Abstract: Defibrillator electrodes having an identification element and a circuit which indicates to an AED the weight range of the patient being rescued. When the AED detects the presence of pediatric electrodes, it may select a different set of voice prompts that are specifically suited to a pediatric patient and/or it may select a pediatric dosage of electricity for the therapeutic shock.

Abstract: A defibrillator battery pack comprises a housing having a first set of battery cells having an upper set and a lower set of cells and a second set of battery cells connected in parallel with one of the upper or the lower sets of the first set of battery cells. The first set of battery cells is used for charging a capacitor bank of a defibrillator. The second set of battery cells cannot be used for charging and is only used for developing a nominal 5 volts to drive a microprocessor and other circuitry components of an electrical control system of the defibrillator. This arrangement increases the life of the battery pack in the lower voltage range, which is advantageous for operating the microprocessor. This arrangement also maintains the intelligence of the electrical control system because the battery cells supplying power to the microprocessor will always fail after, and not before, failure of the battery cells supplying power for charging the capacitor bank.

Abstract: A fail-safe safety circuit for a portable automated external defibrillator allows earlier charging of capacitors. In turn, the earlier charging of the capacitors allows quicker release of a defibrillation shock than prior art method of automatically detecting the appropriateness of administering a defibrillation shock and subsequently preparing the shock.

Abstract: The present invention is an external defibrillator which controls and manages the formation of defibrillation waveforms. The waveforms are dynamically adjusted and created to be consistent with a myocardial cell response waveform. Dynamic tilt calculations based on time slices and corresponding functions based on best-fit models are used to generate the waveforms. The waveforms are dynamically adjusted to compensate for changes in resistance due to changes in the voltage during delivery of the waveform. The waveforms include a first and a second phase and are formed with minimal delay therebetween.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator automatically performs periodic self-tests on a daily and weekly basis. Self-test failures are identified by a watchdog timer which is reset upon activation of each periodic self-test. If the watchdog timer times out a maintenance indication is activated. The timeout period of the watchdog timer is non-repeating and non-periodic (typically 30 hrs.). Tested functions include the presence and interconnection of defibrillator electrodes, battery charge state, and the operability of the high voltage circuit. Visual and audible indicators are actuated to alert an operator if faults are identified. A record of each self-test is stored in memory, and can be subsequently retrieved through a communications port.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least one medical electrode apparatus and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of an electrode apparatus, the envelope having at least one continuous layer of a homogeneous, non-conductive, polymeric material, the envelope further having first and second sides; and a structure for conducting current across the envelope to the interior cavity, the conductive structure being electrically connectible to the electrode conductive contact surface.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator which automatically performs self-tests on a daily and weekly basis. Tested functions include the presence and interconnection of defibrillator electrodes, battery charge state and the operability of the high voltage circuit. Visual and audible indicators are actuated to alert an operator if faults are identified. A record of each self-test is stored in memory, and can be subsequently retrieved through a communications port.

Abstract: A portable automated external defibrillator (AED) configured for use with a packaged pair of defibrillator electrodes of the type electrically coupled to one another within the package and having lead wires extending from the package and an electrical connector on the ends of the lead wires. The AED includes a case with an electrode compartment configured to hold the packaged electrodes, and an openable lid for enclosing the compartment. Electrode terminals configured for electrical interconnection to the electrical connector of the electrodes, a speaker and an LED display are positioned within the electrode compartment. An operator-actuated rescue switch and a rescue LED display are positioned on the outside of the case. A high voltage circuit generates defibrillation pulses and applies the pulses to the electrode terminals. The operation of the AED is controlled by a digital control system. Rescue mode operation of the AED is initiated when the lid is opened.

Abstract: An external defibillator including an operator interface and a high voltage circuit responsive to a controller for producing monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses and/or biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses. The controller can implement a biphasic waveform test protocol by causing the high voltage circuit to sequentially generate one or more biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses before generating monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses in response to sequential actuations of the operator interface during a patient rescue.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator which automatically performs self-tests on a daily and weekly basis. Tested functions include the presence and interconnection of defibrillator electrodes, battery charge state and the operability of the high voltage circuit. Visual and audible indicators are actuated to alert an operator if faults are identified. A record of each self-test is stored in memory, and can be subsequently retrieved through a communications port.

Abstract: An external defibrillator including an operator interface and a high voltage circuit responsive to a controller for producing monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses and/or biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses. The controller can implement a biphasic waveform test protocol by causing the high voltage circuit to sequentially generate one or more biphasic waveform defibrillation pulses before generating monophasic waveform defibrillation pulses in response to sequential actuations of the operator interface during a patient rescue.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least one medical electrode apparatus and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of an electrode apparatus, the envelope having at least one continuous layer of a homogeneous, non-conductive, polymeric material, the envelope further having first and second sides; and a structure for conducting current across the envelope to the interior cavity, the conductive structure being electrically connectible to the electrode conductive contact surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least one medical electrode apparatus and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of an electrode apparatus, the envelope having at least one continuous layer of a homogeneous, non-conductive, polymeric material, the envelope further having first and second sides; and a structure for conducting current across the envelope to the interior cavity, the conductive structure being electrically connectible to the electrode conductive contact surface.

Abstract: A defibrillation catheter having a connection from an electrode to an infeed conductor in the mid-point area of the electrode. The mid-point current feed provides for a voltage drop from the center of the electrode to its ends, which minimizes extreme electrical fields which normally develop at the electrode ends. The coil resistance is selected to further optimize the field distribution so as to allow a large passage of defibrillation current without cell damage.

Abstract: A biocompatible covering, soluble in body fluids, surrounds the fixation helix of an implantable cardiac electrode as the electrode, and its adjoining lead, are inserted intravenously to a selected cardiac chamber. The covering size and shape are selected for protection of blood vessels and other body tissues during insertion, and for exposure of the fixation element shortly after its proper positioning. The covering may be applied to the fixation element by a dip coating process, or formed separately by casting or injection molding, for later attachment to the lead distal end using an adhesive.

Abstract: A control handle for use in rotating a catheter and for rotating a working means at the end of the catheter.

Abstract: A biocompatible covering, soluble in body fluids, surrounds the fixation helix of an implantable cardiac electrode as the electrode, and its adjoining lead, are inserted intravenously to a selected cardiac chamber. The covering size and shape are selected for protection of blood vessels and other body tissues during insertion, and for exposure of the fixation element shortly after its proper positioning. The covering may be applied to the fixation element by a dip coating process, or formed separately by casting or injection molding, for later attachment to the lead distal end using an adhesive.

Abstract: Transvenous leads including an outer atrial and an inner ventricular spaced wound coils coaxial with respect to each other and including a closed fixation loop connected to the outer lead. The closed fixation loop extends outwardly at an angle with respect to the outer lead. An inner lead is slideably adjustable within the outer lead and supports a ventricular electrode. The outer lead supports an atrial electrode. A connector at the other end of the leads supports and secures a connector pin for the outer lead in one sleeve and provides for slideable adjustment of the inner lead which includes a proximal tip in the other sleeve. An O-ring engages in an O-ring groove in the other sleeve to provide a liquid seal between the atrial coil and the end of the ventricular coil. The proximal tip and connector pin connect to a pulse generator. The transvenous leads with the closed fixation loop are intended for pacing the ventricular and atrial chambers of a heart.

Abstract: Atrial-ventricular coaxial transvenous pacing lead including an inner ventricular lead having an electrode and an outer atrial lead having an atrial sidearm lead, the atrial sidearm lead including a sigmoidal shape and an electrode at the distal end of the sidearm lead. Outwardly extending tines can surround either or both of the electrodes. The atrial sidearm lead maintains geometrical memory of the sigmoidal shape. The atrial sidearm head can be used absent the ventricular lead.