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 data card drawer for installing a data card, such as a compact flash card, into a device that uses data cards. Devices that use data cards include, for example, medical devices, and more particularly defibrillators. The data card drawer electrically isolates the data card from the user when the user is installing or removing the data card from the device. The data card drawer may also be formed to provide a closure to the opening in the device housing provided to receive the data card. Further, the data card drawer may be formed to prevent damaging pins located on a pin connector within the receiving device which communicate data with the data card. The data card drawer preferably mates with the device to prevent ingress and egress of foreign matter and moisture.

Abstract: A defibrillator capable of delivering a damped biphasic truncated (DBT) defibrillation pulse is provided. An energy storage circuit is coupled across a high voltage switch such as an H-bridge for delivering a defibrillation pulse to the patient through a pair of electrodes. A controller operates to control the entire defibrillation process and detects shockable rhythms from the patient via an ECG front end. The energy storage circuit consists of an energy storage capacitor, a series inductor, a shunt diode, and optionally a resistor in series with the inductor. The controller measures as the patient dependent parameter the time interval between the initial delivery of the defibrillation pulse and the occurrence of the peak current or voltage to determine the first and second phases of the defibrillation pulse to provide for compensation for patient impedance.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for recording and replaying patient treatment and response data that occurs during the course of an emergency response on a defibrillator. The data and events of an emergency response may be recorded automatically by the defibrillator. Incidents may then be randomly accessible (i.e. “scrollable”) by medical personnel on the defibrillator by placing the defibrillator into an incident review mode. The ability to quickly review critical ECG and event data on the scene. This provides medical personnel with a reliable and efficient alternative to paper based recording systems.

Abstract: A input device, such as a keyboard, having an array of unique rapid response keys for responding rapidly and conveniently to routine requests from software applications. Such routine requests include those requiring a “yes,” “no” or “cancel” response. Other routine tasks includes saving and closing files, which typically causes software to issue a save request. Instead of responding to such requests with input from a pointing device, the unique rapid response keys allow a user to respond to such routine requests without removing her hands from the keyboard. Four dedicated keys are preferably located above an escape key on the keyboard. A device driver receives scan codes from the keyboard and translates the scan codes corresponding to the response keys for providing a properly formatted response to the requesting software application.

Abstract: A data card drawer for installing a data card, such as a compact flash card, into a device that uses data cards. Devices that use data cards include, for example, medical devices, and more particularly defibrillators. The data card drawer electrically isolates the data card from the user when the user is installing or removing the data card from the device. The data card drawer may also be formed to provide a closure to the opening in the device housing provided to receive the data card. Further, the data card drawer may be formed to prevent damaging pins located on a pin connector within the receiving device which communicate data with the data card. The data card drawer preferably mates with the device to prevent ingress and egress of foreign matter and moisture.

Abstract: A reliable battery module that is safe is of critical importance to battery operated medical devices. This invention limits the amount of active materials in each cell of a battery module. Limiting the amount of active materials in each cell increases the safety and reliability of the battery module by minimizing the effect of a damaged or defective cell on the battery module output and on the potential hazard that such a cell can cause.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A control system for an electrotherapy device is provided. In particular, controlling the operation characteristics and functionality of an external electrotherapy device using a removable battery pack. Electrotherapy devices include defibrillator, cardioverters and training devices that simulate the operation of an electrotherapy device. Defibrillators include automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). The operation characteristics include, training, administrative, automated use, manual use, and manufacturing use operation modes.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A defibrillator capable of delivering a damped biphasic truncated (DBT) defibrillation pulse is provided. An energy storage circuit is coupled across a high voltage switch such as an H-bridge for delivering a defibrillation pulse to the patient through a pair of electrodes. A controller operates to control the entire defibrillation process and detects shockable rhythms from the patient via an ECG front end. The energy storage circuit consists of an energy storage capacitor, a series inductor, a shunt diode, and optionally a resistor in series with the inductor. The controller measures as the patient dependent parameter the time interval between the initial delivery of the defibrillation pulse and the occurrence of the peak current or voltage to determine the first and second phases of the defibrillation pulse to provide for compensation for patient impedance.

Abstract: A defibrillator having infrared communication capability is provided. The wireless communications capability is implemented using infrared light or RF communications and standardized communications protocols such as the IrDA protocol to allow for ready communication between defibrillators such as during handoffs of patient along the Chain of Survival. The wireless communications network also allows for communications between a defibrillator and a host computer such as a palmtop for incident report generation after each handoff. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having an infrared mode switch to allow for restricted access to advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) features of the defibrillator. A further embodiment of the present invention provides for a defibrillator having a remote training mode that is implemented via wireless communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring patient data recorded by a defibrillator during treatment of a patient. In particular, a recordable memory chip within a medical electrode connector. Further includes a clock associated with the memory also contained within the medical electrode connector. Electrotherapy devices include defibrillators, cardioverters and training devices that simulate the operation of an electrotherapy device. Defibrillators include automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).

Abstract: A defibrillator capable of delivering a damped biphasic truncated (DBT) defibrillation pulse is provided. An energy storage circuit is coupled across a high voltage switch such as an H-bridge for delivering a defibrillation pulse to the patient through a pair of electrodes. A controller operates to control the entire defibrillation process and detects shockable rhythms from the patient via an ECG front end. The energy storage circuit consists of an energy storage capacitor, a series inductor, a shunt diode, and optionally a resistor in series with the inductor. The controller measures as the patient dependent parameter the time interval between the initial delivery of the defibrillation pulse and the occurrence of the peak current or voltage to determine the first and second phases of the defibrillation pulse to provide for compensation for patient impedance.

Abstract: An electrotherapy device such as a portable defibrillator that performs one or more periodic automatic self-tests, the periodicity of which is a function of one or more characteristics of an installed power module which may be, for example, a rechargeable battery pack, non-rechargeable battery pack or AC power pack. A self-test protocol of one or more self-tests can be modified to accommodate the characteristics of one or more installed power modules, allowing the device to be equipped to operate with any power module appropriate for the device and its intended use model. The periodicity of the self-tests may be based on characteristics of an installed power module such as battery capacity, battery chemistry, rechargeability, and anticipated use model.

Abstract: An electrotherapy apparatus includes a connecting mechanism coupled between an energy source and a pair of electrodes for contacting a patient. A controller coupled to the energy source configures the energy source to provide a selected one of a plurality of energy levels. The controller actuates the connecting mechanism to couple the energy source to the electrodes. A sensor coupled to the controller measures a parameter or parameters related to the energy delivered to the patient through the electrodes. The controller performs an operation using the output received from the sensor. Based upon the operation, the controller actuates the connecting mechanism to decouple the energy source from the electrodes. In an embodiment of the electrotherapy apparatus, the energy source includes a high voltage power supply for charging a capacitor to a selected one of a plurality of initial voltages.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for inactivating the AED prompting feature without inactivating the monitoring and analysis capability of the AED. AEDs are designed to be deployed by lay responders, such as flight attendants and police officers. As a result, in addition to a shock advisory algorithm which determines when a victim has a shockable rhythm, the devices also typically provide detailed prompts to the user. However, once a more advanced user arrives at the emergency (such as a paramedic) the detailed prompts are typically no longer required. The ability to silence the prompting feature without disabling the monitoring and analysis capability, as opposed to attaching the patient to another defibrillator, enables an advanced user to continue using the device.

Abstract: A defibrillator system capable of defibrillation and patient monitoring. When used as a patient monitor, the defibrillator system includes a defibrillator and removable monitoring electrodes. The monitoring electrodes communicate with a monitoring adapter and the defibrillator. A method of detecting the presence of the monitoring electrodes by the defibrillator is also included. A removable monitoring adapter. The removable monitoring adapter having a test impedance. Defibrillators include semi-automatic defibrillators and automatic defibrillators (“AEDs”).

Abstract: An electrotherapy apparatus includes a connecting mechanism coupled between an energy source and a pair of electrodes for contacting a patient. A controller coupled to the energy source configures the energy source to provide a selected one of a plurality of energy levels. The controller actuates the connecting mechanism to couple the energy source to the electrodes. A sensor coupled to the controller measures a parameter or parameters related to the energy delivered to the patient through the electrodes. The controller performs an operation using the output received from the sensor. Based upon the operation, the controller actuates the connecting mechanism to decouple the energy source from the electrodes. In an embodiment of the electrotherapy apparatus, the energy source includes a high voltage power supply for charging a capacitor to a selected one of a plurality of initial voltages.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator is described that includes a high voltage delivery circuit for producing an electrical pulse to defibrillate a patient. In a preferred embodiment the electrical pulse is a biphasic or multiphasic electrical pulse. In one embodiment, the delivery circuit includes a high voltage capacitor coupled with a bridge circuit. The capacitor stores electrical energy for delivery to the patient, and the bridge circuit has four switching elements that are selectively switched to steer the current through the patient. A disarm circuit shunts the bridge circuit and operates to route energy away from the bridge circuit in the event a fault condition is detected, such as a short circuit at the patient electrodes. An example disarm circuit is a series-connected SCR and resistor. Also, a limiting circuit element (such as a resistor or an inductor) is provided in series with the capacitor.