Abstract: A method and system of monitoring information received from a patient-worn medical device is disclosed. A medical device, such as a portable or implantable device, collects patient and operational information, which information is transmitted to central location, such as a doctor's office or device manufacturer's location. The data collected can be analyzed to monitor both the patient health parameters as well as the operation of the device. Trend analysis can be performed in order for a physician to diagnose the patient's health and a medical device technician can insure correct functioning of the device itself. Communication between the central location and the medical device is preferably done through a modem connection, and software and other updates can be automatically transmitted to the medical device during data download from the device to the central location. Physicians and technicians can access the central location from any home or office computer via the internet.

Abstract: A method of remotely updating or upgrading the operating parameters of the wearable medical device is also provided. The method will automatically update the operational software of the device during a data download sequence. During such a download sequence, after the data has been downloaded, a remote server at the remote location will query the device's current operating software version which is stored in a main memory area of the device. If a software upgrade is needed, the method will clear an alternate memory area in the device. The remote server will then begin downloading the new (upgraded) operating software to the medical device where it will be stored in an alternate memory area.

Abstract: A patient-worn energy delivery apparatus for imparting electrical therapy to the body of a patient responsive to an occurrence of a treatable condition includes a voltage converter for converting electrical energy from an initial voltage to a final voltage, and a defibrillator electrically coupled between the converter and the patient and having an energy reservoir for receiving the electrical energy. The defibrillator produces preshaped electrical pulses such as defibrillation pulses and cardioversion pulses. The apparatus additionally includes an energy delivery controller electrically coupled to the patient and the converter and the defibrillator. The controller causes the converter to provide the electrical energy to the defibrillator at a specific charging rate in response to an energy level in the reservoir. The apparatus may include a plurality of electrodes interposed between the defibrillator and the patient and each electrode preferably has an impedance reducing means contained therein.

Abstract: An ECG electrode and method of making and using such. The electrode can have a domed electrode element attached to a housing containing an interface disk to which the concave side of the domed electrode connects. Within the housing a signal lead wire has one end attached to the non-skin-contacting side of the dome and another end connected to a signal transition circuit and a buffer amplifier circuit. The domed electrode element can be made by forming a metal disk into a dome and providing an oxide layer over the convex surface of the dome. The convex surface of the domed electrode can ensure reliable ECG signal acquisitions with lower radial forces generally than other electrode types, when positioned adjacent the skin of the patient and when coupled to cardiac activity monitoring equipment and a defibrillator for cardiac sensing capabilities.

Abstract: A battery management system can have a portable electronic device for providing electrical therapy to the body of a patient responsive to the occurrence of a treatable condition. The portable device can have a rechargeable battery, memory, data processor for determining available operating time for the portable device prior to recharging, and a display panel, or alarm, to inform the patient of, inter alia, available operating time. The portable device data processor can obtain and record data regarding the patient, the battery, and the portable device operational status. The battery management system can also include a rechargeable “smart battery,” of known design, which has an integral processor and memory capable of monitoring and updating the status and condition of the battery. The portable electronic device can communicate with and update the operational characteristics stored by the smart battery. The smart battery can be recharged using an appropriate conventional recharger.

Abstract: A patient-worn energy delivery apparatus for imparting electrical therapy to the body of a patient responsive to an occurrence of a treatable condition. The apparatus includes a voltage converter for converting electrical energy from an initial voltage to a final voltage at a plurality of charging rates, and a defibrillator electrically coupled between the converter and the patient and having an energy reservoir for receiving the electrical energy. The defibrillator produces preshaped electrical pulses such as defibrillation pulses and cardioversion pulses. The apparatus additionally includes an energy delivery controller electrically coupled to the patient and the converter and the defibrillator. The controller causes the converter to provide the electrical energy to the defibrillator at a specific charging rate in response to an energy level in the reservoir.

Abstract: In a support garment for a patient-worn energy delivery apparatus, a vest-type garment holds an electrode belt in contact with a wearer's ribcage. The garment includes a flap with button holes to permit buttoning in of energy transfer electrodes, thus constituting a wearable electrode system. Additionally, a holster contains the components of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator that are not in contact with the skin. The holster has an adjustment for waist, girth and vertical position of the defibrillator according to the personal preferences of the wearer. The support garment includes a vest-like chest garment and an inner layer which provides support for the defibrillator electrodes. A removable electrode harness is attachable to the support garment in order to accurately position the sensing electrodes on the body of the wearer and energy delivery electrodes for transfer of an electrode therapy pulse to the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing cardiac function in a patient, particularly adaptable to being worn by an ambulatory patient. Including sensor to receive ECG signals in at least plane of the patient chest area, and an analyzer to derive a signal representation of the electrical axis of the patient heart. Changes in the signal representation can be evaluated to include heart condition. The axis analyzer and other ECG information can be used to generate rate information used in conjunction with the heart axis signal representation. Incidence of phase zero-crossing of the heart axis signal representation and the magnitude peaks can be used to indicate and distinguish various heart conditions.

Abstract: A battery management system preferably has a base station utilized in connection with a portable electronic device for providing electrical therapy to the body of a patient in response to the occurrence of a treatable condition. The portable device can have a rechargeable battery, memory, data processor for determining available operating time for the portable device prior to recharging, and a display panel, or alarm, to inform the patient of such available operating time. The portable device data processor contains an analog to digital converter which is used to obtain and record data regarding the patient, the battery, and the portable device operational status.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a patient-worn energy delivery apparatus for imparting electrical therapy to the body of a patient responsive to an occurrence of a treatable condition. The apparatus includes a voltage converter for converting electrical energy from an initial voltage to a final voltage at a plurality of charging rates, and a defibrillator electrically coupled between the converter and the patient and having an energy reservoir for receiving the electrical energy. The defibrillator produces preshaped electrical pulses such as defibrillation pulses and cardioversion pulses. The apparatus additionally includes an energy delivery controller electrically coupled to the patient and the converter and the defibrillator. The controller causes the converter to provide the electrical energy to the defibrillator at a specific charging rate in response to an energy level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A patient-worn harness or vest protects at-risk patients from the possibly fatal results of heart arrhythmias. The harness or vest incorporates sensing electrodes for monitoring heart condition, a microprocessor and memory for processing signals received from the sending electrodes and comparing same with patient's data, and skin-contacting pulsing electrodes for applying electrical pulses to the patient's chest wall responsive to signals received from the microprocessor. The electrodes include automatic tightening and electrolyte gel release mechanisms for reducing impedance at the electrode-skin interface. A servicing subsystem is provided for the harness or vest and may be used to interface with the harness or vest and may be used to interface with the harness or vest and also to communicate with remote health care personnel through a suitable telephone link.

Abstract: A patient-worn harness or vest protects at-risk patients from the possibly fatal results of heart arrhythmias. The harness or vest incorporates sensing electrodes for monitoring heart condition, a microprocessor and memory for processing signals received from the sending electrodes and comparing same with patient's data, and skin-contacting pulsing electrodes for applying electrical pulses to the patient's chest wall responsive to signals received from the microprocessor. The electrodes include automatic tightening and electrolyte gel release mechanisms for reducing impedance at the electrode-skin interface. A servicing subsystem is provided for the harness or vest and may be used to interface with the harness or vest and also to communicate with remote health care personnel through a suitable telephone link.