Since defibrillation by high-energy electric shocks is the only effective means for termination of ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation shocks are now widely used in clinical practice for prevention of sudden cardiac death. However, the high-energy shocks could result in myocardial dysfunction and damage (Runsio et al., 1997) and in psychological trauma (Maisel, 2006). Comprehensive underst...

MEMS components by their very nature have different and unique failure mechanisms than their macroscopic counterparts. This paper discusses failure mechanisms observed in various MEMS components and technologies. MEMS devices fabricated using bulk and surface micromachining process technologies are emphasized.