Automated external defibrillator (aed) with discrete sensing pulse for use in configuring a therapeutic biphasic waveform

Abstract

An automatic external defibrillator (AED) with a discrete sensing pulse for use in configuring a therapeutic biphasic waveform. The sensing pulse is used to determine a patient-specific parameter (e.g., thoracic impedance) prior to delivery of the therapy waveform. The defibrillator adjusts the therapy waveform, based on the patient-specific parameter, prior to delivery to the patient.

Description

[0001] References to Pending Prior Patent Applications [0002] This patent application claims to be AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILIATOR WITH BIPHASICWAVEFORM AND DISCRETE SENSING PULSE (Attorney's Docket No.ACCESS-7 PROV) filed on November 24, 2004 by Kyle R. Bowers, Serial No. 60 / 630,894 benefit of a pending prior US patent application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to defibrillator systems and methods that generate discrete sense pulses used in forming therapeutic biphasic waveforms. Background technique [0004] Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) kills approximately 350,000 people each year in the United States alone. Worldwide deaths due to SCA are believed to be at least twice the rate in the United States. Many of these deaths could be prevented if effective defibrillation was delivered within 3-5 minutes of the onset of SCA. [0005] SCA is an episodic state of abnormal heart rate...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of this technique is that slope control must be done during the treatment portion of the waveform, which increases the complexity of the waveform controller

[0011] Older prior art defibrillators used preset voltages and did not control or limit patient peak current

This technique can generate high peak currents in low impedance patients, which can lead to myocardial damage

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