Patents Assigned to West Affum Holdings DAC
  • Publication number: 20230264037
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system includes a support structure that can be worn by a patient, and a defibrillator coupled to the support structure. An ECG input, rendered from an ECG of the patient, may meet a primary shock criterion. One or more sensor modules are further provided, which are worn by the patient at different times. The sensor modules may monitor different physiological parameters of the patient, and transmit signals about them. The WCD system further has a multi-sensor interface to receive the transmitted signals, and a processor to determine from them whether a secondary shock criterion is met. If both the primary and the secondary shock criteria are met, the decision is to shock. The signals increase specificity of the detection, while the patient can wear different modules depending on context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Fred William Chapman, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Publication number: 20230264033
    Abstract: “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI” technology can be applied to Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (“WCDs”) and other wearable medical equipment in various ways, including garment fitting and adjustment, analyzing electrocardiogram (“ECG”), other sensor data and/or other patient data in real time to detect/assess the patient's present condition and/or need for treatment for cardiac and other conditions (e.g., stroke, coughing, apnea, etc.), detect imminent failure of the wearable medical device components, capture and report data collected from the patient for presenting to clinicians, adjust thresholds for alarms and notifications based on patient's responses, improve patient compliance based on the patient's past non-compliant behavior and actions that resulted in the patient becoming compliant, provide tests to the patient, and learn the patient's responses to detect/assess the patient's present condition and/or need for treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Zoie R. Engman, Erick M. Roane, Steven E. Sjoquist, Jonathan P. Niegowski, Robert R. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 11730418
    Abstract: In one example, a cardiac monitoring system comprises a processor to receive a segment of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal of a patient, and a memory to store the segment of the ECG. The processor is configured to identify QRS complexes in the segment of the ECG signal, generate a supraventricular (SV) template for SV complexes in the QRS complexes, identify SV complexes in the QRS complexes using the template, identify normal sinus rhythm (NSR) complexes in the segment of the ECG signal, obtain an atrial template for atrial waveforms in the NSR complexes, measure a range of a P-wave of the atrial waveforms from the NSR complexes, save the measured P-waves, and classify the identified SV complexes as either atrial fibrillation (AF) or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) using the atrial template. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventor: Jaeho Kim
  • Patent number: 11730968
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system is configured to selectively provide cooling and/or heating to a component of the WCD system. In some embodiments, a Peltier device is used to provide the cooling to wearer of the WCD at or near where the WCDs defibrillation electrodes are positioned proximate or contacting the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Lycke
  • Patent number: 11724118
    Abstract: In embodiments, a WCD system includes electrodes with which it senses an ECG signal of the patient. A processor may detect sequential peaks within the ECG signal, measure durations of time intervals between the peaks, including between non-sequential peaks, and identify a representative duration that best meets a plausibility criterion. The plausibility criterion may be that the representative duration is the one that occurs the most often, i.e. is the mode. Then a heart rate can be computed from a duration indicated by the representative duration and, if the heart rate meets a shock condition, the WCD system may deliver a shock to the patient. An advantage can be that the representative duration can be close to a good R-R interval measurement of a patient, notwithstanding noise in the ECG signal that is in the shape of peaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11724116
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) latching connector system includes a receptacle positioned within a WCD monitor, and a connector configured to removably engage the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Piha, Robert R. Buchanan, Dallas E. Meeker, Douglas K. Medema, Quan H. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11717687
    Abstract: In one example, an apparatus of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system comprises a support structure wearable by a patient, a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to obtain an ECG signal, a processor to receive and analyze the ECG signal of the patient, wherein the processor is configured to monitor four or more channels of the ECG signal, a high voltage subsystem coupled with defibrillation electrodes configured to be coupled with patient, wherein the processor is configured to cause the high voltage subsystem to apply a therapeutic shock to the patient through the defibrillation electrodes in response to a shockable event detected by the processor from the ECG signal. The processor measures a peak-to-peak amplitude of QRS complexes of the ECG signal, and detects asystole in the patient when the peak-to-peak amplitude of one or more QRS complexes is less than an asystole threshold. Other examples and related methods are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11712573
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method to alert a user of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is described. The method includes detecting a condition requiring attention of the patient and issuing an alert to notify the patient of the condition. The method also includes receiving a first input from the patient to replay the audible portion of the alert and replaying the audible portion of the alert when the first input is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Zoie R. Engman, Amanda K. Hall, Laura M. Gustavson, Aaron J. Piazza
  • Patent number: 11707632
    Abstract: In embodiments a WCD system is worn and/or carried by an ambulatory patient. The WCD system analyzes an ECG signal of the patient, to determine whether or not the patient should be given an electric shock to restart their heart. If so, then the WCD system first gives a preliminary alarm to the patient, asking them to prove they are alive if they are. The WCD system further determines whether the ECG signal contains too much High Amplitude (H-A) noise, which can distort the analysis of the ECG signal. If too much H-A noise is detected for a long time, the WCD system may eventually alert the patient about their activity, so that the ECG noise may be abated. The WCD system may even pause the analysis of the ECG signal, so that there will be no preliminary alarms that could be false until the ECG noise is abated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Jaeho Kim
  • Patent number: 11698385
    Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a wearable healthcare system, which may be worn by a person. The wearable healthcare systems may include one or more motion sensors. A motion analysis modules may be included in the wearable healthcare system, which may be configured to determine physical activities and intensity of the physical activities of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Jaeho Kim, Pamela F. Breske
  • Publication number: 20230201571
    Abstract: A supportive clothing article for a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), including a belt, the belt including a first end with a first portion of a fastener and a second end with a second portion of the fastener, wherein the belt is structured to fasten around the torso of patient below the chest area of the patient, the belt including a first conductive mesh portion adjacent the first end of the belt or the second end of the belt, two straps, a back portion extending from the belt at an intermediary position on the belt to each of the two straps, the back portion including a conductive mesh, a first support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to one of the two straps, and a second support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to the other of the two straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Laura Marie Gustavson, Kerstin Dorst, Angela M. Stewart, Pamela F. Breske, Amanda K. Hall, Garrett McCann Kotlarchik, Dallas Eugene Meeker, Daniel James Finney, Eduard Johann Deml, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Douglas Keith Medema, Kenneth F. Cowan
  • Patent number: 11679253
    Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a wearable medical device (WMD). The technologies and implementations facilitate incorporating a blood oxygen saturation level device with the WMD. Additionally, the technologies and implementations include wearable cardioverter device (WCD) incorporating a blood oxygen saturation level device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventor: Brian D. Webster
  • Patent number: 11672996
    Abstract: “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI” technology can be applied to Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (“WCDs”) and other wearable medical equipment in various ways, including: garment fitting and adjustment; analyzing electrocardiogam (“ECG”), other sensor data and/or other patient data (e.g., age, gender, previous medical conditions, etc.) in real time to detect/assess the patient's present condition and/or need for treatment for cardiac and other conditions (e.g., stroke, coughing, apnea, etc.); detecting imminent failure of the wearable medical device components; capturing and reporting data collected from the patient for presenting to clinicians; adjusting thresholds for alarms and notifications based on patient's responses; improving patient compliance based on the patient's past non-compliant behavior and actions that resulted in the patient becoming compliant; providing tests to the patient (e.g., grip test, dexterity tests, balance tests, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Zoie R. Engman, Erick M. Roane, Steven E. Sjoquist, Jonathan P. Niegowski, Robert R. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20230173287
    Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable medical system (WMS) for an ambulatory patient, which can be a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system, analyzes the patient's ECG signal to generate a detection outcome. The WMS also has an ambulatory user interface that outputs a human-visible indication. A programming device, such as a PC, a tablet, etc., establishes a communication link with the WMS during an in-person session with the patient. The programming device may include a programming screen that reproduces the human-visible indication in real time. An advantage can be that the person programming the WMS need not strain to look also at the ambulatory user interface at the time they are looking at the programming device. Another advantage can be that the patient will recognize that he or she is better protected, and have their confidence in the WMS increased, and therefore better comply with wearing the WMS as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: David Peter Finch, Zoie Engman, Steven E. Sjoquist, Angela M. Stewart, Pamela F. Breske, Jonathan Paul Niegowski, Laura Marie Gustavson
  • Publication number: 20230172515
    Abstract: An electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition system comprises a processor configured to process an ECG signal from a patient, a plurality of ECG electrodes configured to be coupled to the patient to obtain the ECG signal from the patient, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to acquire the ECG signal from the plurality of ECG electrodes, and to provide the ECG signal to the processor as ECG data representative of the ECG signal. The A/D converter is configured to acquire the ECG signal at a first resolution and the processor is configured to process the ECG data at a second resolution, and the first resolution is higher than the second resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11666773
    Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system includes a support structure that can be worn by a patient, and a defibrillator coupled to the support structure. An ECG input, rendered from an ECG of the patient, may meet a primary shock criterion. One or more sensor modules are further provided, which are worn by the patient at different times. The sensor modules may monitor different physiological parameters of the patient, and transmit signals about them. The WCD system further has a multi-sensor interface to receive the transmitted signals, and a processor to determine from them whether a secondary shock criterion is met. If both the primary and the secondary shock criteria are met, the decision is to shock. The signals increase specificity of the detection, while the patient can wear different modules depending on context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Fred William Chapman, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Patent number: 11666769
    Abstract: A wearable medical monitoring (WMM) system may be worn for a long time. Some embodiments of WMM systems are wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems. In such systems, ECG electrodes sense an ECG signal of the patient, and store it over the long-term. The stored ECG signal can be analyzed for helping long-term heart rate monitoring of the patient. The heart rate monitoring can be assisted a) by special filtering techniques that remove short-term variations inherent in patients' short-term heart rate determinations, and b) by indication techniques that indicate when conditions hampered sensing of the ECG signal too much for a reliable heart rate determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS DAC
    Inventors: Steven Postlewait, Joseph Sullivan, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Patent number: 11648411
    Abstract: An external defibrillator system is configured with at least two different algorithms for determining the duration of a shock administered to a patient being treated and selects the algorithm based on one or more patient parameters such as, for example, the patient's TTI. The patient's TTI can be measured prior to or while the shock is being administered to the patient. The shock can be, for example, a multiphasic defibrillation or a multiphasic cardioversion shock. The charge voltage of the system's energy storage device can additionally be varied depending on the one or more patient parameters. For example, the system may charge the energy storage device so that the charge voltage is higher or lower than a nominal charge voltage responsive to the patient's TTI is higher or lower compared to an average TTI, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Tyson G. Taylor, Douglas K. Medema
  • Publication number: 20230130416
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems relating to a Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) system capable of logging event data and/or broadcasting state changes and/or system status information to external clients are described. In an embodiment, a processor stores data corresponding to one or more event markers in memory in response to occurrence of an event. Occurrence of the event is detected based at least in part on detection of one or more parameters by one or more sensors or a signal to be generated by one or more of electrodes of the WCD system. A communication device transmits at least a portion of the stored data to a remote device. A patient condition or a WCD system condition can then be detected based at least in part on analysis of the stored data and/or the transmitted portion of the stored data. Other embodiments are also disclosed and/or claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Megan Eileen Briscoe, Erick Michael Roane, Robert Curtis Birkner, David Peter Finch
  • Patent number: 11617880
    Abstract: A supportive clothing article for a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD), including a belt, the belt including a first end with a first portion of a fastener and a second end with a second portion of the fastener, wherein the belt is structured to fasten around the torso of patient below the chest area of the patient, the belt including a first conductive mesh portion adjacent the first end of the belt or the second end of the belt, two straps, a back portion extending from the belt at an intermediary position on the belt to each of the two straps, the back portion including a conductive mesh, a first support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to one of the two straps, and a second support receptacle attached to and extending from the belt and attachable to the other of the two straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings DAC
    Inventors: Laura Marie Gustavson, Kerstin Dorst, Angela M. Stewart, Pamela Breske, Jr., Amanda K. Hall, Garrett McCann Kotlarchik, Dallas Eugene Meeker, Daniel James Finney, Eduard Johann Deml, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Douglas Keith Medema, Kenneth F. Cowan