Abstract: The invention proposes aphysiological sensor for use with a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) apparatus, the sensor comprising at least one camera element, adapted to detect a physiological signal, at least one illumination element, adapted to illuminate an area of a patient's body, a housing, adapted to receive the at least one camera element and the at least one illumination element, the housing comprising a fixation element for the fixation of the sensor either on an automated CPR apparatus or on the patient's body, and an automated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation apparatus comprising a physiological sensor.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: A system includes a guidance device that provides feedback to a user to compress a patient's chest at a rate of between about 90 and 110 compressions per minute and at a depth of between about 4.5 centimeters to about 6 centimeters. The system includes a pressure regulation system having a pressure-responsive valve that is configured to be coupled to a patient's airway. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed during successive chest compressions in order to permit removal at least about 200 ml from the lungs in order to lower intracranial pressure to improve survival with favorable neurological function. The pressure-responsive valve is configured to remain closed until the negative pressure within the patient's airway reaches about ?7 cm H2O, at which time the pressure-responsive valve is configured to open to provide respiratory gases to flow to the lungs through the pressure-responsive valve.

Abstract: A chest compression monitor for measuring the depth of chest compressions achieved during CPR. A sensor of the chest compression monitor is disposed within its housing such that compression of the housing due to CPR compressions, and its resultant deformation, is detected by the sensor and used by the control system as the starting point for calculating chest compression depth based on an acceleration signal indicative of the downward displacement of the chest.

Abstract: A system and a method is disclosed for monitoring parameters during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including a compression measuring means, a ventilation measuring means and a processing means. If at least one of the measured values deviate from a respective reference range, the processing means provides an indication of the deviation. If more than one of the measured values deviate from a respective reference range, the deviations are prioritized with an indication being provided first to the deviation having a higher priority. The invention also regards a device for positioning on a patient's chest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which measures compression and which comprises a feedback module for providing a tactile output related to the measurements.

Abstract: A plunger adapter and a detachable compression pad for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a patient's chest. The detachable compression pad may be removably secured to the patient above the patient's sternum to ensure that the compression pressure from the piston through the piston adapter is applied to a fixed location on the patient's chest. As the plunger and plunger adapter retract from the chest, the compression pad remains fixed to the patient's chest, and as the plunger and plunger adapter extend from the chest compression unit for subsequent compression strokes, the distal end of the plunger adapter reengages the compression pad to apply compression to a fixed location on the patient's chest.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a system for delivering a synthetic surfactant and an anesthetic to an individual to reduce reperfusion injury includes an anesthetic delivery device and a device for administering the synthetic surfactant intravenously or intraosseously. The anesthetic delivery device includes a patient connection mechanism for coupling with an airway of the individual, an intrathoracic pressure regulation (IPR) mechanism that involves changing the pressure in the airway that is coupled with the patient connection mechanism, and an anesthetic delivery mechanism for receiving the anesthetic and for delivering the anesthetic to the individual via the patient connection mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device can include a housing, an energy storage module within the housing to store an electrical charge, and a defibrillation port to guide via electrodes the stored electrical charge to a person in need of medical assistance. The medical device can also include a processor to perform a patient signal analysis on an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal corresponding to the person and further determine, based on a result of the patient signal analysis, whether post-shock transcutaneous pacing should be performed on the person.

Abstract: End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measurements may be used alone as a guide to determine when to defibrillate an individual. Alternatively, ETCO2 measurements may be used in combination with amplitude spectral area measurements as a guide to determine when to defibrillate an individual.

Abstract: A body surface compression device for generating cyclical or constant compressions for medical purposes. Compression is accomplished using pneumatic actuated artificial muscle in combination with a belt placed around a body part. Both artificial muscle shortening and pneumatic expansion are used for compression. A unique useful property of this system is the length-tension characteristic similar to natural muscle which reduces applied compressive force proportionally with the level of volume compression of the body part. This property as well as a uniformly applied compression over the body part allows compression to be accomplished in a way which resembles natural muscle activation and minimizes overall abnormal stress on the body part.

Abstract: An automated chest compression device for performing CPR, with distance sensors disposed on a compressing mechanism and on a structure fixed relative to the CPR patient, for determining inferior/superior movement of the compressing mechanism over the course of multiple compressions.

Abstract: A plunger adapter and a detachable compression pad for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a patient's chest. The detachable compression pad may be removably secured to the patient above the patient's sternum to ensure that the compression pressure from the piston through the piston adapter is applied to a fixed location on the patient's chest. As the plunger and plunger adapter retract from the chest, the compression pad remains fixed to the patient's chest, and as the plunger and plunger adapter extend from the chest compression unit for subsequent compression strokes, the distal end of the plunger adapter reengages the compression pad to apply compression to a fixed location on the patient's chest.

Abstract: Various types of chest compressions may be performed on a patient during a single resuscitation event. In embodiments one or more compression time parameters may be changed during the event, potentially optimizing blood flow for one side of the patient's heart, then the other. In some embodiments the event includes one or more prolonged compressions interposed between other compressions, potentially enabling the blood to reach to more remote locations than otherwise. In embodiments, a CPR chest compression machine includes a compression mechanism configured to perform successive compressions to the patient's chest, and a driver configured to drive the compression mechanism accordingly. In embodiments, a CPR metronome issues prompts for compressions accordingly.

Abstract: The apparatus for immobilizing and treating a subject includes a suitable apparatus for performing mechanical CPR secured to an immobilization casing. The airtight flexible casing is secured to the apparatus for performing CPR, the casing having variable rigidity which varies as a function of the amount of air within the casing. Two or more slots through the casing permit passage of one or more elements of the CPR apparatus to pass through the casing. One or more incompressible windows may be included in the casing to optimize the performance of mechanical CPR by permitting one or more elements of the subject's skeleton to contact the CPR apparatus. A device for evacuating the air from within the flexible casing to control the rigidity of the casing is included within the CPR apparatus.

Abstract: A device for the determination of at least one compression parameter during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device includes a compression unit adapted to move in accordance with the chest of the patient and a surface unit adapted to move in accordance with a surface supporting the patient. The compression unit has one of a signal component and a reference component, the surface unit has the other of the signal component and the reference component. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a relative measurement between the compression unit and the surface unit using data derived from the signal component and the reference component. The processor is further configured to determine the at least one compression parameter based on the relative measurement. The determined at least one compression parameter takes into account any motion and/or displacement of the surface.

Abstract: A system for facilitating the effective administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by providing feedback regarding release velocity, which is the velocity of the chest while resiliently expanding during the upstroke of a CPR compression cycle. The feedback is provided, indicating whether the CPR provider has substantially released the chest, through a control systems which analyzes sensor input corresponding to chest displacement to determine chest compression depth and release velocity, compares the determined release velocity to a desired release velocity threshold. The desired release velocity is determined based on the depth of compression. The desired release velocity may be determined based on assumed or target compression depth, selected by a CPR provider and input into the control system, or the desired release velocity may be determined adaptively, based on the chest compression depth achieved during compressions and/or the rate of compressions, as determined by the control system.

Abstract: An automated chest compression device has a housing for supporting a patient and a motor within the housing. A conical drive spool is operatively connected to the motor and a cable, is operatively connected to the conical drive spool. The cable is adapted to extend at least partially around the chest of the patient. A controller is operable to control the motor to compress the chest to variable thresholds.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: A CPR apparatus comprises a chest compression unit and a means for mounting the chest compression unit on a patient. The chest compression unit comprises a plunger disposed in a housing. At its one end extending from the housing the plunger has a compression member. The plunger is driven in a reciprocating manner by a reversible electromotor via a mechanical means for translating rotational motion to linear motion or by a linear induction electromotor. The chest compression unit comprises an electromotor control unit including a microprocessor, a first monitoring means for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the housing and a second monitoring means for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the mechanical means for translating rotational motion to linear motion or the rotor of the linear induction electromotor. The monitored positions are communicated to the electromotor control unit. Also disclosed is a corresponding CPR method.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a belt cartridge to a belt drive platform. A clip attached to the belt is inserted into a slot in the drive spool of the belt drive platform. The cover plate of the belt cartridge fits into a channel beam in the housing of the belt drive platform, thereby securing the cartridge to the housing. Belt guards, for protecting the cartridge, belt drive platform, patient and rescuer, are rotatably attached to the cover plate and are secured around spindles disposed on the sides of the housing.

Abstract: A mechanical chest compression device is secured to a gurney, transport stretcher or ambulance cot while engaging a patient's thorax to provide mechanical CPR during transport. The mechanical chest compression device compresses the patient's thorax against the gurney deck. The mechanical chest compression device may engage the side rails on the gurney, the gurney deck or any suitable structural elements of the gurney.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a signal representative of chest compressions being applied to a patient; calculating, based on the signal, a first value for a first parameter of the chest compressions; and determining if the first value is included in a first target range. When the first value is included in the first target range, the method includes calculating, based on the signal, a second value for a second parameter of the chest compressions; and determining if the second is included in a second target range.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the adequacy of abdominal thrusts applied to choking victims during performance of the Heimlich maneuver.

Abstract: Devices, systems, software and methods for CPR quality assessment. Patient data is received, derived from a session of administering sets of CPR chest compressions to a patient. The sets can be separated by pauses. In some embodiments, a penalty value can be determined for at least one of the pauses, from at least one control factor unrelated to a constant linear dependence on the pause duration. An Indicative value can be derived from the penalty value. In some embodiments, at least some of the pauses are classified in one or more pause groups, depending on how well they meet one or more classification criteria. The indicative value can be derived for one of the pause groups. The indicative value can be output, and/or an alarm can be emitted if it exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An automated chest compression device has a housing for supporting a patient and a motor within the housing. A conical drive spool is operatively connected to the motor and a cable, is operatively connected to the conical drive spool. The cable is adapted to extend at least partially around the chest of the patient. A controller is operable to control the motor to compress the chest to variable thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation comprising a resuscitation device configured for autonomously performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a stimulation device (12) configured for stimulating the endothelial function including nitric oxide synthase pathway in a patient in need thereof, and a controller for controlling the resuscitation device and/or the stimulation device.

Abstract: Optical alignment for piston driven chest compression devices optimizes the application of chest compressions to a fixed location on a subject's chest and provides information regarding the depth and frequency of chest compressions. The targeting system records and may display some telemetry corresponding to any movement or “walking” away from the selected compression site as well as the depth and frequency of compressions. The targeting system is interconnected to the compression device controller and the targeting system provides warnings to operators if the compression components contact the subject outside a preset warning limit away from the selected compression site. The targeting system may also halt the compression device if the site of contact between the compression components and the subject is located outside a preset absolute limit.

Abstract: A mechanical CPR device includes a back plate, a first tower removably attached to the back plate, a second tower removably attached to the back plate, and a beam releasably connected to each of the first tower and the second tower. The first tower can include a first linear motion device. The second tower can include a second linear motion device. Each of the first and second linear motion devices can be configured to move one end of the beam toward and away from the back plate. The first and second linear motion devices can be configured to operate in concert such that, when the back plate is resting on a surface, the beam remains substantially parallel to the surface during movement of the beam toward and away from the back plate.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: A mechanical CPR device can include a back plate, a first tower, and a second tower. The back plate can have a first side and a second side. The first tower can include a first foot and the second tower can include a second foot. The first and second towers can be configured to securely hold a beam above the back plate. The first side of the back plate can be configured to be held to the first foot of the first tower and the second side of the back plate can be configured to be held to the second foot of the second tower when a distributed weight is placed on the back plate.

Abstract: Methods to control the delivery of CPR to a patient through a mechanical CPR device are described. The method generally allows for a gradual increase in the frequency of CPR cycles. The gradual increase can be regulated by protocols programmed within the CPR device such as intermittently starting and stopping the delivery of CPR, accelerating the delivery of CPR, stepping up the CPR frequency, increasing the force of CPR, and adjusting the ratio of compression and decompression in a CPR cycle. Combinations of each of these forms may also be used to control the delivery of CPR. This manner of gradually accelerating artificial blood flow during the first minutes of mechanical CPR delivery can serve to lessen the potential for ischemia/reperfusion injury in the patient who receives mechanical CPR treatment.

Abstract: An automated chest compression device for performing CPR, with distance sensors disposed on a compressing mechanism and on a structure fixed relative to the CPR patient, for determining inferior/superior movement of the compressing mechanism over the course of multiple compressions.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein.

Abstract: A chest compressor includes a piston (14) that moves in downward and upward strokes, with the piston undergoing a smooth reversal at the bottom of the downward stroke. A compression spring such as a wave spring (60), is positioned to engage the piston only near the end of its downward stroke, to smoothly reverse the piston motion, limit downward force on the patient at the end of the stroke, and avoid a downward pulse due to the momentum of the downwardly-moving piston. A stop (90, 92) is latchable in an inward position to allow reduction in the piston stroke by engaging an outward flange (56) on the piston before the piston has moved fully downward.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure comprises a back plate for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part can comprise two legs, each leg having a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge and a second end removably attachable to said back plate. Said front part can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part is attached to said back plate.

Abstract: A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.

Abstract: A suction cup on the end of a piston of a mechanical CPR device can be automatically attached to a patient's torso. The mechanical CPR device can extend the piston until a first position at which the suction cup comes into contact with the patient's torso. The piston can be further extended to cause air to be forced out from an area between the suction cup and the patient's torso until a first threshold is reached. The piston can be retracted until the suction cup is at the first position. The piston can be further retracted from the first position until a second threshold is exceeded. The piston can then be extended to a second point at which the second threshold is no longer exceeded.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: Initial setup of a Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation device (100) is to be accomplished so that a contact pad (102) of the device makes the correct contact with the chest before the device starts giving chest compressions to the patient. Thereby situations where the contact pad is not in initial contact with the chest or situations where the contact pad initially compresses the chest too much are avoided. The position of the contact pad is measured during initial setup, and when contact between the chest and the contact pad is established, the actual position of the contact pad is measured and set as an initial position. Then a positioning range is set relative to the initial position. Therefore, the CPR device is provided with a positioning aid (131) which informs the rescuer when the contact pad is within the positioning range or when the contact pad is outside the initial positioning range.

Abstract: A chest containment system utilizes a thoracic cavity belt circumscribing a patient's chest for supporting a compression device in contact with the chest. Buckles are provided to tighten the belt. A supplemental strap is positioned over the top of the compression device and is releasably secured to each end thereof to the thoracic cavity belt at each side of the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.

Abstract: A support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure comprises a back plate for positioning behind the patient's back posterior to the patient's heart and a front part for positioning around the patient's chest anterior to the patient's heart. Further, the front part can comprise two legs, each leg having a first end pivotably connected to at least one hinge and a second end removably attachable to the back plate. The front part can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit arranged to automatically compress or decompress the patient's chest when the front part is attached to the back plate.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback device and a method for performing CPR. A chest compression detector device is provided that measures chest compression during the administration of CPR. The chest compression detector device comprises a signal transmitter operably positioned on the chest of the patient and adapted to broadcast a signal, and a signal receiver adapted to receive the signal. The chest compression detector device also comprises a processor, operably connected to the signal transmitter and the signal receiver. The processor repeatedly analyzes the signal received to determine from the signal a series of measurements of compression of the chest, and feedback is provided to the rescuer based on the series of measurements.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) device (102) including a backboard (110) to support a subject, and a constriction element (112) to constrict the subject. The constriction element (112) is connected to a decompression element (118). The decompression element (118) is disposed to be placed along the circumference of a thoracic region of the subject and is adapted to adhere to the subject on deployment. Further, a sternum compression unit (120) is attached to the decompression element (118) such that the sternum compression unit (120) is disposed on a side of the decompression element (118). Further, the constriction element (112) is adapted to be constricted and to be slackened for delivering active sternum compression, active circumferential compression, active sternum decompression and active circumferential decompression.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing CPR on a patient within an imaging field of an imaging device. The device has a compression belt and a belt tensioning mechanism, both located on or in the device such that the head, neck, thorax and abdomen of the patient may be place within the imaging field with the compression belt installed about the patient and the belt tensioning mechanism will be located outside of the imaging field.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation monitoring apparatus includes: a detecting unit configured to obtain a detection signal of a timing of chest compression during execution of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; a pulse oximeter configured to detect a change of a blood volume at the timing of the chest compression based on the detection signal, and configured to obtain an oxygen saturation from the change of the blood volume; an evaluating unit configured to perform evaluation related to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation based on the oxygen saturation; and an outputting unit configured to perform an outputting operation in accordance with a result of the evaluation.

Abstract: A resuscitation system that includes at least two defibrillation electrodes configured to be applied to the exterior of the chest of a patient for delivering a defibrillation shock, a source of one or more ECG signals from the patient, a defibrillation circuit for delivering a defibrillation shock to the defibrillation electrodes, a control box that receives and processes the ECG signals to determine whether a defibrillation shock should be delivered or whether CPR should be performed, and that issues instructions to the user either to deliver a defibrillation shock or to perform CPR, wherein the determination of whether CPR should be performed and the instructions to perform CPR can occur at substantially any point during a rescue. The control box may include a user operable control for initiating delivery of a defibrillation shock, and the instructions to deliver a defibrillation shock include instructions to activate the user operable control.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching a belt cartridge to a belt drive platform. A clip attached to the belt is inserted into a slot in the drive spool of the belt drive platform. The cover plate of the belt cartridge fits into a channel beam in the housing of the belt drive platform, thereby securing the cartridge to the housing. Belt guards, for protecting the cartridge, belt drive platform, patient and rescuer, are rotatably attached to the cover plate and are secured around spindles disposed on the sides of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of medical devices and in particular to a circulatory flow restoration (CFR) device comprising an abdominal pressure element, a thoracic pressure element, and a pulsatile generator. The present circulatory flow restoration (CFR) device may be used in cases of cardiac arrest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining depth of compressions of a chest of a patient receiving chest compressions. A field detector is used having at least two coils at a fixed distance from each other.