Abstract: A method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion including sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept are directed to CPR chest compression machines that include a sensor to detect a parameter about a patient, such as an indication of patient recovery, and include a processor that determines whether to cease series of successive compressions on the patient in response to the detected parameter.

Abstract: The abdominal circulatory pump uses expulsive manoeuvres performed by contraction of the diaphragm while stabilizing, contracting or compressing the abdominal wall to increase abdominal pressure and pump blood. At the same time, it can be used to lower pleural pressure around the surface of the lung to provide ventilation. In humans the blood in the splanchnic circulation; i.e., the blood in the abdominal contents, is a reservoir of about 20% to 25% of the whole body blood volume. The increase in abdominal pressure forces this blood to flow out of the abdomen and through the body.

Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of 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: The invention is an apparatus for increasing intrathoracic pressure for resuscitating cardiac arrest patients. The apparatus comprises a flexible, substantially inelastic belt wrapped around the patient's chest and attached to a force converter. The force converter converts a downwardly directed force into a chestward resultant, which depresses the sternum, and two belt tightening resultants. The force converter comprises a pair of arm assemblies, each having a pair of spaced arms, which are pivotably mounted to a base. The base is positioned near the patient's sternum and the ends of the belt attach to one end of each arm assembly. The opposite, handle ends of the arm assemblies are depressed toward the chest causing tightening of the belt and compression of the chest cavity.

Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.

Abstract: An active respiratory therapeutic device for clearing breathing passages, loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a patient's sinuses, trachea, bronchial passages and lungs while a patient is breathing normally through the device is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a C shaped curved hollow housing having a closed end portion and an open threaded end portion. The open end portion forms at least part of an acoustic coupling chamber. A generally funnel shaped tapered mouthpiece tapers to a small end portion sized to be inserted into a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece forms another part of the acoustic coupling chamber. An acoustic signal generator housed within the hollow housing generates and directs acoustic vibrations into and through the coupling chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting respiration extrathoracically, particularly useful for augmenting respiration in neonatal patients, including providing a positive pressure to a torso area of a patient. The positive pressure may be delivered to the torso area of the patient while the torso area is exposed to an ambient pressure, such as by providing positive pressure with high frequency gas jets that are positioned in proximity to the torso area. The positive pressure may be delivered to different parts of the torso area of the patient at different times, such as by controlling gas jets independently. The positive pressure may also be controlled in coordination with a gas flow and concentration to the patient's airway, such as by increasing the positive pressure as a gas flow pressure delivered to the patient's airway is reduced.

Abstract: A CPR device includes a CPR meter which is placed on the sternum of a patient and against which chest compressions are applied during CPR. The chest compressions are sensed by the CPR meter and this information is supplied to a display device for the display of the progress of CPR. A graphical display is provided which graphically illustrates the progress of CPR during a current CPR interval in either elapsed time or chest compressions delivered, as compared with the total time of the CPR interval or the maximum number of chest compressions to be delivered. The display can be configured to display either elapsed time or chest compression count, and the total number of compressions to be applied and the total duration of the CPR interval can be selectively configured.

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: A HFCWO apparatus includes a housing having a port, a therapy system carried by the housing and operable to deliver HFCWO therapy to a patient in accordance with a set of operating parameters, and a memory device couplable to the port for storing at least a portion of the set of operating parameters. The therapy system may be operable in accordance with the portion of the set of operating parameters stored in the memory device. The apparatus may comprise a wireless transmitter carried by the housing and operable to wirelessly transmit data relating to HFCWO therapy to a wireless device, such as a printer, PC, a PDA, and the like.

Abstract: The inventive breath training device comprises a respiratory tube, a low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator provided with an oscillation chamber embodied therein and provided with an input channel which is embodied in the form of an upwardly extending saddle-shaped body of revolution, contains a spherical ball and is connected to the respiratory tube and to an output channel communicating with ambient air, wherein the respiratory tube is provided with a jacket in which the body of the low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator rotatable about a horizontal axis is fixed and a bypass chamber provided with an inspiratory tube is formed, said inspiratory tube comprises an inspiratory valve provided with a tubular attachment and the output channel of the oscillation chamber of the low-frequency mechanical air oscillation generator is also provided with an expiratory valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CPR sensor that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate having one or more sensor arrays, a power source, an output interface and a processor or analog circuit, all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate. The substrate can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array, the power source, and the processor or analog circuit. Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays measure one or more of the following compressions characteristics: compression depth, compression force, compression frequency and compression acceleration.

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 portable cardiopulmonary resuscitator for implementing CPR to rescue a user includes a pressing mechanism and a respiration aid. The pressing mechanism includes a pressing element and a pumping element. The pressing element is pressed to massage a heart of the user and the pumping element is operated to produce and discharge air. The respiration aid includes a tube and a mask, an end of the tube is extended from the pumping element and the other end of the tube is provided with the mask which is covered on a face of the user. By the aforementioned structures, a rescuer can use the present invention to perform the CPR to a patient, with infection of germs by being in contact with saliva being avoided, which is indeed provided with practical progressiveness.

Abstract: The invention regards a resuscitation system having a chest compression device to repeatedly compress the chest of a patient and thereafter cause or allow the chest to expand. The device includes an electric motor connected to a compression element. A controller is coupled to the electric motor and causes the motor to actuate the compression element according to a predetermined profile. The controller is further operable to draw the compression element away from a patient's chest upon detecting a malfunction.

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: A support for a chest compression system includes a back plate, a front part having a seat for a compression member of a chest compression system, and a side part connecting the back plate to the front part. The side part is adapted to provide adjustable spacing between the seat and the back plate to accommodate patients having different chest heights to allow the support to be snugly placed around the chest of a patient.

Abstract: A method of abdominally stabilizing a patent selected for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and whose chest is in an uncompressed state includes wrapping a substantially inextensible flexible belt around the abdomen substantially without applying pressure to the abdomen, and locking the belt in the wrapped position. Also disclosed is a belt for abdominal stabilization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing feedback regarding chest compressions in CPR comprising a measuring unit, a processing unit and a display unit, where the measuring unit comprises a depth measuring device, a force measuring device, or both. The processing unit comprises a depth signal device and/or a force signal device and a threshold device. The processing unit is adapted to output a signal depending on the values of depth and/or force signals with respect to the thresholds. The display unit comprises at least one indicator and is adapted to activate the indicators based on the output from the processing device. The system thus measures and processes chest compressions and provides feedback to the user with respect to the characteristics of the compressions.

Abstract: A cardio pulmonary CPR device and method provides enhanced circulation by an inventive sequence of states of chest compression and airway valve opening and closure. The embodiments of the invention produce enhanced circulation during cardiac arrest, while maintaining a degree of ventilation to the patient, including oxygen delivery in some embodiments. Some embodiments include mechanical compression units. Other embodiments include a compression sensor to detect manually delivered compressions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. The apparatus comprises a chest compression actuator, an actuator driver that supplies time-varying drive signals to the chest compression actuator in dependence of operating parameters of the actuator driver, a physiological parameter sensor supplying measured values of a physiological parameter related to the function of the chest compression actuator, and an adaptive control for the operating parameters of the actuator driver. The operating parameters determining a dynamic behavior of a system comprising the chest compression actuator and a chest of a patient.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for prompting emergency medical personnel who are attending to a patient. When the patient presents a heart rhythm that is a non-perfusing and non-shockable rhythm or perfusing but unstable, the attending personnel are prompted to administer therapy, such as reestablishing perfusion by performing CPR. The attending personnel may also be urged to defer taking the pulse of the patient.

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 high frequency chest compression system for deriving one or more frequencies for a therapeutically-beneficial treatment protocol based on pressure measurements made via a mouthpiece. A routine for identifying optimal operating frequencies for an air pulse generator is also provided.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of rehabilitating a patient's cardiac/pulmonary activity and achieving increased fluid distribution, includes placing one inflatable/deflatable chest cuff over the patient's chest area and another inflatable/deflatable cuff over the patient's abdominal area, the chest cuff, when inflated, being arranged to depress the chest and force air out of the patient's lungs, the abdominal cuff being arranged, when inflated to apply pressure to the underlying vessels to direct blood into the patient's chest area; inflating and deflating the chest cuff and the abdominal cuff; connecting an intravenous (IV) line to one of the patient's blood vessels, the IV line connected to a fluid source, to facilitate the distribution of medications, by enhancing IV medication and fluid infusion rates, the chest and abdominal cuff inflation and deflation serving as multiple external circulatory pumps to increase the fluid infusion rate.

Abstract: A method for applying a plurality of compressive forces to a thorax of a patient, measuring a displacement corresponding to each of the plurality of compressive forces, and determining properties of the thorax based on the compressive forces and the displacement. A system having a force applying device applying compressive forces to a thorax of a patient, a measurement device measuring a displacement of the thorax corresponding to each of the compressive forces, and a control device determining properties of the thorax based on the displacements of the thorax corresponding to each of the compressive forces.

Abstract: A punch pad assembly is provided. A plurality of support plates are coupled with respect to the punch pad assembly. A motor is provided. The motor operatively couples the support plates with respect to a trigger. In this manner the punch pad assembly may be reciprocated at a rate of between 300 and 700 strokes per minute with a stroke length of between 0.875 and 1.000 inches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering combined positive and negative pressure assist ventilation to a patient, wherein a positive pressure is applied to the patient's airways to inflate the patient's lungs, a negative pressure is applied around the patient's ribcage and/or abdomen in order to reduce a load imposed by the ribcage and/or abdomen on the patient's lungs, and application of the positive and negative pressures is synchronized.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a simple device to aid in cardiac compression to assist in reestablishing normal heart rhythm. The design and size of the device is particularly useful in morbidly obese individuals that require cardiac compressions in order to optimize resuscitation efforts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are CPR assisting devices. Certain embodiments pertain to a device that may be adhered to patient's chest to aid in active compression/decompression CPR. The device may be incorporated with the AED pad for implementation in conjunction with defibrillator machine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and device for the determination and calculation of the depth of chest compressions during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Embodiments use an optical sensor to monitor the distance that a victim's chest is displaced during each compression throughout the administration of CPR. The optical sensor is most commonly an image sensor such as a CMOS or CCD sensor, and more specifically a CMOS image sensor capable of three-dimensional imaging based on the time-of-flight principle. An infrared emitter may illuminate the victim's body and any visible piece of ground beside the victim. As the infrared light interacts with any surfaces it encounters, it is reflected and returns to the image sensor where the time of flight of the infrared light is calculated for every pixel in the image sensor. The distance data is used to gauge the effective displacement of the victim's chest.

Abstract: The Palm-held CPR Helper Medical Device is a completely new medical device in the art of using CPR to help restart the heart muscle during cardiac arrest and it is only used the same way as in the compressing method used with hands-only CPR.

Abstract: A chest compression monitor for measuring the depth of chest compressions achieved during CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions.

Abstract: A patient resuscitation/respiratory system includes a system control unit with a timer module controlling a plurality of air pressure modules. In an exemplary embodiment, the air pressure modules include a first air pressure module for controlling a first flow of pressurized gas from a first pressurized gas supply to an inflatable abdominal cuff, a second air pressure module for controlling a second flow of pressurized gas from the first gas supply to an inflatable chest cuff, and a third air pressure module for controlling a third flow of pressurized gas from the first gas supply to an inflatable leg cuff. The control unit in this embodiment includes a ventilator supply module for controlling a flow of breathable gas from a second pressurized gas supply to a patient ventilator module to periodically connect the patient ventilator module and the patient's lungs to the breathable gas supply.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compression force indicator comprises means (20, 26,? 28, 30) for monitoring a patient's transthoracic impedance while the patient is being given CPR and generating a corresponding impedance signal, means (32, 34, 36) for processing the impedance signal to provide an ongoing measurement of cardiac haeraodynamic output, means (24) for determining if the measurement falls outside pre-set limits, and means (38) for indicating such determination externally to the person giving the CPR.

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 positioning device for use in apparatus for treating sudden cardiac arrest in a patient in supine position by providing chest compressions at the lower end of the sternum prevents the apparatus from moving in a caudal direction. The apparatus includes a frame enclosing the patient at a sternal transversal plane and a pneumatic compression/decompression unit mounted on the frame. The device includes a flexible strap having a first end, a second end and a tensioning component disposed between the first and second ends. First and second end portions of the strap include a mechanism for attachment to the apparatus. The flexible strap has a mounted tensioned length sufficient to extend around the patient's neck. At least one of the end portions is releasably attached.

Abstract: A transmission device transforms an alternate rotational movement of an alternately rotating element into a linear reciprocating movement. The device includes a linear reciprocating element connected to the rotating element, and a first pivoting element having a first fixed pivot point connected to the linear reciprocating element. The transmission device includes a second pivoting element connected to the first pivoting element. A ball member, which may be connected to a CPR piston, is attached to the second pivoting element. A third pivoting element having a second fixed pivot point is connected to the second pivoting element.

Abstract: An ECG signal processing system which removes the CPR-induced artifact from measured ECG signals obtained during the administration of CPR.

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 cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: Improved automatic chest compression systems which use constricting belts, repeatedly inflating bladders, or reciprocating pistons to compress the chest. A bladder is placed between the chest and the particular mechanism used to compress the chest during CPR. The bladder maximizes the effectiveness of chest compressions.

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: 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.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.

Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.