Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering a defibrillation pulse to a patient and a corresponding method of storing such a system is provided in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a defibrillator (e.g., an AED) that is configured to deliver the defibrillation pulse to the patient and a cell that is configured to convert light into electrical power for the defibrillator. The method includes storing an defibrillator of the system for future use and arranging a light receiving system to receive light such that the light receiving system converts light into electrical power for the defibrillator.

Abstract: A circuit package with improved heat dissipation properties for high-power circuits. In one embodiment, the circuit package comprises two circuit boards positioned in different planes, at least one brace affixed between the two circuit boards, a molded housing enclosing an area between the circuit boards, and a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending from the sides of the circuit package. The molded housing is configured to expose at least one surface of the circuit boards to the exterior surface of the circuit package. The leads are configured in a J-shape, which allows the circuit package to be mounted in an upright position. The brace functions as a flexible spacer for holding the two circuit boards in position during the application of the molded housing. In one embodiment, a H-bridge circuit is configured on the first and second circuit boards of the circuit package.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for portable medical devices such as defibrillators having different charging and operating voltages. The apparatus comprises a connection for receiving DC input voltage VIN, an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor), a battery having at least two cells therein coupled to the connection and the capacitor, and switches to selectively reconfigure the battery cells so as to: (i) charge from VIN, and (ii) discharge to the capacitor at VOUT>VIN. The method comprises charging the battery from VIN while its cells are arranged substantially in parallel, then reconfiguring the switches to arrange some of the charged cells substantially in series to give VOUT>VIN, and then charging the capacitor therefrom. The cells are thereafter reconfigured back to the parallel arrangement ready to be recharged from VIN. Isolation switches are conveniently provided to isolate the battery from VIN while charging the capacitor.

Abstract: A medical device constructed according to the invention includes electrodes (12a, 12b), a measuring unit (24) for measuring a patient-dependent electrical parameter (e.g., impedance) of the patient, an electrotherapy generator (26) for delivering electrotherapy to the patient, and a processing unit (20) for controlling the delivery of electrotherapy to the patient. Electrotherapy is preferably delivered to the patient based on the measured patient-dependent electrical parameter and a predetermined response of a reference patient to a nominal electrotherapy. The actual electrotherapy delivered to the patient is controlled so that the electrotherapy has a probability of success for the patient that is equivalent to the probability of success of the nominal electrotherapy for the reference patient. A consistent shock efficacy across different patients is achieved.

Abstract: A circuit package with improved heat dissipation properties for high-power circuits. In one embodiment, the circuit package comprises two circuit boards positioned in different planes, at least one brace affixed between the two circuit boards, a molded housing enclosing an area between the circuit boards, and a plurality of electrically conductive leads extending from the sides of the circuit package. The molded housing is configured to expose at least one surface of the circuit boards to the exterior surface of the circuit package. The leads are configured in a J-shape, which allows the circuit package to be mounted in an upright position. The brace functions as a flexible spacer for holding the two circuit boards in position during the application of the molded housing. In one embodiment, a H-bridge circuit is configured on the first and second circuit boards of the circuit package.