Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin and a second surface including a plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel. The plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel are disposed on sections of the electrode assembly that are at least partially physically separated and may move at least partially independently of one another to conform to contours of a body of a patient. The electrode assembly is configured to dispense an amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface in response to an activation signal and to provide for a defibrillating shock to be applied to the patient through the amount of the electrically conductive gel.

Abstract: An external defibrillator can include a tray and a plurality of electrode pads located within the tray. At least one of the plurality of electrode pads can include an electrode contact structure that can be applied to a patient, a wire electrically coupling the electrode contact structure to the external defibrillator, and a release liner adhered to the electrode contact structure of the electrode pad. A portion of the release liner can be affixed to a portion of the tray such that, when an end of the electrode pad is pulled, the electrode pad is removed from the release liner, the electrode pad is removed from the tray, and the release liner remains affixed to the tray.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning an electrode for cardiotherapy of atrial arrhythmia are described. Signals from patient electrical activity for a plurality of electrode locations on a patient are analyzed. An electrode can be repositioned to different locations on the patient to obtain signals from patient electrical activity therefrom. A human perceptible output indicative of the quality of the signals for the plurality of locations is generated and a final electrode location on the patient for placement of the electrode for cardiotherapy is identified based on the human perceptible output.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator configured to deliver electrical pulses and/or shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency includes a housing supporting an electrical connector; a defibrillator electrode delivery system supported on the housing and a pair of defibrillation electrode pads supported by the defibrillator electrode delivery system. Each of the pair of defibrillation electrode pads is pre-connected to the electrical connector of the housing. A hydrogel layer of each defibrillation electrode pad is retained by the defibrillator electrode delivery system in such a manner so as to reduce a moisture vapor transmission rate thereof.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

Abstract: A multipart, non-uniform patient contact interface and method of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A conforming patient contact interface and method of using the same are disclosed. The conforming patient contact interface may flex when deployed to better contact a surface of a body of a patient.

Abstract: An electrode pad includes: a conductor layer; and an adhesive gel layer which is stacked on one surface of the conductor layer, the adhesive gel layer which contains 0.1 wt % or more of SnCl2.2H2O, and which has a pH of 3 to 6. The conductor layer may a conductive metal layer. The conductor layer may include a tin foil.

Abstract: Disclosed are several embodiments of a battery-less piezo-electric defibrillation system (2) comprising external piezo-electric defibrillator (4) and at least one electrode (5) connected thereto. The system includes a piezo-electric generator (6) connected to direct cardiac access-(5), or indirect subcutaneous electrode assemblies (30). The piezo-electric generator (6) is energized by a spring-driven striker element (8) and produces electrical pulse for defibrillation. The direct cardiac access electrodes (5) engage the heart muscle directly via the intercostal space. Alternatively, indirect subcutaneous electrodes (34a) are positioned under patient's skin.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are primarily or at least partially driven by an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as asthma, COPD, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and the like. The invention involves the use of an energy source comprising magnetic and/or electrical energy that is transmitted non-invasively to, or in close proximity to, a selected nerve to temporarily stimulate, block and/or modulate the signals in the selected nerve such that neural pathways are activated to release inhibitory neurotransmitters in the patient's brain.

Abstract: A transthoracic defibrillator for external defibrillation comprises at least three electrodes configured to be attached to the thorax of a patient to establish at least two electrical paths across the thoracic cavity and through the heart of the patient. In addition, a defibrillator circuit contained in a defibrillator housing has the capability to deliver a different defibrillation waveform across each of the at least two electrical paths.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.

Abstract: A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) a patient parameter monitoring pod connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect patient data, the patient data including at least one patient vital sign, (c) a power supply sharing link between the base and the pod, the pod receiving power from the base via the power sharing link, the pod being operable to collect patient data without receiving power from the base, and (d) an external battery charger, the battery charger interrogating the batteries to determine battery information used for battery charging, the battery information including at least one of charging voltage, charging current, and charge time.

Abstract: This document relates to systems and techniques for the treatment of a cardiac arrest victim via electromagnetic stimulation of physiologic tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the effectiveness of cardioversion or defibrillation through the ability to switch shock vectors and to reduce transthoracic impedance. A “shock vector” or “shocking vector” is herein defined as the path and direction which electrical current follows in traversing a patient body cavity between two external adhesive electrode patches. An external multiple patch system comprises at least two options for a shocking vector once external patches are applied and adhered to desired locations on a patient's body. A manual switching mechanism in the system provides the ability to direct current from a defibrillator to either of two or more specified shocking vectors. A method and system of decreasing transthoracic impedance comprises wrapping material around a patient's body to apply pressure to adhered patches.

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: An electrode for use with an external defibrillator for a patient includes a first combination circuit including a circuit node electrically coupled to an adapter for coupling to the defibrillator. The circuit node is further coupled to a monitoring node defined by a monitoring segment of a first pad of the electrode and to a therapy node defined by a therapy segment of the first pad of the electrode. The therapy segment is electrically insulated from the monitoring segment. The first combination circuit further includes a capacitor coupled between the circuit node and the therapy node. The electrode of this disclosure hence provides additional solutions for reducing ECG artifact during the operation of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode includes an adhesive backing layer including a front surface configured to adhere to skin of a subject and a rear surface, a plate including a rear surface coupled to the front surface of the adhesive backing layer and a front surface comprising a conductive material layer, a conductive hydrogel including a rear surface coupled to a front surface of the conductive material layer, and including a front surface configured to make electrical contact with the skin of the subject, a dielectric film border formed on the front surface of the conductive material layer and defining an area on the front surface of the conductive material layer, and an electrical to lead in electrical contact with the area.

Abstract: An electrode for applying electric fields to a patient includes a plurality of ceramic elements (e.g., ceramic discs) that are designed to be positioned against the patient's skin. Electrical connections are made to the ceramic elements (e.g., using a flex circuit). Temperature sensors (e.g., thermistors) are preferably provided at at least some of the ceramic elements to sense the temperature at the skin beneath the ceramic elements, so that appropriate action can be taken if an overtemperature condition is detected.

Abstract: An automated defibrillator attachment for an electronic device such as a smart phone includes an electronics module, at least two electrodes, and a connector. The at least two electrodes extend from the electronics module for connecting to a patient. The connector extends from the electronics module for coupling to at least one receptacle of the electronics device. The at least two electrodes provide at least one electrical shock to the patient that is supplied from an energy source of the electronic device. Other embodiments include an energy storage element to supply the at least one electrical shock.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an automatic external defibrillator including an anterior pad designed such that it can be used during an endoscopic or surgical procedure that may generate electromagnetic interference. The anterior pad has a first arm adhered longitudinally along and substantially parallel to a left side of a sternum of the subject and a second arm adhered along a 5th intercostal space of the subject. The device also includes a posterior pad. Both the anterior and posterior pads include electrodes for delivering a shock to the subject. The device can also include a wearable component containing sensing electrodes for measuring heart rhythms and a transmitting them to a monitor. The monitor monitors these heart rhythms and alerts the subject or medical care providers to irregularities in the rhythms.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for recharging an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). In one embodiment, a first external coil is positioned on one side of a patient's body, such as on a front side of the torso in proximity to the IMD. A second external coil is positioned on an opposite side of the patient's body, such as on the back of the torso. A recharging device generates a current in each of the coils, inductively coupling the first and the second coils to the secondary recharge coil of the IMD. According to another aspect, each of the two external coils may wrap around a portion of the patient's body, such as the torso or head, and are positioned such that the IMD lies between the coils. According to this aspect, current generated in the coils inductively couples to a second recharge coil that is angled within the patient's body.

Abstract: A release liner for electrode pads is described which enables the pads to be used with defibrillators requiring the electrodes to be electrically interconnected for self-test prior to use, and with defibrillators which do not require the electrodes to be electrically interconnected. In one example this variation is afforded by folding the release liner one way to electrically connect conductive layers underlying two attached electrodes. In another example this variation is afforded by leaving the conductive layers electrically connected or breaking the connection.

Abstract: Non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation devices and magnetic stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of treating medical disorders using energy that is delivered noninvasively by such devices. The disorders comprise migraine and other primary headaches such as cluster headaches, including sinus symptoms that resemble an immune-mediated response (“sinus” headaches), irrespective of whether those symptoms arise from an allergy that is co-morbid with the headache. The disclosed methods may also be used to treat other disorders that may be co-morbid with migraine headaches, such as anxiety disorders. In preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods, one or both of the patient's vagus nerves are stimulated non-invasively. In other embodiments, parts of the sympathetic nervous system and/or the adrenal glands are stimulated.

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 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: A variety of arrangements and methods relating to a defibrillator are described. In one aspect of the invention, a defibrillator includes two paddles that each include a defibrillator electrode covered in a protective housing. The two paddles are sealed together using a releasable seal to form a paddle module such that the housings of the paddles form the exterior of the paddle module. An electrical system including at least a battery and a capacitor is electrically coupled with the paddles. The battery is arranged to charge the capacitor. The capacitor is arranged to apply a voltage at the defibrillator electrodes, which generates an electrical shock for arresting a cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract: A variety of arrangements and methods relating to a defibrillator are described. In one aspect of the invention, a defibrillator includes two paddles that each include a defibrillator electrode covered in a protective housing. The two paddles are sealed together using a releasable seal to form a paddle module such that the housings of the paddles form the exterior of the paddle module. An electrical system including at least a battery and a capacitor is electrically coupled with the paddles. The battery is arranged to charge the capacitor. The capacitor is arranged to apply a voltage at the defibrillator electrodes, which generates an electrical shock for arresting a cardiac arrhythmia.

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. A method for providing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) treatment to a person in need of emergency assistance includes obtaining from an accelerometer positioned to move in coordination with a patient's breastbone values for depths of a plurality of the chest compressions, obtaining from a light sensor affixed to the patient information about light detection, and determining, based on the information from the light sensor, whether a rescuer is releasing the chest of a patient during manual CPR chest compressions.

Abstract: An improved defibrillator electrode (100) has two separate peel tabs (114, 116). At least one of the peel tabs is located on the same edge of the electrode backing as that of the electrode wire. The disposition of the peel tabs improves the ability of the rescuer to apply the electrodes to a patient after the electrodes are removed from the release liner (110). In addition, the peel tab reduces the risk of damage to the electrode during removal from the release liner.

Abstract: A disposable electrode paddle assembly is provided and includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle assembly supported at the proximal end of the shaft; a spoon supported at the distal end of the shaft; an electrical conductor extending from the handle assembly and establishing an electrical connection at the spoon; and an electrode assembly selectively, electrically connectable to the electrical connection provided at the spoon; wherein the electrode assembly includes a layer of silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) having one of an increasing and decreasing density extending in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: Electrodes, multi-electrode patches, and electrodes for biomedical systems are provided. The electrode includes an adhesive film layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A conductive element is substantially surrounded by the adhesive film layer. A conductive gel layer covers at least portion of a surface of the conductive element. The conducting gel comprises a material that does not result in significant skin irritation on a human subject after a period of at least about one week.

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: An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell is disclosed. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. The valve may be configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. A method of packaging an electrode pad is also disclosed. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad, a wire and a shell. A valve on the shell allows air to exit the electrode pouch.

Abstract: In certain variations, methods, systems and/or devices for enhancing conductivity of an electrical signal through a subject's skin using one or more microneedle electrodes are provided. A microneedle electrode may be applied to the subject's skin by placing the microneedle electrode in direct contact with the subject's skin. The microneedles of the microneedle electrode may be inserted into the skin such that the microneedles pierce stratum corneum of the skin up to or through dermis of the skin. An electrical signal passes or is conducted through or across the microneedle electrode and the subject's skin, where impedance of the microneedle electrode is minimal and greatly reduced compared to existing technologies.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator including: a reserve power source for providing power to defibrillate a patient, the reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power to electrode pads configured to supply the produced power to a surface of the patient; and a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, the stop being selectively removable when activation is desired.

Abstract: A package in which a medical device is stored, the package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier, 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, a condition sensor comprising two metallic elements and a conductive water-containing element, 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, so that the water-containing element forms the electrolyte of the electrochemical cell, and the voltage of the cell provides an indication the conductive water-containing element of the medical device has dried out.

Abstract: A device for altering cardiac performance includes an energy absorbing element which absorbs cardiac pumping energy from at least a portion of the heart. The energy may be delivered to another part of the body, such as another portion of the heart, to perform useful work such as providing blood pumping assistance.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator configured to deliver electrical pulses and/or shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency includes a housing supporting an electrical connector; a defibrillator electrode delivery system supported on the housing and a pair of defibrillation electrode pads supported by the defibrillator electrode delivery system. Each of the pair of defibrillation electrode pads is pre-connected to the electrical connector of the housing. A hydrogel layer of each defibrillation electrode pad is retained by the defibrillator electrode delivery system in such a manner so as to reduce a moisture vapor transmission rate thereof.

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: An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically to conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for treatment of various diseases, including psychiatric, mental and brain disorders, which preferably combines personalized non-invasive neuronal brain stimulation together with appropriate personalized cognitive training, and which iteratively fine-tunes this treatment by monitoring specific cognitive and brain functions in response to the treatment. A novel brain stimulator device and method, Computerized Magnetic Photo-Electric Stimulator (CCMPES), is described, which integrates electromagnetic stimulation with laser stimulation to generate a magnetic photo-electric stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention is a visor for retinal stimulation of visually impaired subjects. The visor comprises a frame, an external coil, a camera and a mounting system. A connector allows the external coil to be positioned along a first direction. A sliding device allows the external coil to be positioned along a second direction. Positioning of the visor on a subject's nose allows the external coil to be positioned along a third direction. Positioning of the external coil along the first, second or third direction is useful to maximize coupling RF coupling between the external coil and an internal coil implanted on a subject wearing the visor.

Abstract: A disposable electrode paddle assembly is provided and includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle assembly supported at the proximal end of the shaft; a spoon supported at the distal end of the shaft; an electrical conductor extending from the handle assembly and establishing an electrical connection at the spoon; and an electrode assembly selectively, electrically connectable to the electrical connection provided at the spoon; wherein the electrode assembly includes a layer of silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) having one of an increasing and decreasing density extending in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A medical device having a unit in communication with ancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components each have a sensory output through which communication with a user of the medical device may be accomplished and to which the user's attention directed. In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads, which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit. In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g., a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associated packaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display). Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs such that the user's attention is directed between the unit and the ancillary components.

Abstract: Handling or removal of a pair of defibrillator electrode pads from their package is detected in order to effectively time the issuance of prompts to guide the user. One plate of a capacitor is embedded in the package, the electrode pads and lead wires serving as the other plate. Impedance across the capacitor in an alternating current circuit is monitored to detect an increase in the distance between the pads and the package. The impedance level is determined, in a low-cost hardware solution, by rectifying and then integrating an output voltage of the capacitor to produce a voltage signal whose magnitude attenuates as the pads are handled or removed. In one embodiment, the above methodology is time-division multiplexed with an alternative process that identifies handling or removal based on pad-to-pad impedance. In a further embodiment, the capacitive configuration is replaced with an inductive one.

Abstract: A defibrillation system that utilizes a unique defibrillator paddle assembly. The defibrillator paddle assembly has a handle and a paddle head. The paddle head contains the conductive surface that is used to contact the muscle tissue of the heart during a defibrillation attempt. The paddle head is connected to the handle by a flexible connection. The flexible connection enables the relative orientation between the handle and the paddle head to be selectively adjusted. Accordingly, a physician can selectively change the orientation of the paddle head in relation to the handle in order to more effectively utilize the paddle assembly during a specific circumstance. The flexible connection between the handle and the paddle head can be adjusted either by manual bending or by utilizing adjustment controls that are present on the handle of the paddle assembly.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automatic external defibrillator configured to deliver electrical pulses and/or shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency is provided and includes a housing supporting an electrical connector; a defibrillator electrode delivery system supported on the housing; and a pair of defibrillation electrode pads supported by the defibrillator electrode delivery system. Each of the pair of defibrillation electrode pads is pre-connected to the electrical connector of the housing. A hydrogel layer of each defibrillation electrode pad is retained by the defibrillator electrode delivery system in such a manner so as to reduce a moisture vapor transmission rate thereof.

Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.