Abstract: A reusable component of a hands-free defibrillation electrode, the reusable component having a flexible nonconductive element, and a flexible metallic element supported by the flexible nonconductive element, wherein the flexible metallic element has an exposed surface on one side of the reusable component and the exposed surface is configured to be adhered to a disposable coupling portion, and wherein the reusable component is configured to accept an electrical defibrillation pulse and spread the electrical pulse across the exposed surface area, from which it is delivered to the patient's chest through the disposable coupling portion.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated external defibrillator, the method being implemented by circuitry and one or more processors of the defibrillator, comprising monitoring a pulse signal from the patient; monitoring an ECG signal from the patient; determining whether it is appropriate to deliver a defibrillation shock to the patient, the determination being based at least in part on the content of the ECG signal and on the content of the pulse signal.

Abstract: A defibrillation electrode for application to the front of the chest of a patient, the electrode comprising a metallic layer, a conductive liquid-containing layer in contact with the metallic layer and configured to contact the skin of the patient, an adhesive layer surrounding the conductive liquid-containing layer and having a layer of adhesive configured to adhere the electrode to the patient, a release layer configured to be removed from the electrode prior to application to the patient, the release layer being in contact with the adhesive and the conductive liquid-containing layer prior to removal, wherein the electrode has a lateral perimeter at or laterally outside of the adhesive layer, and wherein the lateral perimeter is generally triangular.

Abstract: A combination of a defibrillator and an electrode package, the combination comprising a defibrillator comprising electrical output wires for delivering a defibrillation pulse to defibrillation electrodes, processing circuitry and associated software for controlling the delivery of the defibrillation pulse, an electrical energy storage element for storing the energy delivered in the defibrillation pulse, a user interface element or elements connected to the processing circuitry for accepting one or more inputs from the user and communicating one or more pieces of information to the user, a housing containing the storage element, processing circuitry, and user interface, and a first mechanical element or elements on the exterior of the housing and configured so that an electrode package can be mechanically attached to the exterior of the housing substantially in full view on the exterior, and an electrode package containing the defibrillation electrodes, the package comprising an outer shell, a portion of the o

Abstract: A defibrillation electrode for application to the front of the chest of a patient, the electrode comprising a metallic layer, a conductive liquid-containing layer in contact with the metallic layer and configured to contact the skin of the patient, an adhesive layer surrounding the conductive liquid-containing layer and having a layer of adhesive configured to adhere the electrode to the patient, a release layer configured to be removed from the electrode prior to application to the patient, the release layer being in contact with the adhesive and the conductive liquid-containing layer prior to removal, wherein the electrode has a lateral perimeter at or laterally outside of the adhesive layer, and wherein the lateral perimeter is generally triangular. A method of applying the defibrillation electrode to the chest of a patient.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is provided including (a) a pair of disposable electrodes configured to be adhered to the skin of a patient, each electrode including an electrically conductive layer comprising a metal that is polarized during a defibrillating pulse, and (b) a control unit configured to deliver a defibrillating pulse to the patient through the electrodes. The waveform is configured to substantially depolarize the metal, and may be, for example, a biphasic waveform. Method of defibrillation and defibrillation electrodes are also provided.

Abstract: A medical electrode for conducting an electrical current to or from the skin of a patient. The electrode comprises a thin, flexible metallic conductor, a layer of electrolyte in electrical contact with the conductor and positioned to be in electrical contact with the skin when the electrode is applied to a patient, and an insulating layer overlying the conductor, wherein a peripheral edge of the metallic conductor is sealed with an insulating material so that the peripheral edge of the conductor is substantially out of electrical contact with the electrolyte. This tends to increase the shelf life of the electrode because the more highly worked (e.g., from being die cut during manufacture), and thus higher energy state, peripheral edge is electrically isolated.

Abstract: A combination of a defibrillator and an electrode package, the combination comprising a defibrillator comprising electrical output wires for delivering a defibrillation pulse to defibrillation electrodes, processing circuitry and associated software for controlling the delivery of the defibrillation pulse, an electrical energy storage element for storing the energy delivered in the defibrillation pulse, a user interface element or elements connected to the processing circuitry for accepting one or more inputs from the user and communicating one or more pieces of information to the user, a housing containing the storage element, processing circuitry, and user interface, and a first mechanical element or elements on the exterior of the housing and configured so that an electrode package can be mechanically attached to the exterior of the housing substantially in full view on the exterior, and an electrode package containing the defibrillation electrodes, the package comprising an outer shell, a portion of the o

Abstract: A package in which a medical device is stored, the package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment, a medical device positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, the medical device including a liquid-containing element that is subject to drying out as liquid from the liquid-containing element vaporizes and travels from the interior space to the external environment, a condition sensor comprising two metallic elements, each of the two metallic elements being composed of different metals, with each of the different metals selected so that the two metallic elements form an anode and a cathode of an electrochemical cell, each of the two metallic elements being in electrical contact with a conductive water-containing element, so that the water-containing element forms the electrolyte of the electrochemical cell, and an electrically conductive path extending from each of the metallic elements to a location wherein t

Abstract: An electrode package for use with a defibrillator, the electrode package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment, one or more defibrillation electrodes positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, each of the defibrillation electrodes including a metallic layer in electrical contact with a conductive liquid-containing layer through which electrical current is delivered to a patient when the defibrillation electrodes have been applied to the patient, the conductive a liquid-containing layer being subject to drying out as liquid from the water-containing layer vaporizes and travels from the interior space to the external environment, and one or more electrical conductors extending from inside of the outer shell to a package electrical connector outside of the shell, the package electrical connector being configured to be connected to a mating defibrillator electrical connector connected to the defibrillator, and

Abstract: An electrode package for use with a defibrillator, the electrode package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment, a breakaway connection element positioned at the perimeter of the outer shell, one or more defibrillation electrodes positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, a further electrical element positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, electrical paths extending from the further electrical element through the breakaway element to the exterior environment, wherein the breakaway element and electrical paths are configured so that, when the outer shell is opened and the defibrillation electrodes are removed, the electrical paths are disconnected within the breakaway element.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly comprising a first electrically conductive element configured to be in electrical contact with the patient and to deliver a therapy pulse, a second electrically conductive element configured to be in electrical contact with the patient and to deliver a depolarizing current, and an electrically conductive material providing an electrical connection between the first and second electrically conductive elements and the patient, wherein the first and second electrically conductive elements are configured so that polarization that occurs on the first element as the result of delivery of the therapy pulse may be reduced by subsequent delivery of the depolarizing current, which flows in a circuit that includes the patient and both the first and second conductive elements.

Abstract: Medical electrodes are provided for use in applications that require long shelf life and/or shelf life at high temperatures. Some electrodes include high temperature adhesives and/or foams and an encapsulated electrolyte.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies are provided, in which a pair of electrodes is joined by a central member. In some implementations, the electrode assemblies are foldable, and are configured to facilitate correct placement on a patient's chest. Some electrode assemblies include a separable electrode, allowing the electrode assembly to be fitted to patients having particularly large chests.

Abstract: A defibrillator electrode pad assembly has an adhesive release sheet configured to be removed while the electrode pad is held in a desired position on the patient. The release sheet is folded in a substantially U-shaped configuration and includes a pull-tab to be grasped by the user. The electrode pad is applied to the patient by positioning the electrode pad on the patient's skin with the release sheet facing the skin and in contact with or closely adjacent to the skin, without lifting the electrode pad from the patient's skin, pulling on the pull-tab to remove the release sheet to expose the adhesive portion, and adhering the adhesive portion to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Electrodes are provided, for example including: (a) a first electrode component including a conductive skin-contacting element, and (b) a second electrode component including a thin electrical conductor. The first and second electrode components may be positioned during storage of the electrode so that the conductive skin-contacting element is not in contact with the thin electrical conductor, and configured so that they can be brought into contact prior to use of the electrode with a surface of the conductive skin-contacting element in contact with a surface of the thin electrical conductor.

Abstract: A multi-configuration electrical connector for use in making electrical connections between an external defibrillator and defibrillation electrodes applied to a patient.

Abstract: A multi-configuration electrical connector for use in making electrical connections between an external defibrillator and defibrillation electrodes applied to a patient.

Abstract: Electrodes are provided, for example including: (a) a first electrode component including a conductive skin-contacting element, and (b) a second electrode component including a thin electrical conductor. The first and second electrode components may be positioned during storage of the electrode so that the conductive skin-contacting element is not in contact with the thin electrical conductor, and configured so that they can be brought into contact prior to use of the electrode with a surface of the conductive skin-contacting element in contact with a surface of the thin electrical conductor.