Abstract: A substantially rigid defibrillator carrying case having a hinged side, a latch disposed on a latch side opposite the hinged side, and a handle disposed on a handle side disposed between the hinged side and the latch side. The carrying case is constructed without protrusions and with a rigid handle, which combine to allow easy removal and deployment of the contents from a vehicle storage location to a cardiac arrest patient. The carrying case integrates a actuator to periodically test the operation of the defibrillator push buttons.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator produces audible prompts for a user by providing the audible information with default audio characteristics in response to a first ambient noise condition and providing the audible information having different audio characteristics than the default audio characteristics in response to a second ambient noise condition. An automatic external defibrillator provides voice prompts by selecting one of a plurality of different levels of sound quality at which to playback the voice prompts and playing back the voice prompts at the selected level of sound quality.

Abstract: A case for defibrillator electrode pads on a release liner is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the case is closed, spring contacts on opposite sides of the inside of the case retain the pads and release liner in place. The retention either holds electrical conductors in contact with each other to retain the pads in electrical connection with each other, or in a different configuration in which the pads are not electrically connected.

Abstract: A biphasic pulse delivery circuit for a defibrillator includes two capacitors, a first one of which is charged and delivers the first phase of the biphasic pulse and a second one of which is charged and delivers the second phase of the biphasic pulse. At least a portion of the charge on the second capacitor is provided by the current flow through the patient during delivery of the first pulse phase. Switches are provided for initiating the first phase, initiating the second phase, and terminating the second phase. In an illustrated circuit a shunt circuit path is provided to at least partially charge the second capacitor from the first capacitor prior to delivery of the second phase of the biphasic pulse. The inventive circuit can be controlled entirely with switching devices that only need to be closed during pulse delivery.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing (20) having a first interior region (26) and a second interior region (28). The second interior region (28) is sized to receive an electronic interface (18). The device also includes a wound capacitor core (14) adapted for electrical communication with the second interior region (28), and a capacitor potting material (38) disposed in contact with the first interior region (26) and the wound capacitor core (14).

Abstract: A heart monitor is disclosed including an electroacoustic transducer such as an earphone coupled to a controller. The transducer is positioned in a person's ear in acoustic communication with the tympanum. Signals from the transducer are processed to determine the presence of pulsatile blood flow. The heart monitor may be incorporated into a defibrillator to sense the presence of blood flow for use in a shock delivery decision.

Abstract: A modular automated external defibrillator (AED) system includes a base unit and at least one interconnected module. The base unit typically includes a functional circuit and includes an interface that couples the functional circuit to the module. Likewise, the module includes an interface that couples the module to the base unit By manufacturing such modular AED models instead of one-piece, i.e., integrated, AED models, a manufacturer can reduce the cost and complexity of its manufacturing process. Furthermore, the manufacturer may be able to bring such a modular AED to market more quickly than it could bring an integrated model of the AED to market. Moreover, a modular AED allows the manufacturer and customer flexibility in respectively providing and selecting feature sets. In addition, a customer can obtain replacements for broken modules, and the manufacturer can provide cheaper upgrades by upgrading a module or base unit instead of upgrading the entire AED.

Abstract: A case for defibrillator electrode pads on a release liner is described which protects the pads prior to use and retains them in either an electrically connected or electrically disconnected configuration. When the case is closed, spring contacts on opposite sides of the inside of the case retain the pads and release liner in place. The retention either holds electrical conductors in contact with each other to retain the pads in electrical connection with each other, or in a different configuration in which the pads are not electrically connected.

Abstract: A defibrillator, equipped with a battery power source, is described which is arranged to operate in any one of both a first mode and a second mode, the battery power source comprising at least two voltage sources. The voltage sources are arranged to be connected in parallel to each other when the defibrillator is operating in a first mode, and in series with each other when the defibrillator is operating in a second mode. The invention can be implemented by a battery pack for a defibrillator. This arrangement allows both voltage sources to be drawn down at the same rate which lengthens the overall life of the batteries. A more efficient use of battery power is thereby obtained. The invention ultimately extends the projected life of the batteries and when applied to an automatic external defibrillator increases the shelf life of the defibrillator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described by which messages can be sent wirelessly or over communication lines to an AED located in a home or office. The AED contains a receiver for receiving short messages directing the owner to call for service, conduct maintenance such as battery or electrode pad replacement, respond to an emergency or locate the AED. A wireless receiver enables the AED to be reached wherever it is stored by an over-the-counter purchaser and can sound or display a simple message instructing the owner to take a specified action. Either terrestrial or extraterrestrial transmission systems can be used and the communication can be point-to-point or by a wide area broadcast.

Abstract: A biphasic pulse delivery circuit for a defibrillator includes two capacitors, a first one of which is charged and delivers the first phase of the biphasic pulse and a second one of which is charged and delivers the second phase of the biphasic pulse. At least a portion of the charge on the second capacitor is provided by the current flow through the patient during delivery of the first pulse phase. Switches are provided for initiating the first phase, initiating the second phase, and terminating the second phase. In an illustrated circuit a shunt circuit path is provided to at least partially charge the second capacitor from the first capacitor prior to delivery of the second phase of the biphasic pulse. The inventive circuit can be controlled entirely with switching devices that only need to be closed during pulse delivery.

Abstract: An AED unit which is operable to selectively execute either an adult rescue protocol or a pediatric rescue protocol is causes to execute the pediatric rescue protocol by inserting a key-like device into a slot of the AED unit. A sensor inside the case of the AED unit senses the presence of the device in the slot and responds by executing the pediatric rescue protocol. In an illustrated embodiment the AED unit includes a lighting mechanism which is used to light an illustration showing the proper placement of electrode pads on an adult patient. The key-like device includes an illustration showing the proper placement of electrode pads on a pediatric patient which obscures the adult illustration when the device is inserted in the AED unit. The key-like device is configured to make use of the same AED unit lighting mechanism to light the pediatric pad placement illustration.

Abstract: A biphasic pulse delivery circuit for a defibrillator includes two capacitors, a first one of which is charged and delivers the first phase of the biphasic pulse and a second one of which is charged and delivers the second phase of the biphasic pulse. At least a portion of the charge on the second capacitor is provided by the current flow through the patient during delivery of the first pulse phase. Switches are provided for initiating the first phase, initiating the second phase, and terminating the second phase. In an illustrated circuit a shunt circuit path is provided to at least partially charge the second capacitor from the first capacitor prior to delivery of the second phase of the biphasic pulse. The inventive circuit can be controlled entirely with switching devices that only need to be closed during pulse delivery.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient are described. A patient ECG is analyzed and defibrillation energy is delivered to the patient in response to receiving manual input. The patient ECG is further analyzed while waiting for the manual input and the defibrillation energy is delivered to the patient after a time delay if the manual input is not received.

Abstract: A modular automated external defibrillator (AED) system includes a base unit and at least one interconnected module. The base unit typically includes a functional circuit and includes an interface that couples the functional circuit to the module. Likewise, the module includes an interface that couples the module to the base unit By manufacturing such modular AED models instead of one-piece, i.e., integrated, AED models, a manufacturer can reduce the cost and complexity of its manufacturing process. Furthermore, the manufacturer may be able to bring such a modular AED to market more quickly than it could bring an integrated model of the AED to market. Moreover, a modular AED allows the manufacturer and customer flexibility in respectively providing and selecting feature sets. In addition, a customer can obtain replacements for broken modules, and the manufacturer can provide cheaper upgrades by upgrading a module or base unit instead of upgrading the entire AED.

Abstract: Handling or removal of a pair of pre-connected defibrillator electrode pads from their package, or a compartment in the defibrillator, is detected in order to effectively time the issuance of prompts to guide the user. Detection occurs when an impedance level between the electrode pads varies sufficiently over time to indicate occurrence of the handling or removal event. The pads are preferably configured to leverage variability in the impedance that results from bending of pads during handling or removal.

Abstract: An external defibrillator for providing a defibrillating pulse to a patient includes a ceramic storage capacitor an d an energy conditioning circuit. A charging circuit coupled to the ceramic storage capacitor electrically charges the ceramic storage capacitor, which has an electrical discharge characteristic. The energy conditioning circuit coupled to the ceramic storage capacitor receives the electrical energy discharging according to the electrical discharge characteristic, and in response, provides output energy according to a modified electrical discharge characteristic. The output energy is delivered by a steering circuit to a patient as a defibrillating pulse having a defibrillating pulse characteristic.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.