| PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 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 |
| 20130060148 | PULSE DETECTION USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130041421 | ELECTROCARDIOGRAM MONITORING - Techniques for determining whether one or more leads are not adequately connected to a patient, e.g., for ECG monitoring, are described. The techniques involve injection of an integrated signal (which includes a test signal) into one lead, and monitoring the driven lead and the response at the other leads, including the common mode and the difference between the other leads. These “lead-off” detection techniques may be provided by an external defibrillator that provides three-wire ECG monitoring. Techniques for determining a type of a cable coupled to a defibrillator are also described. The cable-type identification may allow a defibrillator to, for example, operate in either a three-wire ECG monitoring mode or a therapy mode, based on whether a three-wire ECG cable or a defibrillation cable is coupled to the defibrillator. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20120302896 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120296384 | MEDICAL DEVICES ALERTING USER ABOUT POTENTIAL INTERRUPTION OF WIRELESS PATIENT DATA TRANSFER - An external defibrillator can receive wirelessly a data signal transmitted by a transmitting device over a communication link. The defibrillator can include a processor configured to monitor a reception parameter of the communication link while the data signal is being received and to set an alert flag if the processor determines from the reception parameter that reception of the data signal may be discontinued prematurely. The defibrillator can also include a user interface capable of outputting an alerting user notification responsive to the alert flag being set. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120283608 | DRIVING CONTROL OF A RECIPROCATING CPR APPARATUS - A method of controlling the amount of compressed gas used for driving a reciprocating apparatus for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprising a valve means for controlling the provision of driving gas comprises operation of the valve means during the compression phase to stop provision of driving gas, which operation is separated in time from the venting of the driving gas from the apparatus at the end of the compression phase. Also disclosed are; a CPR apparatus operated by the method; a method of compression depth sensing. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120197665 | SELECTIVELY ROUTING PATIENT DATA BETWEEN FIELD DEVICES AND TREATMENT CENTER DESTINATIONS - Techniques for routing event data from a field device, such as an external defibrillator, to a selected subset of a plurality of possible destinations are described. The event data may include physiological data of the patient, such as a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The destinations may be associated with one of a plurality of patient treatment centers, and may include, as examples, computing device, printers, displays, personal digital assistants, or web-accessible accounts. In some examples, a server maintains user-configurable information or rules for at least some of the destinations, and uses the information or rules for determining whether event data received from a field device is routed to the destination. In some examples, the server may also make the routing determination based on an analysis of event data, such as a determination as to whether the event data indicates that the patient is suspected to be experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197324 | MEDICAL DEVICE ADJUSTING OPERATION WHEN USED WITH NON-AUTHENTICATED PATIENT PARAMETER COLLECTING ACCESSORY - Embodiments are directed to a medical device, such as a defibrillator, for use with an accessory capable of collecting a parameter of a patient. The medical device is capable of at least performing a basic functionality, an advanced functionality, and of defibrillating the patient. The medical device includes an energy storage module within a housing for storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to the patient for the defibrillating. The medical device includes a processor structured to determine whether a data set received from the accessory confirms or not a preset authentication criterion about the accessory. Although when the accessory is coupled to the housing the medical device is capable of the defibrillating and the basic functionality, the medical device is capable of the advanced functionality only when the accessory is coupled to the housing and it is determined that the preset authentication criterion is confirmed. Embodiments also include methods of operation and a programmed solution. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120185006 | DEFIBRILLATORS DETECTING ORIENTATION OF ELECTRODE CONNECTION TO ADJUST ENERGY DOSAGE - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external defibrillators that include an electrode connection port having multiple connection options, and include a detection device to determine an electrode connection configuration so as to provide an appropriate electrical shock to a patient. The detection device detects the electrode connection configuration of a plug connector for connected electrodes to determine if the plug connector is in an adult orientation or a pediatric orientation. The external defibrillator is configured to a deliver an electrical shock with less energy when the pediatric orientation is detected rather than the adult orientation. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120157818 | ECG ELECTRODE AND ELECTRODE SUPPORT - An electrically non-conductive back plate for supporting the back of a patient in a supine position comprises on its front face facing the back of the patient a pair or more of ECG electrodes capable of maintaining electrically conductive skin contact with the patient's back. The pair of ECG electrodes is disposed at a sharp angle with the mean heart vector, in particular so as to form an angle β of about 45°±25° with the projection S of the patient's spine on the back plate. Also disclosed is an ECG electrode for mounting in a recess of the back plate and an apparatus for treating cardiac arrest by compression of the sternum comprising the back plate. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120136404 | MEDICAL DEVICE INCLUDING SETUP OPTION REPORTING - A medical device for use with a patient is described. The medical device includes a component for administering a treatment to the patient or receiving data of the patient. The component is configured to operate according to an internal setting. The medical device also includes a user interface through which a user can modify the internal setting, as well as a settings signature generator for generating a settings signature that represents a present state of the internal setting. A gateway is also provided for communicating a version of the settings signature out of the medical device. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120136286 | MULTI-RESOLUTION GRAPHICAL DISPLAY FOR FEEDBACK ON CHEST COMPRESSION DEPTH - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to medical devices. For example, a medical device including a display for providing feedback to a rescuer who is performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) chest compressions to a patient. The display is structured to graphically indicate an instantaneous value of a measured compression depth of the chest of the patient. The display includes an indicator range that corresponds at least in part to a compression depth range of some of the measured compression depths. An indicator is represented as progressing along the indicator range as the depth changes within the compression depth range to represent a value of the measured compression depth in relation to the indicator range. Depending on the measured compression depth, the indicator progresses at a variable rate relative to a difference in the measured compression depth. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120123504 | MANUALLY INITIATING WIRELESS RECEPTION OF RESUSCITATION EVENT DATA FROM MEDICAL DEVICE - An external defibrillator can include a bump sensor for generating motion information and a bump detector for determining whether the external defibrillator has been subjected to a local bump event. The external defibrillator can transmit wirelessly a data signal encoding resuscitation event data to a second external defibrillator over a wireless communication link between the two devices. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123490 | MANUALLY INITIATING WIRELESS TRANSMISSION OF RESUSCITATION EVENT DATA TO MEDICAL DEVICE - An external defibrillator can include a bump sensor for generating motion information and a bump detector for determining whether the external defibrillator has been subjected to a local bump event. The external defibrillator can transmit wirelessly a data signal encoding resuscitation event data to a second external defibrillator over a wireless communication link between the two devices. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123242 | EXTERNAL MEDICAL DEVICE REACTING TO WARNING FROM OTHER MEDICAL DEVICE ABOUT IMPENDING INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION OF TREATMENT - In one embodiment, an external second medical device is capable of being attached to a patient. The second medical device includes an operation module that is capable of operating at different capacities, such as at a first capacity and a second capacity. The second medical device also includes a receiver for receiving a warning about an impending administration of a first treatment to the patient, by a first medical device that does not know about the second medical device being attached to the patient. In response to receiving the warning, the second medical device undertakes a defensive action, whereby the operation of the operation module is capable of being performed at the second capacity. This way, the first treatment, when administered, will impact the second medical device less or not at all. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123241 | EXTERNAL MEDICAL DEVICE WARNING OTHER MEDICAL DEVICE OF IMPENDING ADMINISTRATION OF TREATMENT - In one embodiment, an external first medical device includes a treatment module for administering a first treatment. The first medical device also includes a warning module for transmitting, before the first treatment is administered, a warning about the impending administration of the first treatment. The warning is suitable for receipt by a second medical device that could be attached to the patient unbeknownst to the first device, and which could be impacted by the first treatment. As such, the second medical device is given the opportunity to take a defensive action. | 05-17-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120109239 | DEFIBRILLATOR WITH MUTABLE SOUND PROMPTS - Defibrillators, software and methods are provided, for issued verbal prompts to rescuers. A defibrillator may receive a muting input and, responsive thereto, cause a verbal prompt to not be issued or to be issued less loudly relative another verbal prompt. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120105238 | DEFIBRILLATOR DELIVERING AUDIBLE PROMPTS TO EARPIECE - Defibrillators, software and methods are provided, for transmitting inaudible audio information to one or more external personal sound devices. The audio information may encode an audible indication, which can thus be played by an external personal sound device to a user such as a rescuer. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120083720 | REFERENCE SENSOR FOR CPR FEEDBACK DEVICE - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to medical devices for use by a rescuer who is caring for a patient and includes a bottom device for use with a top device to measure the depth of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) chest compressions delivered to the chest of a patient. The top device is intended for placement on the chest of the patient and has a top mechanism that is moveable up and down as the chest compressions are delivered to the patient. The bottom device includes a generally elongate member having a handle at one end and a bottom mechanism near the opposite end. The elongate member is structured to be placed under the patient during delivery of CPR. The top mechanism and the bottom mechanism cooperate to generate a value for a net depth of the compressions of the patient chest with reference to each other. | 04-05-2012 |
| 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 |
| 20120071940 | DEFIBRILLATOR WITH UTILITY LIGHT - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external defibrillators that include a utility light for use by one or more rescuers using the defibrillator. In one implementation, an external defibrillator has a housing, an energy storage module for storing an electrical charge, a defibrillation port for guiding the stored electrical charge to a person, and a processor for determining when to guide the electrical charge. The defibrillator also includes a user interface that includes a screen showing indications by light, and a separate utility light coupled to the housing via a light-coupling structure. The utility light is structured to generate and cast a beam of light with a beam divergence angle of no more than 160 degrees in order to illuminate a certain point of the local environment. This illumination capability may help rescuers reach a person in need of medical attention and apply medical assistance to the person. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071939 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH SPEAKER HAVING EXTERIOR DIAPHRAGM - Embodiments of the present concept are directed to medical devices having features that prevent contaminants from infiltrating the housing of the device while providing a mechanism to provide clear auditory sounds to aid a rescuer in providing care to a patient. In one example, a medical device includes a housing having a transmission area associated with an enclosed voice coil. An exterior diaphragm formed integrally with the housing surrounds the transmission area and provides a watertight seal of the transmission area. In addition, the diaphragm is structured to generate a sound that can be heard by the rescuer from the voice coil. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120035678 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035676 | PULSE DETECTION USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035675 | EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR WITH ADAPTIVE CPR DURATION - A method and apparatus for a defibrillating system is disclosed that monitors the patient during treatment and then uses the information it gathers to adjust treatment protocols during treatment based on the patient's response. The protocols may include adaptive rhythm analysis intervals, adaptive CPR intervals, and adaptive shock stacks. A method of operating a defibrillator may include the steps of: obtaining a data set on at least one physiological parameter of a patient in a first data gathering interval; performing an analysis of the data set; and determining a time interval between the analysis of the first data set and a second data set, or the duration of a CPR interval, or the number of shocks in a shock stack, based on the result of the analysis of the data set. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035485 | PULSE DETECTION USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120029584 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029583 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029368 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120022606 | CPR TIME INDICATOR FOR VENTILATIONS FOR A DEFIBRILLATOR DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system is disclosed wherein patient data, such as an electrocardiogram (“ECG”) signal or a chest impedance measurement signal, collected by a defibrillator device during a resuscitation event is analyzed and processed by a computing device to provide an assessment of CPR administered during the event. The CPR assessment results in one or more CPR figures of merit that relate to temporal characteristics of the CPR relative to the duration of the event. In one embodiment, the CPR figure of merit represents a percentage of the event period during which chest compressions were administered to the patient. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022339 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20110319797 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE - The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure comprises a back plate for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part can comprise two legs, each leg having a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge and a second end removably attachable to said back plate. Said front part can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part is attached to said back plate. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110308534 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE - The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110236867 | PROMPTING SYSTEM FOR CPR DELIVERY - A method of providing instruction on the performance of chest compressions includes providing a series of signals of a first type corresponding to the desired rhythm of delivery of chest compressions in a chest compression series, and providing signals of a second type which indicate a desired point in the first series. The desired point may be a point near the end of the chest compression series. The signals of the second type may be a voiced countdown to the end of the compression series. The signals of the first type may be a series of identical sounds delivered in the desired rhythm for chest compressions, and the signals of the second type may be sounds distinct from those of the first type which correspond to the rhythm of the last N compressions in the series. The desired point in the first series may include a first point at a desired interval from the first compression, where the interval is measured in number of compressions or elapsed time. A protocol may be chosen between a protocol for a patient with a secured airway and one for a patient with an unsecured airway. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110208259 | DEFIBRILLATOR/MONITOR SYSTEM HAVING A POD WITH LEADS CAPABLE OF WIRELESSLY COMMUNICATING - A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110190836 | DEFIBRILLATOR WITH OVERRIDABLE CPR-FIRST PROTOCOL - Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a defibrillation treatment protocol in an external defibrillator whereby a user may override a CPR-first default protocol. The method includes following steps configured in a defibrillator controller of issuing an inquiry; waiting for a response to the inquiry for a set time; ordering a CPR treatment protocol if no response is received within the set time; analyzing a response; ordering a CPR treatment protocol upon receiving a non-affirmative response to the inquiry; and ordering a shock treatment protocol upon receiving an affirmative response to the inquiry. Upon selecting a shock treatment protocol, the defibrillator performs a shock analysis under the shock treatment protocol, and either orders a CPR treatment protocol if shock treatment is not indicated by the shock analysis or provides a defibrillation shock if shock treatment is indicated by the shock analysis. Queries may be presented to a user in visual, audible, or both visual and audible format. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110167009 | CONTROLLED-VENDOR MANUFACTURING METHODS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to manufacturing a medical device in a way that minimizes the possibility of defects. Because of the general increasing desire to eliminate lead from the environment, electronic producers are removing lead from their manufacturing processes. The lead had beneficial qualities, however, in that it prevented other metals, in particular tin, from developing “whiskers,” believed to be caused from thermal and mechanical stress of the tin parts or components. Removing the lead has caused an increasing incidence of failure in electronic devices. Many vendors, believing that lead-free devices are universally desirable, routinely substitute lead-free components for components that previously contained lead. Oftentimes these substitutions are made without knowledge of the buyer. Some devices, in particular life-saving devices, may be adversely affected by such a substitution. Embodiments of the invention prevent non-specified goods from being assembled into the medical device by generating evidence or requiring that vendors generate evidence of component composition for particular components that may be at risk for premature failure in the medical device. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166888 | SIMPLIFIED LAUNCHING OF ELECTRONIC MESSAGES IN CENTER FOR TREATING PATIENT - Devices, systems, software and methods facilitate launching protocol in a treatment center for an incoming patient. When a patient characterization is input, one or more draft messages become prepared at least in part for different functions, departments and people of the treatment center. | 07-07-2011 |
| 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 |
| 20110144708 | PULSE DETECTION APPARATUS, SOFTWARE, AND METHODS USING PATIENT PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates two or more different physiological signals, such as phonocardiogram (PCG) signals, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, patient impedance signals, piezoelectric signals, and accelerometer signals for features indicative of the presence of a cardiac pulse. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided. | 06-16-2011 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 20100318145 | DEFIBRILLATORS CUSTOMIZED FOR ANTICIPATED PATIENTS - An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318144 | DEFIBRILLATORS CUSTOMIZED FOR ANTICIPATED PATIENTS - An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318143 | DEFIBRILLATORS CUSTOMIZED FOR ANTICIPATED PATIENTS - An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators. | 12-16-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100198287 | SELECTIVE RECHARGING OF MEDICAL DEVICE DEPENDING ON AUTHENTICATION OF POWER ADAPTER SYSTEM - In an embodiment, a medical device can be used with a power adapter system. In addition, it can receive a data set from the power adapter system, and examine the data set to determine whether the data set confirms or not an authentication of the power adapter for use with the medical device. If the authentication is not confirmed, the external medical device can operate differently than otherwise. For example, power can be drawn more slowly from the power adapter system. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198286 | SELECTIVE POWERING OF MEDICAL DEVICE DEPENDING ON AUTHENTICATION OF POWER ADAPTER SYSTEM - In an embodiment, a medical device can be used with a power adapter system. In addition, it can receive a data set from the power adapter system, and examine the data set to determine whether the data set confirms or not an authentication of the power adapter for use with the medical device. If the authentication is not confirmed, the external medical device can operate differently than otherwise. For example, power can be drawn from the power adapter system only if an inside battery is not charged. | 08-05-2010 |
| 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 |
| 20100152800 | CPR TIME INDICATOR FOR A DEFIBRILLATOR DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system is disclosed wherein patient data, such as an electrocardiogram (“ECG”) signal or a chest impedance measurement signal, collected by a defibrillator device during a resuscitation event is analyzed and processed by a computing device to provide an assessment of CPR administered during the event. The CPR assessment results in one or more CPR figures of merit that relate to temporal characteristics of the CPR relative to the duration of the event. In one embodiment, the CPR figure of merit represents a percentage of the event period during which chest compressions were administered to the patient. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20090295326 | Defibrillator Battery Authentication System - A method for operating an external medical device such as a defibrillator includes obtaining a data set from a battery pack and examining the data set to determine whether the battery pack is authenticated for use in the external medical device. If the examination does not confirm the authentications the method includes causing the device to follow a non-authenticated battery pack protocol. The non-authenticated battery pack protocol may include drawing power from the non-authenticated battery pack only if it is the only available source of power for the external medical device. It may include limiting functionality of the external medical device. It may include modifying the battery status information display for the non-authenticated battery pack. A power system for an external medical device may include a power source external to the medical device and including a memory which stores data indicative of an authorized status of the power source and a processor in the medical device configured to analyze the data and to control a function of the medical device based at least in part on the authorization status. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090270930 | External Defibrillator With Adaptive Protocols - A method and apparatus for a defibrillating system is disclosed that monitors the patient during treatment and then uses the information it gathers to adjust treatment protocols during treatment based on the patient's response. The protocols may include adaptive rhythm analysis intervals, adaptive CPR intervals, and adaptive shock stacks. A method of operating a defibrillator may include the steps of: obtaining a data set on at least one physiological parameter of a patient in a first data gathering interval; performing an analysis of the data set; and determining a time interval between the analysis of the first data set and a second data set, or the duration of a CPR interval, or the number of shocks in a shock stack, based on the result of the analysis of the data set. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20080250166 | Medical Device Status Information System - In general, the invention is directed to management of status information from a plurality of external medical devices, such as AEDs. A system may include one or more medical devices associated with one or more docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. A medical device or a docking station in the system may acquire status information and may communicate the status information to the remote unit, which may serve as a central point for collecting and aggregating status information pertaining to medical devices and docking stations in the system. The remote unit may present the status information to a person via an input/output device, may maintain a status log for the devices in the system, and may interrogate the devices in the system for status information. | 10-09-2008 |
