Cardiovascular effects of SPARK conducted electrical weapon in healthy subjects.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of conducted electronic weapons (CEW) cause concern regarding its secure application, specially regarding the implications in the cardiovascular system. METHODS: The objective was to determine Spark CEW safety through cardiovascular parameters analysis of healthy volunteers subjected to its use. RESULTS: Volunteers over 18years without cardiovascular disease or recent use of illegal drugs were submitted, before and after being affected with Spark CEW, to clinical evaluation; blood collection for serum laboratory tests; transthoracic electrocardiography at rest, transthoracic echodopplercardiogram and 24hour Holter. RESULTS: All 71 patients reported being incapable of any voluntary reaction during the shock of the application time. No arrhythmia or myocardial necrosis was related to the use of non-lethal weapon SPARK. Reported adverse events were self-limited, and mostly mild. CONCLUSIONS: SPARK brand CEW is effective in incapacitating individuals by the shock of the application time, without causing.