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Automated defibrillators designed to be worn externally by the patient to continuously detect, classify, record and treat potentially life-threatening arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia). Typical designs include a vest-like garment containing the defibrillation electrodes; the electrodes are connected to a battery-powered monitor that is either worn on a shoulder strap or on a belt around the user\'s waist. These devices are primarily designed for patients at high risk for life-threatening arrhythmias who are either not yet candidates for an implantable defibrillator (e.g., patients who have recently undergone coronary revascularization procedures such as coronary bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention), who are unable to tolerate the requirements of an implantable device, and/or who refuse such therapy. They can be used in the home or institutional setting.
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