Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080269818 | Non-Invasive Cardiac Potentiation Therapy - An external cardiac medical device for delivering Cardiac Potentiation Therapy (CPT). Techniques used with the device include initial diagnosis of the patient, delivery of the CPT, and configuration of the external device, so that CPT can be effectively and efficiently provided. In particular, these techniques include initially determining whether a patient should receive CPT, how to set the coupling interval for delivering CPT, how to configure the external medical device to deliver CPT stimulation pulses while not adversely affecting the device's ability to sense a patient's cardiac parameters and/or signals. | 10-30-2008 |
20090048636 | ASSESSING MEDICAL ELECTRODE CONDITION - The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors. | 02-19-2009 |
20090088810 | ASSESSING MEDICAL ELECTRODE CONDITION - The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors. | 04-02-2009 |
20090138057 | ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MONITORING AND CARDIAC THERAPY PULSE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A cardiac therapy pulse delivery system includes a plurality of electrodes, an ECG signal processor circuit, and a pulse generator circuit. Each of the electrodes has at least one therapy element and at least one monitor element that are electrically insulated from one another. The ECG signal processor circuit is electrically coupled to each monitor element on each electrode and is operable to convert ECG signals detected by the monitor elements into ECG data. The cardiac pulse generator circuit is electrically coupled to each therapy element on each electrode and is operable to supply one or more cardiac therapy pulses thereto. | 05-28-2009 |
20090149901 | INTEGRATED EXTERNAL CHEST COMPRESSION AND DEFIBRILLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF OPERATION - Integrated devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices. Integrated devices can include a backboard, at least one chest compression member operably coupled to the backboard, and a defibrillator module operably coupled to the backboard. The integrated devices can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities. | 06-11-2009 |
20090177242 | Apparatus and method for non-invasive induction of ventricular fibrillation - An apparatus and method for delivering an external shock pulse receive pacing pulses generated by a first device and a shock pulse generated by a second device. An output of the apparatus is coupled to patient electrodes and the apparatus controls delivery of the received pacing pulses to the output and delivery of the received shock pulse to the output. A control module, pacing control and shock control included in the apparatus cooperatively control delivery of the received shock pulse to the output at a predetermined delay after one of the received pacing pulses. | 07-09-2009 |
20100016910 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH RESUSCITATION PROMPTS DEPENDING ON ELAPSED TIME - Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator using a measurement of elapsed time. The present invention provides a defibrillator with a timer function. Upon activation of the defibrillator, an internal timer begins to run. By closely associating the activation of the defibrillator with the onset of the patient's attack, and by making allowances for inherent time differences between these events, the timer provides a measure of the elapsed time between the onset of the patient's emergency and the presentation of the defibrillator at the patient's side. Using this measure of elapsed time, the defibrillator determines an appropriate treatment therapy, such as CPR or defibrillation therapy. | 01-21-2010 |
20100030288 | EXTRAVASCULAR ARRHYTHMIA INDUCTION - A cardiac arrhythmia may be induced by delivering a sequence of pulses to a patient via one or more extravascular electrodes. In one example, one or more pacing pulses may be delivered to a patient via an extravascular electrode and a shock pulse may be delivered to the patient the extravascular electrode. In some examples, the pacing pulses and the shock pulse may be generated with energy from a common energy storage module and without interim charging of the module. For example, the pacing and shock pulses may be generated as the energy storage module dissipates. In another example, a cardiac arrhythmia may be induced in a patient by delivering a burst of pulses to a patient via an extravascular electrode. In some cases, the burst of pulses may be generated with energy from a common energy storage module and without interim charging of the energy storage module. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030290 | EXTRAVASCULAR ARRHYTHMIA INDUCTION - A cardiac arrhythmia may be induced by delivering a sequence of pulses to a patient via one or more extravascular electrodes. In one example, one or more pacing pulses may be delivered to a patient via an extravascular electrode and a shock pulse may be delivered to the patient the extravascular electrode. In some examples, the pacing pulses and the shock pulse may be generated with energy from a common energy storage module and without interim charging of the module. For example, the pacing and shock pulses may be generated as the energy storage module dissipates. In another example, a cardiac arrhythmia may be induced in a patient by delivering a burst of pulses to a patient via an extravascular electrode. In some cases, the burst of pulses may be generated with energy from a common energy storage module and without interim charging of the energy storage module. | 02-04-2010 |
20100087883 | INTERACTIVE FIRST AID INFORMATION SYSTEM - In general, the invention is directed to techniques for determining appropriate first aid and applying first aid that is appropriate. A first aid system receives patient status information from an input device or a sensor, and presents first aid information as a function of the received patient status information. The first aid system may be incorporated with an external defibrillator. The first aid system may acquire patient status information through an interaction with an operator, in which the first aid system asks the operator to supply patient status information. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator may supply patient status information by touching a diagram representing at least a portion of a human body. | 04-08-2010 |
20100194425 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING AN ALTERNATING CURRENT POWER SOURCE FOR DEFIBRILLATION COMPATIBILITY - A device tests a circuit that is a source of alternating current by measuring at least one electrical parameter of the circuit to determine whether the circuit is able to provide adequate energy for defibrillation by an external defibrillator. The device may test the circuit by applying a load to the circuit, and measuring one or more electrical parameters when the load is applied to the circuit. The device may be the external defibrillator itself, or a separate testing device. In some embodiments in which an external defibrillator tests a circuit, the defibrillator modifies a value of at least one therapy delivery parameter for a subsequent delivery of one or more defibrillation pulses based on the measured electrical parameter value measured. By modifying a therapy delivery parameter, the defibrillator may deliver defibrillation pulses at an energy level that is supportable by the circuit. | 08-05-2010 |
20100297594 | INTERACTIVE FIRST AID INFORMATION SYSTEM - In general, the invention is directed to techniques for determining appropriate first aid and applying first aid that is appropriate. A first aid system receives patient status information from an input device or a sensor, and presents first aid information as a function of the received patient status information. The first aid system may be incorporated with an external defibrillator. The first aid system may acquire patient status information through an interaction with an operator, in which the first aid system asks the operator to supply patient status information. In one embodiment of the invention, the operator may supply patient status information by touching a diagram representing at least a portion of a human body. | 11-25-2010 |
20110082379 | ANALYZING ECG DATA IN DECIDING ON PATIENT CHEST COMPRESSION TREATMENT - Medical devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to pause patient chest compression treatment in connection with administering electric shock therapy to the patient. The decision is made depending whether signal spikes identified in the ECG data are determined to be QRS complexes, or merely likely impulsive artifact caused by the chest compressions. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082510 | DECIDING ON PATIENT ELECTRIC SHOCK THERAPY - Systems, devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to administer an electric shock to a patient. The decision can be made differently, depending on whether the patient has already been shocked or not. | 04-07-2011 |
20110112423 | INCREASING CPR EFFECTIVENESS USING PHONOCARDIOGRAM ANALYSIS - Embodiments of the invention include a system and methods for providing status information about resuscitation efforts of a person receiving chest compressions as part of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). A microphone generates a soundtrack by sampling sounds within or around the body of the person receiving CPR. The soundtrack is gated in one or more various ways to eliminate portions of the soundtrack, and analysis performed on the remaining portions. By evaluating the remaining portions of the soundtrack, the system can determine a cardiovascular effect of the compressions and provide status information to the rescuer about the determined cardiovascular effect. | 05-12-2011 |
20110118800 | ECG ANALYSIS THAT RELATIVELY DISCOUNTS ECG DATA OF CPR PERIOD TRANSITIONS - Medical devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to administer electric shock therapy to a patient. The decision is made with respect to ECG data that is discounted at least partially, and sometimes even completely, if it occurs during a transition between chest compression group and a pause for ventilation. | 05-19-2011 |
20110144707 | EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR WITH CHARGE ADVISORY ALGORITHM - An external defibrillator includes a therapy delivery circuit, a sensor, and a processor. The therapy delivery circuit is configured to be electrically charged and to deliver electrical therapy to a patient. The sensor is configured to sense a physiological condition of the patient and generate data indicative of a probability that therapy will be delivered to the patient. The processor is configured to analyze data generated by the sensor to determine whether there is a threshold level of the probability that the therapy delivery will be delivered to the patient, if the probability is at least at the threshold level, charge the therapy delivery circuit, and determine whether therapy delivery is advisable based on the physiological condition of the patient after determining whether the probability is at least at the threshold level. | 06-16-2011 |
20110166615 | EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR - Methods and apparatus are provided for minimizing the inherent time delays within external defibrillators. The methods and apparatuses utilize timing schemes for initiation and completion of charging of an energy storage device of an external defibrillator, measuring one or physical parameters of the patient and conducting a physiology analysis of the patient. The initiation and completion of one or more of these activities are arranged so that the energy storage device is charged to a desired level and available for a defibrillation shock to the patient with minimal delay after activation of the external defibrillator. | 07-07-2011 |
20110319950 | BALANCED CHARGE WAVEFORM FOR TRANSCUTANEOUS PACING - External pacemaker systems and methods deliver pacing waveforms that minimize hydrolysis of the electrode gel. Compensating pulses are interleaved with the pacing pulses, with a polarity and duration that balance the net charge at the electrode locations. The compensating pulses are preferably rectangular for continuous pacing, and decay individually for on-demand pacing. | 12-29-2011 |
20120016279 | CPR CHEST COMPRESSION MACHINE STOPPING TO DETECT PATIENT RECOVERY - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to CPR chest compression machines that include a sensor to detect a parameter about a patient, such as an indication of patient recovery, and include a processor that determines whether to cease series of successive compressions on the patient in response to the detected parameter. | 01-19-2012 |
20120081230 | POWER CONSERVING ALERT FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound. | 04-05-2012 |
20120116272 | COOPERATING DEFIBRILLATORS AND EXTERNAL CHEST COMPRESSION DEVICES - Devices, methods, and software implementing those methods for providing communicating external chest compression (ECC) devices and defibrillation (DF) devices, where the ECC and DF devices can be physically separate from each other. Both ECC and DF devices are able to operate autonomously, yet able to communicate with and cooperate with another device when present. Some ECC and DF devices are adapted to be physically and/or electrically coupled to each other. One ECC device includes a backboard, a chest compression member, a communication module, controller, and at least one sensor, electrode lead or electrode. One DF device includes a defibrillator module, a controller, and a communication module that can communicate with the ECC communication module. The communicating ECC and DF devices may deliver ECC, pacing, defibrillation, ventilation, and cooling therapies, and may deliver instructions to human assistants, in a coordinated and cooperative fashion. | 05-10-2012 |
20130127624 | POWER CONSERVING ALERT FOR MEDICAL DEVICES - Techniques are provided for alerting a person to check a medical device while conserving battery power. The medical device initiates a status alert if a readiness condition of the medical device is no longer being met. The status alert includes notification periods during which an audible sound is emitted alternating with off periods during which substantially no audible sound is emitted. The audible sounds may include certain tones or at least one spoken word. At least one of the duration of successive notification periods or the duration of successive off periods may be varied. In this manner, the medical device may provide audible sound at different times during the day in an attempt to get the attention of a person. In addition, the medical device may sense an activity to determine when to provide the audible sound. | 05-23-2013 |
20130296727 | FILTER MECHANISM FOR REMOVING ECG ARTIFACT FROM MECHANICAL CHEST COMPRESSIONS - An external medical device can include a housing and a processor within the housing. The processor can be configured to receive an input signal for a patient receiving chest compressions from a mechanical chest compression device. The processor can also be configured to select at least one filter mechanism, the mechanical chest compression device having a chest compression frequency f. The processor can be further configured to apply the at least one filter mechanism to the signal to at least substantially remove chest compression artifacts from the signal, wherein the chest compression artifacts correspond to the chest compressions being delivered to the patient by the mechanical chest compression device, and wherein the at least one filter mechanism substantially rejects content in the frequency f plus content in at least one more frequency that is a higher harmonic to the frequency f. | 11-07-2013 |
20140025131 | WEARABLE DEFIBRILLATOR WITH VOICE PROMPTS AND VOICE RECOGNITION - An external medical device such as a wearable defibrillator can include a housing, an energy storage module within the housing for storing an electrical charge, and a defibrillation port within the housing for guiding via electrodes the stored electrical charge to a person. The medical device can also include a processor within the housing configured to control a voice prompt customization module, in which the voice prompt customization module allows a programmer to customize voice prompts, and a user interface configured to deliver at least one voice prompt customized by the programmer | 01-23-2014 |
20140046393 | SEQUENTIAL STACKED CAPACITOR DEFIBRILLATOR AND WAVEFORM GENERATED THEREFROM - A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special ascending, biphasic waveform. The special waveform is characterized by a set of at least two peaks. The amplitude of the second peak is greater than the amplitude of the first peak. The waveform is generated by switching capacitance configuration in the defibrillator from a parallel configuration to a series configuration while the defibrillator is delivering the defibrillation shock to the patient. Because of the switching capacitances and/or the waveform, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing. | 02-13-2014 |
20140088374 | FILTERING PATIENT SIGNAL ALSO FOR VENTILATION ARTIFACTS - In embodiments, an external medical device is intended to care for a patient. If it receives an input that signifies that ventilation artifact is present in a signal of the patient, it transmits a corrective signal responsive to the received input. In further embodiments, a patient signal is received, which is generated from a patient while the patient is or was receiving chest compressions at a frequency Fc, and also receiving ventilations at frequency Fv. At least one filter mechanism may be applied to the patient signal to substantially remove artifacts at a) frequency Fc, b) a higher harmonic of frequency Fc, and c) a third frequency substantially equaling frequency Fc plus or minus frequency Fv, while substantially passing other frequencies between them. As a result, the patient signal can be cleaner, for diagnosing the patient's state more accurately. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100622 | EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATION WITH AUTOMATIC POST-SHOCK ANTI-TACHYCARDIA (APSAT) PACING - A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special pulse sequence. The special pulse sequence includes a defibrillation shock that is automatically followed by a quick succession of automatic post-shock anti-tachycardia (APSAT) pacing pulses. Because of the pacing pulses, the defibrillation shock can be of lesser energy than an equivalent defibrillation shock of a larger energy. Accordingly, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107541 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROCARDIOGRAM ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION AND THERAPY DELIVERY - The system and method provide for electrocardiogram analysis and optimization of patient-customized cardiopulmonary resuscitation and therapy delivery. An external medical device includes a housing and a processor within the housing. The processor can be configured to receive an input signal for a patient receiving chest compressions and to select at least one filter mechanism and to apply the filter mechanism to the signal to at least substantially remove chest compression artifacts from the signal. A real time dynamic analysis of a cardiac rhythm is applied to adjust and integrate CPR prompting of a medical device. Real-time cardiac rhythm quality is facilitated using a rhythm assessment meter. | 04-17-2014 |
20140148869 | External Defibrillator Electrode, Method and System for Reducing ECG Artifact - An electrode for use with an external defibrillator for a patient includes a first combination circuit including a circuit node electrically coupled to an adapter for coupling to the defibrillator. The circuit node is further coupled to a monitoring node defined by a monitoring segment of a first pad of the electrode and to a therapy node defined by a therapy segment of the first pad of the electrode. The therapy segment is electrically insulated from the monitoring segment. The first combination circuit further includes a capacitor coupled between the circuit node and the therapy node. The electrode of this disclosure hence provides additional solutions for reducing ECG artifact during the operation of the electrode. | 05-29-2014 |
20140358048 | SELECTIVE POST-SHOCK TRANSTHORACIC PACING - A medical device can include a housing, an energy storage module within the housing to store an electrical charge, and a defibrillation port to guide via electrodes the stored electrical charge to a person in need of medical assistance. The medical device can also include a processor to perform a patient signal analysis on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal corresponding to the person and further determine, based on a result of the patient signal analysis, whether post-shock transcutaneous pacing should be performed on the person. | 12-04-2014 |