A defibrillation system with a unique paddle assembly. The paddle assembly has a paddle head with a conductive surface. The paddle head is introduced into the chest through a small surgical incision. The paddle head is connected to a handle by an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an electrically conductive core that is covered in a dielectric insulator. The elongated shaft is malleable. A pivot connection joins one end of the elongated shaft to the paddle head. The pivot connection enables the paddle head to move through a range of different orientations with respect to the elongated shaft. Electricity passes through the conductive core of the elongated shaft and into the paddle head.
