The word 'vector' simply means where the probes are placed.
Conclusions: For most trans-cardiac vectors, TASER X26 caused immediate myocardial capture. This usually reverted spontaneously to sinus rhythm but potentially fatal VF [ventricular fibrillation] was seen with 2 vectors. For some non-trans-cardiac vectors, capture was also seen but at a much lower incidence and these vectors did not result in VF.
What this means is that if the barbs are carefully attached to the victims belt buckle and ankle (as commonly arranged for testing), they'll probably be fine. On the other hand, if the taser is aimed at the chest (duh?) and the barbs get across the area of the heart, then the taser will affect the operation of the heart in 'most' cases. Whether this is fatal then becomes a guessing game and a matter of statistics. But taser enough people and some will certainly die.
Ref: Valentino, D.J., R.J. Walter, A.J. Dennis, B. Margeta, F. Starr, K.K. Nagy, F. Bokhari, D.E. Wiley, K.T. Joseph, and R.R. Roberts. TASER® X26 discharges in swine: Cardiac rhythm capture is dependent on discharge vector. Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), January 2008; Journal of Trauma 63:1427, 2007.
Happy New Year Taser-wanks. Welcome to 2008. This is the year you're going down.
UPDATE (late-2009):
TASER International (TASR) stock price during 2008. Interesting.
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