When configuring a dual shock coil with a 'hot can' in Biotronik, the SVC coil polarity is

When configuring a dual shock coil with a 'hot can' in Biotronik, the SVC coil polarity is

• A. The opposite of the can
• B. The same as the can
• C. Depends on programming
• D. Not programmable

Answer: (B)

Shocking polarity with a dual-shock coil and a hot can is about shaping the current path through the heart. In this Biotronik setup, the can serves as one electrode and the SVC coil is an additional electrode that contributes to the shock vector. Having the SVC coil share the same polarity as the can ensures all electrodes drive current in the same direction across the ventricles, producing a consistent, effective current density through the heart. If the SVC coil were the opposite polarity, part of the energy could circulate between coils rather than crossing the myocardium, reducing defibrillation effectiveness. In this configuration, the polarity is effectively fixed to match the can, so the best choice is that the SVC coil is the same polarity as the can.

Shocking polarity with a dual-shock coil and a hot can is about shaping the current path through the heart. In this Biotronik setup, the can serves as one electrode and the SVC coil is an additional electrode that contributes to the shock vector.

Having the SVC coil share the same polarity as the can ensures all electrodes drive current in the same direction across the ventricles, producing a consistent, effective current density through the heart. If the SVC coil were the opposite polarity, part of the energy could circulate between coils rather than crossing the myocardium, reducing defibrillation effectiveness. In this configuration, the polarity is effectively fixed to match the can, so the best choice is that the SVC coil is the same polarity as the can.