What does voltage refer to in a cardiac device context?

In the context of cardiac devices, voltage specifically refers to the "force that causes electrons to move through a circuit." This definition is crucial because voltage represents the electrical potential difference that drives the flow of electric current through the device's circuitry. Essentially, a higher voltage indicates greater potential to push electrons, which is vital for the functioning of implanted devices like pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

In a cardiac device, the voltage must be carefully controlled to ensure that the electrical impulses are strong enough to depolarize the cardiac muscle and facilitate the proper rhythm. This aspect of voltage is critical to the performance of the device, as insufficient voltage might fail to effectively stimulate heart tissues, potentially leading to ineffective therapy or patient safety issues.