120 results about "Automatic defibrillators" patented technology

An automated external defibrillator automatically determines the type of patient to which it is attached based on patient-specific information entered by the user. The defibrillator includes electrodes that are adapted for placement on a patient, a pulse generator connected to the electrodes, and processing circuitry that controls the defibrillation pulse delivery from the pulse generator. The automated external defibrillator causes a defibrillation pulse to be delivered to the patient in accordance with the determined patient type. A user interface having a user input connected to the processing circuitry enables the user of the defibrillator to enter patient-specific information. The user may enter the patient-specific information by interacting with the user input during a time period in relation to a prompt from the defibrillator. In another aspect, data pertaining to identification of the type of patient connected to the electrodes may be recorded with event data in a memory.

An external automatic defibrillator including an attachment device that can be externally attached and carried by a patient, an identification device for detecting an abnormal event in the cardiac activity, which can be treated by an electric shock, as well as a defibrillator allowing to exert a shock upon the patient after having detected the abnormal event. In order to ensure reliable functioning over a longer period of time, the identification device is configured so that the identification device can detect an abnormal event in an interval of not more than 90 seconds or one minute.

The apparatus according to the current invention, referred herein as “Rescue Cell” is an AED integrated into a handheld device such as mobile phone; pocket PCs, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc. Rescue Cell device according to embodiments of the present invention is portable; it is integrated into a device that is in regular use by most people. A user of a Rescue Cell is likely to carry his Rescue Cell device with him during his daily routine and to have the device at hand most of the time. Thus, there is high likelihood of the Rescue Cell to be available to him in case of cardiac emergency to himself or to someone near him.

A device and method for defrosting a defibrillation electrode are provided. This includes an automated external defibrillator that is capable of defrosting one or more frozen electrodes. The device is includes a portable housing containing a battery powered energy source and a controller as well as at least a pair of electrodes which are operably coupled to the housing. The electrodes are designed for attachment to the chest of a patient in need of resuscitation and contain a conductive interface medium that has temperature dependent properties. A controller is configured to selectively heat the conductive interface medium by applying limited electrical impulses and raise the electrode temperature to a desired temperature range.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) designed for use by a rescuer with minimal or no training during a medical emergency is provided. The AED implements a user interface program (22) which guides the rescuer through operation of the AED and application of CPR and defibrillation therapy to a patient by displaying a series of visual instructions on a graphic display (14) or other visual output device, and by providing additional aural instructions via a speaker (18) or other aural output device. The rescuer merely needs to press a start button (12) to initiate operation of the AED and begin CPR and defibrillation instruction.

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) with wireless patient monitoring capability. The AED is used in conjunction with a monitoring chest strap that transmits the patient's ECG and other parameters over a wireless network to the AED. The AED is capable of monitoring several patients simultaneously for use in mass casualty incidents. The AED notifies and indicates to the operator when a patient requires defibrillation therapy. The device is ready to shock once the defibrillation electrodes are applied.

A defibrillator module is described which includes a cardiac sensor, a pulse generator and a controller that generates commands responsive to intrinsic cardiac signals for the operation of said pulse generator. The defibrillator module synergistic and arranged so that it can be coupled to a generic patient monitor so that the two can share certain functions. For example, operational parameters and other signals indicative of the operation of the defibrillator module can be shown to the clinician by the patient monitor. Data between the defibrillator module and the patient monitor is exchanged using either a standard or a customized protocol.

A health and wellness station having a plurality of emergency response resources incorporated into a single unit is provided to a customer. A method is provided of deploying the health and wellness station and includes the steps of determining components for the health and wellness station, providing a station having the determined components to a customer, and monitoring the components of the station for maintenance and readiness. The station includes an automated external defibrillator (AED) and may have any variety of additional resources, such as a bioterror response kit, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a security system, an oxygen dispenser, and other domestic preparedness items.

A method and apparatus utilizing a piecewise stitching adaptive algorithm (PSAA) to filter signal artifacts, such as those induced by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from sensed signals in real-time. PSAA is a method of estimating artifact component present in a first signal that is highly correlated with a second signal. The PSAA may utilize autocorrelation and cross-correlation calculations to determine signal sample windows in the first and second signals. The PSAA may estimate a signal artifact in a primary signal segment based on the determined correlations between the primary signal and an artifact signal. The PSAA may remove the estimated signal artifact from the primary signal. In the absence of an artifact signal, PSAA is able to estimate artifacts in the first signal utilizing filters. The PSAA may be implemented in Automated External Defibrillators, Monitor Defibrillators or other devices capable sensing highly correlated signals such as, for example, ECG and CPR signals.

The disclosure provides methods and apparatus for simultaneously providing protection to an implantable medical device, such as an extra-cardiac implantable defibrillator (EID), while allowing efficacious therapy delivery via an external defibrillator (e.g., an automated external defibrillator, or AED). Due to the orientation of the electrodes upon application of therapy via, for example, via an AED the structure of the EID essentially blocks therapy delivery. In addition, but for the teaching of this disclosure sensitive circuitry of an EID can be damaged during application of external high voltage therapy thus rendering the EID inoperable. EIDs are disclosed that are entirely implantable subcutaneously with minimal surgical intrusion into the body of the patient and provide distributed cardioversion-defibrillation sense and stimulation electrodes for delivery of cardioversion-defibrillation shock and pacing therapies across the heart when necessary. Configurations include one hermetically sealed housing with one or, optionally, two subcutaneous sensing and cardioversion-defibrillation therapy delivery leads or alternatively, two hermetically sealed housings interconnected by a power / signal cable. The housings are generally dynamically configurable to adjust to varying rib structure and associated articulation of the thoracic cavity and muscles. Further the housings may optionally be flexibly adjusted for ease of implant and patient comfort. One aspect includes partially insulating a surface of an EID that faces away from a heart while maintaining a major conductive surface facing the heart.

The invention presents techniques for making the operation of an automated external defibrillator easier to understand for an operator. The automated external defibrillator includes defibrillation electrodes packaged in a sealed, easy-to-open pouch. Visual cues such as instructive pictures show the operator how to open the pouch, retrieve the defibrillation electrodes and correctly position the electrodes on a patient's chest.

An implantable automatic cardioverter defibrillator system having a subcutaneous housing, one lead and subcutaneous electrode, the housing comprising the other electrode. Alternatively, the system has a subcutaneous housing, two leads and two respective subcutaneous electrodes.

A notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC (personal computer) or desktop computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) having the technology to enable each to be used as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Methods and apparatuses for implementing the common notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC, common cell phone and the common personal digital assistant (PDA) as an automated external defibrillator (AED).

An automated external defibrillator (AED) and methods for reducing the delay between termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administration of a defibrillating shock, among other disclosed apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the AED includes an ECG sensor that obtains an ECG signal corresponding to patient heart activity and a prompting device that provides instructions regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The AED also has a control system including a microprocessor programmed to run two rhythm analysis algorithms after instructions to terminate CPR. The two rhythm analysis algorithms analyze segments of the ECG signal for recognizing the presence of a shockable rhythm, with one algorithm having a delayed start relative to the other algorithm. The AED additionally includes a therapy generation circuit for treating the shockable rhythm with a defibrillation pulse in response to the control system determining the presence of a shockable rhythm.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) and methods for a corrective CPR prompting system. The AED includes a sensor that obtains compression measurement data of CPR chest compressions and a control system including a microprocessor programmed to run a non-parametric, Information-Theoretic analysis of the compression measurement data. The analysis includes ranking provided compression measurement data, determining a prompt time TN for review, locating the compression measurement data at TN in an initial expected histogram of depth and rate aspects of the compression data measurements with upper and lower limits, that divides the intervals of the histogram into a plurality of sections, weighting the compression measurement data based on a plurality of factors, deriving information content of the compression measurement data by mapping a probability density function into an information content function, and determining if a particular corrective prompt is necessary. The AED also includes a prompting device that provides corrective CPR.

A notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC (personal computer) or desktop computer having an automated external defibrillator (AED) capability, and methods of utilizing the notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) defibrillator to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest. A notebook, laptop computer or tablet PC (personal computer) having the technology to enable each to be used as an automated external defibrillator (AED). Methods and apparatuses for implementing the common notebook, laptop computer, tablet PC, common cell phone and the common personal digital assistant (PDA) as an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Embodiments of the invention include systems, protective casings for smartphones, and associated methods to enhance use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) device before arrival of emergency medical personnel. A system can include a smartphone and a protective casing abuttingly contacting one or more side portions of the smartphone and retaining the smartphone positioned therein. The smartphone can include a defibrillation control module to control defibrillation of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The protective casing can include sensors, capacitors, and extendable electrode pads. The protective casing further can include a check module to determine whether the victim's heart rhythm requires an electrical shock to reestablish a normal heart rhythm, a space module to measure presence and amount of preselected materials relatively near the system, and a shock module to activate the one or more capacitors and generate an electrical current to deliver an electrical shock to the victim's chest.

A defibrillator locating system and method enables would-be responders to quickly identify defibrillator location for effecting prompt defibrillation. The system may be said to comprise a number of spaced heart-shaped signal-transmitting devices, a signal-receiving / alarm device, and an automatic external defibrillator pair-positioned in visual proximity to the signal-receiving / alarm device. A responder may send a signal from any of the transmitter devices for activating the nearest receiving / alarm device, the latter of which activates an alarm signal for guiding the responder toward the automatic external defibrillator. The alarm signal is preferably auditory and has sufficient intensity whereby the responder may be able to aurally perceive the auditory signal and follow the same to the defibrillator site along an unobstructed pathway. The removably attached defibrillator enables the responder to quickly carry said defibrillator to a cardiac emergency site.

Embodiments of the invention include systems, protective casings for smartphones, and associated methods to enhance use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) device before arrival of emergency medical personnel. A system can include a smartphone and a protective casing abuttingly contacting one or more side portions of the smartphone and retaining the smartphone positioned therein. The smartphone can include a defibrillation control module to control defibrillation of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. The protective casing can include sensors, capacitors, and extendable electrode pads. The protective casing further can include a check module to determine whether the victim's heart rhythm requires an electrical shock to reestablish a normal heart rhythm, a space module to measure presence and amount of preselected materials relatively near the system, and a shock module to activate the one or more capacitors and generate an electrical current to deliver an electrical shock to the victim's chest.

A combined cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) system for performing an emergency procedure over the clothing of a patient is provided. The system includes a spinal support rest having a cushion that accommodates a neck portion of the patient, a compression pad operatively connected to the spinal support rest and is adapted to be placed over the patient such that the compression pad is aligned above the heart and chest of the patient. A first arm strap and a second arm strap operatively connected to the compression pad. A power button automatically dials an emergency number to contact a medical professional. An interactive communication unit activates a two way real time video conference with the medical professional on the display to receive a set of instructions from the medical professional in real time to enable a user to perform the emergency procedure on the patient.

A user interface method and apparatus is described for use with a defibrillator (100) such as an automated external defibrillator (AED). The user interface comprises a plurality of layered user interface components which become available to the operator of the defibrillator (100) as they become necessary or appropriate during the operation of the defibrillator (100) and treatment of the patient. In one embodiment, the layered user interface components comprise an on / off actuator (108), a lid (104), an electrode package (120) containing defibrillation electrodes (142, 144), and a shock key (170), as well as accompanying visual and aural instructions for operating the defibrillator (100) and for treating the patient.

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.

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.

A defibrillation system for patients of all ages may include an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) coupled to a set of universal electrodes. Universal electrodes may be reduced-size versions of adult electrodes, and may include an opening to lower effective impedance. The AED may include an adult / pediatric mode control or switch. Based upon the setting of the adult / pediatric switch, the AED may perform an adult defibrillation sequence or a pediatric defibrillation sequence. An adult defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of one or more waveforms or shocks characterized by energies appropriate for adults, for example, 150 Joule biphasic waveforms. A pediatric defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of one or more waveforms characterized by energies appropriate for children, for example, 50 Joule biphasic waveforms. Another pediatric defibrillation sequence may comprise delivery of an escalating low-energy shock sequence to a patient, such as a 25 to 50 Joule shock, followed by a 65 to 75 Joule shock as necessary, followed by one or more 100 Joule shocks as necessary.

An external automatic defibrillator including an attachment device that can be externally attached and carried by a patient, an identification device for detecting an abnormal event in the cardiac activity, which can be treated by an electric shock, as well as a defibrillator allowing to exert a shock upon the patient after having detected the abnormal event. In order to ensure reliable functioning over a longer period of time, the identification device is configured so that the identification device can detect an abnormal event in an interval of not more than 90 seconds or one minute.

A method and system for expediting the rescue of victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) when used in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The system involves an apparatus that calls for help (i.e. 911), detects SCA and cardiac arrhythmias, locates an AED, guides the rescuer through CPR and connection of the AED. A second apparatus is in the enclosure that contains the AED, sends location information to the other apparatus, triggers audible and visual indicators, and provides information on the victim's location.

The present invention relates to a flow behavior monitor for presenting ultrasound measurements of an indicia of flow behavior of a fluid in a subject. The indicia of flow behavior are calculated for several frequency slices within a Doppler signal power spectrum and these indicia may be used to determine pulsatility and / or blood flow, as well as other parameters of flow behavior. Because of the robust nature of the calculated indicia, the flow behavior monitor has particular use in an Automated or Semi-Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for determining whether to defibrillate a patient.

The invention presents techniques for making the operation of an automated external defibrillator easier to understand for an operator. The automated external defibrillator includes defibrillation electrodes packaged in a sealed, easy-to-open pouch. Visual cues such as instructive pictures show the operator how to open the pouch, retrieve the defibrillation electrodes and correctly position the electrodes on a patient's chest.