2.7.3 Cataract .............................................................................................................. 16
2.7.4 Lens materials .................................................................................................... 17
2.7.5 Bionic eye .......................................................................................................... 19
2.8 Heart as a pump system ............................................................................................. 19
2.8.1 Architecture of Heart ......................................................................................... 20
2.8.2 Electrical signalling - ECG monitoring and heart related issues ....................... 22
2.8.3 Reasons for blockages of blood vessels ............................................................. 22
2.8.4 Design of stents .................................................................................................. 23
2.8.5 Pace makers ....................................................................................................... 24
2.8.6 Defibrillators ...................................................................................................... 24

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2 Brain as a CPU system

The brain does not have a CPU. Instead, it has millions of neurons that combine signals
simultaneously. At any given time, many large, specialized areas of the brain are operating in
parallel to perform a variety of tasks, such as processing visual or auditory information or
planning an action.

Computers are deterministic machines in the sense that with a given input, they will always
produce the same output. This does not mean that this output is always predictable. For
example, computers can simulate non-deterministic systems by introducing pseudo-random
variables. Computers can also apply equations from chaos physics, in which the results of
deterministic processes can be greatly influenced by tiny variations in the initial conditions.

The brain as a whole is considered a non-deterministic system, for the very simple reason that
it is never completely the same from one moment to the next. It is constantly forming new
synapses and strengthening or weakening existing ones according to how they are being used.
Consequently, a given input will never produce exactly the same output twice. However, the
physiochemical processes underlying brain activity are considered to be deterministic.

2.1 Architecture

Brains are built over time, from the bottom up. The basic architecture of the brain is constructed
through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood. Simpler
neural connections and skills form first, followed by more complex circuits and skills. In the
first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second. After
this period of rapid proliferation, connections are reduced through a process called pruning,
which allows brain circuits to become more efficient.

Brain architecture is comprised of billions of connections between individual neurons across

different areas of the brain. These connections enable lightning-fast communication among
neurons that specialize in different kinds of brain functions. The early years are the most active
period for establishing neural connections, but new connections can form throughout life and
unused connections continue to be pruned. Because this dynamic process never stops, it is
impossible to determine what percentage of brain development occurs by a certain age. More

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importantly, the connections that form early provide either a strong or weak foundation for the
connections that form later.

The interactions of genes and experience shape the developing brain. Although genes provide
the blueprint for the formation of brain circuits, these circuits are reinforced by repeated use.
A major ingredient in this developmental process is the serve and return interaction between
children and their parents and other caregivers in the family or community as shown in Fig.2.1.
In the absence of responsive caregiving—or if responses are unreliable or inappropriate—the
brain’s architecture does not form as expected, which can lead to disparities in learning and
behaviour. Ultimately, genes and experiences work together to construct brain architecture.

Fig.2.1 Brain development over the years

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2.2 CNS and Peripheral Nervous System

CNS (central nervous system)

Our bodies couldn’t operate without the nervous system - the complex network that coordinates
our actions, reflexes, and sensations. Broadly speaking, the nervous system is organised into
two main parts, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The CNS is the processing centre of the body and consists of the brain and the spinal cord.
Both of these are protected by three layers of membranes known as meninges. For further
protection, the brain is encased within the hard bones of the skull, while the spinal cord is
protected with the bony vertebrae of our backbones. A third form of protection is cerebrospinal
fluid, which provides a buffer that limits impact between the brain and skull or between spinal
cord and vertebrae.

2.2.1 Grey and white matter

In terms of tissue, the CNS is divided into grey matter and white matter. Grey matter comprises
neuron cell bodies and their dendrites, glial cells, and capillaries. Because of the abundant
blood supply of this tissue, it’s actually more pink-coloured than grey.

In the brain, grey matter is mainly found in the outer layers, while in the spinal cord it forms
the core ‘butterfly’ shape as shown in Fig2.2.

Fig.2.2 Grey and white matter

White matter refers to the areas of the CNS which host the majority of axons, the long cords
that extend from neurons. Most axons are coated in myelin - a white, fatty insulating cover that

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helps nerve signals travel quickly and reliably. In the brain, white matter is buried under the
grey surface, carrying signals across different parts of the brain. In the spinal cord, white matter
is the external layer surrounding the grey core.

2.2.2 The brain

Fig.2.3 Brain structure

If the CNS is the processing centre of the human body, the brain is its headquarters. It is broadly
organised into three main regions - the forebrain, the midbrain, and the hindbrain. The largest
of these three is the forebrain (derived from the prosencephalon in the developing brain). It
contains the large outermost layer of the brain, the wrinkly cerebral cortex, and smaller
structures towards its centre, such as the thalamus, hypothalamus, and the pineal gland as
shown in Fig.2.3.

The midbrain (derived from the mesencephalon in the developing brain) serves as the vital
connection point between the forebrain and the hindbrain. It’s the top part of the brainstem,
which connects the brain to the spinal cord.

The hindbrain (derived from the rhombencephalon in the developing brain) is the lowest back
portion of the brain, containing the rest of the brainstem made up of medulla oblongata and the
pons, and also the cerebellum - a small ball of dense brain tissue nestled right against the back
of the brainstem.

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Peripheral Nervous System

Your peripheral nervous system (PNS) is that part of your nervous system that lies outside
your brain and spinal cord as shown in Fig.2.4. It plays key role in both sending information
from different areas of your body back to your brain, as well as carrying out commands from
your brain to various parts of your body.

Some of those signals, like the ones to your heart and gut, are automatic. Others, like the ones
that control movement, are under your control.

Fig.2.4 Peripheral Nervous System

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2.2.3 Difference between the peripheral and central nervous systems

Your nervous system consists of two main parts: your central nervous system and your
peripheral nervous system. Your central nervous system includes two organs, your brain and
spinal cord.

Your peripheral nervous system is everything else and includes nerves that travel from your
spinal cord and brain to supply your face and the rest of your body. The term “peripheral” is
from the Greek word that means around or outside the center.

2.3 Signal transmission

Information to and from the brain travels along neurons which are arranged in networks that
let them pass information between the body and the brain. Here are the basics:

 Information is sent as packets of messages called action potentials.

 Action potentials travel down a single neuron cell as an electrochemical cascade,
allowing a net inward flow of positively charged ions into the axon.
 Within a cell, action potentials are triggered at the cell body, travel down the axon, and
end at the axon terminal.
 The axon terminal has vesicles filled with neurotransmitters ready to be released.
 The space between the axon terminal of one cell and the dendrites of the next is called
the synapse.

2.4 EEG

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using
small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp as shown in Fig.2.5. Brain cells
communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even during asleep. This
activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.

An EEG is one of the main diagnostic tests for epilepsy. An EEG can also play a role in
diagnosing other brain disorders.

An EEG can find changes in brain activity that might be useful in diagnosing brain disorders,
especially epilepsy or another seizure disorder. An EEG might also be helpful for diagnosing
or treating:

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 Brain tumors

 Brain damage from head injury

 Brain dysfunction that can have a variety of causes (encephalopathy)

 Sleep disorders

 Inflammation of the brain (herpes encephalitis)

 Stroke

 Sleep disorders

 Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Fig.2.5 Electroencephalogram

2.5 Robotic arms for prosthetics

The idea of a robotic-powered limb may sound like something from a sci-fi film. The phrase
conjures up images of super intelligent cyborgs, in which humans transcend the limitations of
biology by merging with machines. While that scenario is some way off for now, the bionic
limbs themselves are more than a pipe dream. Increasingly, prosthetics are being integrated
with advanced robotics, with a view to restoring the functionality of a healthy human limb as
shown in Fig.2.6.

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These devices are enabling patients to regain their motor capabilities and even restore sensory
feedback – and many of the devices under development are mind-controlled.

“Only a few years ago, robotic prostheses could only do basic tasks, like standing up and
walking at a constant speed indoors. Now they can perform many complex movements, similar
to biological legs. They can walk on inclined or rough terrains, climb stairs, squat, lunge, and
even run.”

The need for these kinds of devices is not in doubt. Millions of people around the world live
with limb loss, often due to diabetic neuropathy or trauma. Around 185,000 amputations are
performed annually in the US, along with 431,000 in Europe.

For these patients, their quality of life will depend to a large degree on the quality of their
prosthetic devices. Traditional passive prostheses may give them some mobility, but they can’t
restore natural muscle function and often end up restricting the person’s activity levels.

Fig.2.6 Prosthetics arms

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2.6 Engineering solutions for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of
the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely
noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder may also cause
stiffness or slowing of movement.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a minimally invasive treatment that has helped
some people with Parkinson's disease manage tremors. Ultrasound is guided by an MRI to the
area in the brain where the tremors start. The ultrasound waves are at a very high temperature
and burn areas that are contributing to the tremors.

2.7 Eye as a Camera system

There are many similarities between the human eye and a camera, including a diaphragm to
control the amount of light that gets through to the lens. This is the shutter in a camera, and the
pupil, at the centre of the iris, in the human eye. A lens to focus the light and create an image.
The image is real and inverted. A method of sensing the image. In a camera, the film is used to
record the image; in the eye, the image is focused on the retina, and a system of rods and cones
is the front end of an image-processing system that converts the image to electrical impulses
and sends the information along the optic nerve to the brain. The way the eye focuses light is
interesting because most of the refraction that takes place is not done by the lens itself, but by
the aqueous humour, a liquid on top of the lens. Light is refracted when it comes into the eye
by this liquid, refracted a little more by the lens, and then a bit more by the vitreous humour,
the jelly-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina.

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2.7.1 Architecture of rod and cone cells

Fig.2.7 Prosthetics arms

Photoreceptors are the cells in the retina that respond to light. Their distinguishing feature is
the presence of large amounts of tightly packed membrane that contains the
photopigment rhodopsin or a related molecule. The tight packing is needed to achieve a high
photopigment density, which allows a large proportion of the light photons that reach the
photoreceptor to be absorbed. Photon absorption contributes to the photoreceptor’s output
signal.

In the retina of vertebrates the rods and cones have photopigment-bearing regions (outer
segments) composed of a large number of pancakelike disks. In rods the disks are closed, but
in cones the disks are partially open to the surrounding fluid. In a typical rod there are about a
thousand disks, and each disk holds about 150,000 rhodopsin molecules, giving a total of 150
million molecules per rod as shown in Fig.2.7. In most invertebrate photoreceptors the structure
is different, with the photopigment borne on regularly arranged microvilli, fingerlike
projections with a diameter of about 0.1 μm. This photoreceptor structure is known as a
rhabdom. The photopigment packing is less dense in rhabdoms than in vertebrate disks. In both
vertebrate photoreceptors and rhabdoms, each photoreceptor cell contains a nucleus, an energy-
producing region with mitochondria (in the inner segment in rods and cones), and an axon that

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conveys electrical signals to the next neurons in the processing chain. In reptiles and birds the
receptors may also contain coloured oil droplets that modify the spectrum of the light absorbed
by the photopigment, thereby enhancing colour vision. In insects and other invertebrates the
receptors may also contain granules of dark pigment that move toward the rhabdom in response
to light. They act as a type of pupil, protecting the rhabdom in bright conditions by absorbing
light.

2.7.2 Optical corrections

When your vision is blurry or fuzzy, it can make it difficult to go about your daily activities.
Fortunately, though, there are effective ways of correcting your vision and seeing clearly.

Many times, blurry or unclear vision is caused by what’s known as a refractive error. A
refractive error occurs when light doesn’t bend correctly as it enters your eye. If the light that
enters your eye doesn’t hit your retina correctly — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your
eye — your vision won’t be sharp.

No matter what type of refractive error you have, vision correction can help you see clearly.
Finding the right vision correction option allows you to drive, read, work on a computer, and
do other daily tasks without squinting or straining your eyes to see properly.

For many people with refractive errors, these tasks would be impossible without some type of
vision correction.

Below are four such processes that are recommended by the doctors in India for Optical
corrections

1. Refractive Lens Exchange

This procedure is recommended to correct the spectacle power in people over the age of 40
years. After the age of 40 years, the natural lens of the eye becomes hard and non-flexible and
therefore loses its ability to change focus from distance to reading.

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An eye is like a camera with a lens focusing light on the retina. Glasses are required if the
image is out of focus. In RLE the natural lens is replaced by an artificial lens of suitable power
to bring the image to focus on the retina without the need of glasses.

2. Monovision
Presbyopia or decrease in near vision with age. In a young individual, the natural lens of the
eye is soft and flexible and works like an auto-focus lens. By contraction of the internal eye
muscles, it can change its power from a distance to near.

Around the age of 45, the natural lens of the eye undergoes age changes and tends to become
hard and non-flexible. Even with contraction of internal eye muscles, it is unable to change its
power from a distance to near therefore additional spectacle power is required for reading
purposes.

In the elderly, the eye requires a distance and a near spectacle power. The laser can correct only
one power either for distance or for near. In mono-vision, one eye is corrected fully to focus it
for distance, and other, partially for near. Thus with both eyes open, the person can do most of
his routine activities without glasses and only for very fine work does a person need glasses.

3. Corneal Inlays
Lots of research and innovations are in progress to overcome near vision handicap. One of the
recent innovations is in the form of corneal inlays.
By placing inlays in the cornea, the near vision is enhanced, without losing the advantage of
distance vision without glasses.

4. Intacs
Intacs is the face of modern technology for Refractive Correction. It is useful in low myopia -
1.0D to -3.0D an, however, in low myopia the choice of refractive correction is LASIK.
Intacs have proven value by centering the cone, reducing the cylinder power and improving
the quality of vision (by reducing aberration at the level of the cornea).

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2.7.3 Cataract

A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. A cataract begins when
proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina.
The retina works by converting the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the
signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain.

It develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might end up with cataracts
in both eyes, but they usually don’t form at the same time. Cataracts are common in older
people.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

 blurry vision

 trouble seeing at night

 seeing colors as faded

 increased sensitivity to glare

 halos surrounding lights

 double vision in the affected eye

 a need for frequent changes in prescription glasses

2.7.3.1 Causes of Cataracts

There are several underlying causes of cataracts. These include:

 an overproduction of oxidants, which are oxygen molecules that have been chemically
altered due to normal daily life

 smoking

 ultraviolet radiation

 the long-term use of steroids and other medications

 certain diseases, such as diabetes

 trauma

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 radiation therapy

2.7.3.2 Risk Factors of Cataracts

Risk factors associated with cataracts include:

 older age
 heavy alcohol use

 smoking

 obesity

 high blood pressure

 previous eye injuries

 a family history of cataracts

 too much sun exposure

 diabetes

 exposure to radiation from X-rays and cancer treatments

2.7.4 Lens materials

Standard glass

Glass had been the material most widely used for ocular lenses until the 1970s. Glass provides
superior optical quality and has the most scratch-resistance surface, however it has several
limitations including heavy weight, increased thickness, and low impact resistance. Glass
lenses must be treated to comply with the American National Standards Institute impact
resistance standards. Chemical or thermal tempering can increase the shatter resistance,
however this effect is lost if the lens is scratched or worked on with any tool after tempering.
Individuals with myopia who desire thin glasses may opt for high-index glass, however the
highest-index glass lenses cannot be tempered and require patients to sign a waiver accepting
the risk of breakage. Additionally, high-index glass does not block ultraviolet light without a
coating.

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Standard plastic

Plastic lenses gained popularity in the 1970s and have the benefits of weighing half as much
as glass lenses due to their lower specific gravity and having high optical quality. CR-39 which
stands for Columbia resin #39 is the most commonly used plastic polymer lens material. The
lenses block 80% of ultraviolet light without treatment, and can be tinted and coated to provide
further ultraviolet light blocking. Plastic lenses tend to have a lower index of refraction, which
require thicker lenses. The lens surface is also softer and thus easier to scratch, however
scratch-resistant coatings are available to create a harder surface. CR-39 lenses in particular do
not have the shatter resistance of polycarbonate or Trivex, increasing risk to wearers.

Polycarbonate

High index polycarbonate lenses were popularized in the 1980s due to light weight, thin profile,
superior impact resistance, and ultraviolet protection. These lenses are often recommended for
children, young adults, individuals with active lifestyles, and as safety eyewear. They are very
durable and can be up to 30% thinner than regular glass or plastic lenses.Disadvantages include
high chromatic aberration indicated by its low Abbe number, which results in color fringing
most noticeable in strong prescriptions. Additionally, polycarbonate is the most easily
scratched plastic, thus requiring a scratch-resistant coating.

Trivex

Trivex was introduced in 2001 and is a highly impact-resistant material with a low specific
gravity delivering strong optical quality and minimal chromatic aberration indicated by its high
Abbe number. Trivex is also able to block nearly all ultraviolet light. A disadvantage of Trivex
lenses is its low index of refraction, thus requiring thicker lenses for higher powers. At the
±3.00 Diopter prescription range, this material allows for a comparably thin lens. Trivex is the
lightest material available and meets high-velocity impact standards. A scratch-resistant
coating is required for this lens.

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High-index materials

High-index materials are defined by a refractive index of 1.60 or higher, and can be either glass
or plastic. The main utility of high-index lenses is for high-power prescriptions to create thin
and cosmetically attractive lenses.[16] The weight, optical quality, and impact resistance of high-
index lenses vary based on the material used. For high-index glass, the specific gravity tends
to run high, which means that these lenses are often heavy compared to other materials. None
of the high-index materials pass the American National Standards Institute’s impact resistance
standards.[16]

2.7.5 Bionic eye

A bionic eye, also called a visual prosthesis, is an electrical implant that is surgically inserted
into the eye. It improves light sensitivity and creates a sense of vision for people who have
advanced vision loss. Most of the devices being developed are for individuals who have retinal
degeneration caused by diseases like retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular
degeneration (AMD). There are other devices being studied that bypass the optic nerve and
may be useful for people who have other types of vision loss.

2.8 Heart as a pump system

Heart is a single organ, but it acts as a double pump. The first pump carries oxygen-poor blood
to your lungs, where it unloads carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen. It then delivers oxygen-
rich blood back to your heart. The second pump delivers oxygen-rich blood to every part of
your body.

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2.8.1 Architecture of Heart

Fig.2.8 Inside of the Heart

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Fig.2.9 Outside of the Heart

Your heart is divided into four chambers as shown in Figs.2.8 & 2.9. You have two chambers
on the top (atrium, plural atria) and two on the bottom (ventricles), one on each side of the
heart.

 Right atrium: Two large veins deliver oxygen-poor blood to your right atrium. The
superior vena cava carries blood from your upper body. The inferior vena cava brings
blood from the lower body. Then the right atrium pumps the blood to your right
ventricle.
 Right ventricle: The lower right chamber pumps the oxygen-poor blood to
your lungs through the pulmonary artery. The lungs reload blood with oxygen.
 Left atrium: After the lungs fill blood with oxygen, the pulmonary veins carry the
blood to the left atrium. This upper chamber pumps the blood to your left ventricle.

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 Left ventricle: The left ventricle is slightly larger than the right. It pumps oxygen-rich
blood to the rest of your body.

2.8.2 Electrical signalling - ECG monitoring and heart related issues

An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart

problems. A health care provider might use an electrocardiogram to determine or detect:

 Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

 If blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) are causing chest
pain or a heart attack

 Whether you have had a previous heart attack

 How well certain heart disease treatments, such as a pacemaker, are working

ECG recording

 You’ll have three electrodes put on your chest and the wires attached to these will be
taped down.

 You’ll wear a small portable recorder on a belt around your waist which the wires will
lead to.

 While you’re wearing the ECG recorder, you can do everything you would normally do
- except have a bath or shower.

 It's safe and completely painless.

 When the test is finished, you’ll return the recorder to the hospital so the results can be
analysed.

2.8.3 Reasons for blockages of blood vessels

Coronary artery disease starts when fats, cholesterols and other substances collect on the inner
walls of the heart arteries as shown in Fig.2.11. This condition is called atherosclerosis. The
buildup is called plaque. Plaque can cause the arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The
plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.

Besides high cholesterol, damage to the coronary arteries may be caused by:

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 Diabetes or insulin resistance

 High blood pressure

 Not getting enough exercise (sedentary lifestyle)

 Smoking or tobacco use

Fig.2.11 Blockages of blood vessels

2.8.4 Design of stents

Heart stents are placed inside the artery at the area of blockage or weakness to decrease the
blockage or strengthen the artery wall. Stents can be placed primarily or after balloon
angioplasty. Most often, they are made of metal mesh. There are two types of stents: bare-
metal stent and drug-eluting stent. The latter are used more frequently and are coated with
medication that helps keep a blocked artery open longer. The stent eventually becomes a part
of the artery that it’s placed in.

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2.8.5 Pace makers

A pacemaker is a small device that's placed (implanted) in the chest to help control the
heartbeat. It's used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly. Implanting a pacemaker in the
chest requires a surgical procedure.

A pacemaker is also called a cardiac pacing device.

2.8.5.1 Types
Depending on your condition, you might have one of the following types of pacemakers.

 Single chamber pacemaker. This type usually carries electrical impulses to the right
ventricle of your heart.

 Dual chamber pacemaker. This type carries electrical impulses to the right ventricle
and the right atrium of your heart to help control the timing of contractions between the
two chambers.

 Biventricular pacemaker. Biventricular pacing, also called cardiac resynchronization

therapy, is for people who have heart failure and heartbeat problems. This type of
pacemaker stimulates both of the lower heart chambers (the right and left ventricles) to
make the heart beat more efficiently.

2.8.6 Defibrillators
A defibrillator is a device that provides an electric shock to your heart to allow it to get out of
a potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia, — ventricular tachycardia (with no
pulse) or ventricular fibrillation — and back to a normal rhythm. Both of these arrhythmias
happen in your heart’s ventricles or lower chambers.

Defibrillators for personal use

A shock from a personal defibrillator can be painless or feel as if someone kicked you in the
chest.People who are at high risk for a life-threatening heart rhythm may have these
defibrillator types:

 A wearable cardioverter defibrillator you wear like a vest under your clothes. The
sensors make contact with your skin, and the device can send a shock after sensing an
abnormal rhythm.

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 RV Institute of Technology & Management®

 An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Like an internal watchdog for

arrhythmias, an ICD can send the right amount of charge when it’s needed. While t’s
similar to a pacemaker in its ability to keep the heart beating, a defibrillator has the
added ability to provide a shock to the heart when a fatal rhythm is detected.

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