Patent application number | Description | Published |
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 |
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 |
20090222539 | 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. | 09-03-2009 |
20090264948 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A DEFIBRILLATOR BATTERY CHARGE AND OPTIONALLY COMMUNICATING - Defibrillator assemblies and methods to wirelessly transfer energy from an external source to a battery or other rechargeable power source within the defibrillator assembly. The transfer of energy may be through a non-contact interface on a defibrillator cradle or a docking station that mounts the defibrillator. The rate of energy transfer may be equal to the energy drain caused by self-discharge and automated self-testing. Accordingly, since the rate of energy transfer is lower than that required to run the defibrillator system continuously, several wireless methods of energy transfer may be used. In addition, the defibrillator assembly may communicate diagnostic and non-diagnostic data to the external source. | 10-22-2009 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
20120226204 | PROGRAMMABLE CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) DETECTION DEVICE - Time after time studies find that often, even when administered by trained professionals, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compression rates and depth are inadequate. Too week, shallow or too forceful compressions may contribute to suboptimal patient outcome. Several parameters are crucial for optimal and properly-administered CPR. Crucial parameters include proper hand positioning on the patient's chest, depth of compression of 4-5 cm, and compression rate of 100 compressions per minute. The crucial parameters are often affected by patient parameters, and relative to the patient, rescuer parameters, such as patient thoracic volume; weight; age; gender; and rescuer's, relative to the patient's, parameters, such as weight, height; physical form, etc. Proposed is an automated CPR feedback device with user programmable settings for assisting with real-time feedback and subsequently correcting rescuers patient customized CPR technique. | 09-06-2012 |
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 |
20130345769 | USER INTERFACE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE - A user interface method and apparatus is described for use with a defibrillator ( | 12-26-2013 |