Philips Medical Systems, a part of Philips India, has launched HeartStart, a new device that can help treat people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Known as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in medical parlance, HeartStart delivers an electrical shock to the heart, which stops the uncoordinated rhythm of the heart and allows return of the regular rhythm and pulse.

HeartStart, which is priced below Rs 2 lakh, is the result of extensive research on ease of use, and is the first AED to employ technology that senses user behavior and adapts its voice instructions appropriately according to the user's actions. The device works on a battery that can be charged once every four years. In fact the user need not be a trained medical professional, as the device guides the user every step of the way, with friendly vice commands, the officials said.

Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In SCA, typically the heart has an uncoordinated, very fast heart rhythm. The heart pump becomes ineffective. "Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alone cannot help in the case of a sudden cardiac arrest. An AED has to be used within five to seven minutes. The person is likely to die if intervention is delayed. Each minute of delay reduces the chances of survival by 10 per cent," says Dr. Nishith Chandra, cardiologist, Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi.

"In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest at a public place, the AED provides immediate life-saving treatment. Availability of AED's in public places in India is the urgent need of the hour," according to Dr. Asif Ali, head-Department of Emergency Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

The underlying defibrillation technology of the HeartStart Defibrillator is based on the more than 100,000 Philips AED's found on airlines and in airports, workplaces and communities across the globe. A recent study conducted by Frost and Sullivan determined that Philips defibrillators are the most widely used in corporate and public access settings and that Philips is the world and US market share leader in automated external defibrillators.

"It's advantage is that even an untrained layman can handle the AED and save a life - it is meant for ordinary people in extraordinary moments and is perfectly safe. HeartStart is aimed at dramatically altering the survival outcomes of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest," said Anjan Bose, CEO, Philips Medical Systems India Private Ltd. "HeartStart is easy to use, designed to deliver a shock only if one is needed and what's more, performs comprehensive daily self-tests," he added.

"HeartStart is an award-winning resuscitation product that can help users treat sudden cardiac arrest quickly and effectively wherever it occurs," said K Ramachandran, managing director & CEO, Philips India Limited.