How Does the LifeVest Wearable Defibrillator Work?

LifeVest Consists of a Garment, an Electrode Belt, and a Monitor

LifeVest Illustration

1. Garment

  • Worn under your normal clothing, directly against skin
  • Includes the electrode belt

2. Electrode Belt

  • Designed to detect certain dangerous heart rhythms and deliver a treatment shock

3. Monitor

  • Worn around waist or with shoulder strap
  • Continuously records heart rate

The LifeVest® wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) allows you to return to most of your normal daily activities with the peace of mind that you have protection from sudden cardiac death. LifeVest does not require the assistance of another person or emergency personnel for it to work. It can protect you even when you are alone.

LifeVest is designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically deliver a treatment shock to restore your normal rhythm. In a typical situation, the entire event, from detecting a life-threatening rapid heartbeat to automatically delivering a shock, occurs in about one minute.

LifeVest does not treat all heart conditions, such as a dangerously slow heart rate or a complete stoppage of the heart, which are not treatable by a defibrillation shock.

"LifeVest very quickly recognized [the] abnormal rhythm and provided a life-saving shock, which is why Alan is still here with us today." -Dr. Scott Koerber

Alan's Story