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: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillation (WCD) system includes one or more flexible ECG electrodes. The WCD system may have a support structure that is dimensioned to be worn so as to press the electrodes towards the body of the patient. The electrodes may be made from appropriate material so as to flex in order to match a contour of the body of the patient. An advantage over the prior art is that the flexible electrode may make better electrical contact with the patient's skin, and therefore provide a better ECG signal for the WCD system to perform its diagnosis.

Abstract: Systems, devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to administer an electric shock to a patient. The decision can be made differently, depending on whether the patient has already been shocked or not.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a cardiac arrhythmia utilizes destructive interference of the passing of the reentry wave tip of an anatomical reentry through a depolarized region created by a relatively low voltage electric field in such a way as to effectively unpin the anatomical reentry. Preferably, the relatively low voltage electric field is defined by at least one unpinning shock(s) that are lower than an expected lower limit of vulnerability as established, for example, by a defibrillation threshold test. By understanding the physics of the electric field distribution between cardiac cells, the method permits the delivery of an electric field sufficient to unpin the core of the anatomical reentry, whether the precise or estimated location of the reentry is known or unknown and without the risk of inducting ventricular fibrillation. A number of embodiments for performing the method are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are a wearable personal digital device and related methods. The wearable personal digital device may comprise a processor, a display, biometric sensors, activity tracking sensors, a memory unit, a communication circuit, a housing, an input unit, a projector, a timepiece unit, a haptic touch control actuator, and a band. The processor may be operable to receive data from an external device, provide a notification to a user based on the data, receive a user input, and perform a command selected based on the user input. The communication circuit may be communicatively coupled to the processor and operable to connect to a wireless network and communicate with the external device. The housing may be adapted to enclose the components of the wearable personal digital device. The band may be adapted to attach to the housing and secure the wearable personal digital device on a user body.

Abstract: A device for assisting a caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient, the device comprising a user interface configured to deliver prompts to a caregiver to assist the caregiver in delivering therapy to a patient; at least one sensor configured to detect the caregiver's progress in delivering the therapy, wherein the sensor is other than an electrode in an electrical contact with the body; a memory in which a plurality of different prompts are stored; a processor configured to determine which of the different prompts should be selected for delivery based on the progress detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes a pacemaker and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The pacemaker is configured to confirm a hemodynamically unstable rhythm based on an activity metric determined from an activity sensor signal after detecting a ventricular tachyarrhythmia and withhold anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) pulses in response to confirming the hemodynamically unstable rhythm. The pacemaker may deliver ATP when a hemodynamically unstable rhythm is not confirmed based on the activity metric. The ICD is configured to detect the ATP and withhold a shock therapy in response to detecting the ATP in some examples.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is described which is designed for use in a single cardiac emergency. If the AED is in standby for a year without being deployed, the AED is removed from service and replaced with another AED. The AED requires a rescuer only to deploy the electrodes on the torso of the victim; the AED turns itself on, performs rhythm analysis and delivers a shock if needed automatically. The AED thus requires no user controls. Preferably the AED requires no on-site maintenance, as the AED communicates its readiness for use to a remote monitoring site which responds to any problems detected by self-testing. In addition to its electro-resuscitation function, the AED can be used on the chest of the victim to administer CPR compressions.

Abstract: A defibrillator (20) employs a ECG monitor (23), a shock source (24) and a controller (25). In operation, the controller synchronizes a ECG analysis window (EAW) to a shock activation of the defibrillator, and analyzes a ECG waveform (30) of a heart (11) of a patient (10) as monitored by the ECG monitor within the ECG analysis window for detecting the patient experiencing an organized heartbeat condition or an unorganized heartbeat condition. The controller further controls a delivery by the shock source of a synchronized defibrillation shock to the heart of the patient in response to a detection within the ECG analysis window by the controller of the patient experiencing the organized heartbeat condition, or controls a delivery by the shock source of an unsynchronized defibrillation shock to the heart of the patient in response to a detection by the controller within the ECG analysis window of the patient experiencing one of the unorganized heartbeat condition or an undetected organized heartbeat condition.

Abstract: A defibrillator produces a biphasic defibrillation pulse waveform with adjustable tilt for the second phase. The tilt of the second phase of the biphasic waveform can be controllably adjusted by selectively switching a current path which bypasses the patient during delivery of the second phase of the pulse. The inventive biphasic waveform can be delivered by a defibrillator with a single capacitance.

Abstract: A cardiac pacing system that includes an implantable pulse generator and electrical leads that include a lead body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector configured to electrically connect the proximal end of the lead body to the pulse generator, and at least one electrode disposed at the distal end of the lead body for delivering electrical stimulation to a patient's heart, wherein the distal end of the lead body is configured to terminate within the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity of the patient, proximate to the heart.

Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.

Abstract: A cardiac defibrillator comprises electrical wires or terminals (24) connected with or configured to connect with defibrillation electrode pads (22), and an electrical circuit (32, 32a, 32b) including an electrical storage element (52) and a piezoelectric transformer (50) arranged to charge the electrical storage element to a voltage effective for delivering a cardiac defibrillation shock. The electrical circuit is configured to discharge the electrical storage element across the electrical wires or terminals to deliver a cardiac defibrillation shock to the electrical wires or terminals.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device capable of delivering therapy to a patient includes at least one response mechanism having a state capable of being activated by one response button; a controller operatively connected with the at least one response mechanism, the controller including at least one processor coupled with a memory; and a therapy manager component executable by the controller and configured to detect a physiological parameter having a value indicative of a health disorder of the patient, notify the patient of impending therapy delivery in response to the detection of the physiological parameter, monitor the state of each at least one response mechanism within at least one predetermined time period, and delay therapy delivery to the patient in response to detection of a change in the state in a single response mechanism of the at least one response mechanism within the at least one predetermined time period.

Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing summary information for lifesaving activities is disclosed. The method involves sensing one or more activities that are repeatedly and cyclically performed on a victim by a rescuer; identifying a cyclical timing interval over which performance is to be analyzed for a integer number of cycles of the one or more activities, and gathering data from the sensing of the one or more activities during the time interval; generating, from analysis of the one or more activities, summary data that condenses data sensed for the one or more activities into a summary of the one or more activities; and providing, for display to a user, a visual summary of the performance of the one or more activities over the identified time interval.

Abstract: A system for artificial stimulation of the heart of a subject comprises a controller comprising a receiver for receiving signal data, a processor for processing received signal data, and a transmitter for transmitting signal data; a sensing stent for location in the proximal coronary sinus of the subject and comprising a sensing electrode assembly for sensing atrial and/or ventricular signals from the heart of the subject and a transmitter for transmitting signal data to the receiver; a stimulation stent for location in a vein of the subject distal of the sensing stent and comprising a receiver for receiving signal data from the transmitter and an electrode assembly for providing a stimulating electrical signal to the heart in response to the data received; and a defibrillator assembly for providing stimulation to the heart sufficient to defibrillate the heart in response to a signal received from the controller assembly.

Abstract: A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device includes a garment configured to be worn on a torso of a patient. The garment has an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The garment is configured to house at least one defibrillator component, a first therapy electrode disposed in the anterior portion of the garment, a second therapy electrode disposed in the posterior portion of the garment, and an alarm module configured to alert the patient of an impending defibrillation shock from the at least one defibrillator component to be delivered by at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode. The first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode are configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one defibrillator component. At least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode is at least one of woven into the garment and comprises a textile material.

Abstract: An external defibrillator estimates the phase of ventricular defibrillation (VF) by deriving, from an ECG exhibiting VF, at least one quality marker representing the morphology of the ECG and, therefore, the duration of the VF. The duration of the VF is calculated as a function of the value (s) of the quality marker (s). The quality marker (s) may comprise any one or more of the median slope of the ECG, the average slope of the ECG, the ratio of the power in relatively high and low frequency bands of the ECG, and a measure of the density and amplitude of peaks in the ECG, over a predetermined period.

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: This document relates to systems and techniques for providing response to emergency situations, such as traffic accidents, cardiac arrest, or other medical emergencies.

Abstract: A defibrillator with wireless communications with a patient monitor. The wireless communications transmits patient data collected by measurement modules between the defibrillator and the patient monitor using wireless nodes when a patient is under cardiac arrest. The transmitted data is integrated with the data already residing on each respective device using data integration modules, and then displayed to the code team in the patient's room on displays, thereby allowing every member of the code team to see data from both devices by reading just one of the displays. The integrated data is also associated with synchronized clocks between the two devices. The integrated data is then compiled into a single unified report comprising the data from both devices and attached to the patient's electronic health record located on a patient record database.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which spends an increased proportion of a rescue in a CPR mode. This is accomplished by use of a single shock protocol which causes the AED to spend less time in shock analysis and delivery activities as compared with the typical multiple shock protocol. An AED of the present invention preferably is configured such that the rescue protocol can be modified or changed easily without the need to remove the battery or use specialized hardware or software. Preferably the shock waveform of the single shock is a biphasic waveform delivering at least 150 Joules of energy and more preferably at least 200 Joules of energy.

Abstract: A therapeutic signal delivery system and method that delivers a dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic pulse are provided. The dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic therapeutic pulse may be used for a variety of therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator system includes a stimulation unit delivering vagal nerve stimulation pulses, an activity sensor determining an exertion level of the user and generating a signal representing metabolic demand, an autonomic tone sensor determining an autonomic status of the user and generating a signal representing autonomic status, and a control unit in communication with the foregoing components, and which is adapted to control the stimulation unit depending on both the signal representing metabolic demand and the signal representing autonomic status.

Abstract: The methods comprise: a) obtaining a 3D volume of the object containing two different sub-volumes identified as: well-defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ) sub-volumes; b) generating well-defined zone (S) and not-well-defined zone (BZ) patches from the two sub-volumes; c) automatically identifying the possible channels by means of automatically obtaining candidate channels regions (CCR), dilating the perimeters of the well-defined zone (S) patches. The method includes embodiments for a layered approach, an EAM polygonal mesh approach and a volume approach. The computer program product is adapted to implement part or all of the steps of the method of the invention. The EAM system comprises computing navigation means implementing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A communication system, method, and computer program product supported by electro-dermal monitoring physiological signals at the surface of the skin. The system includes a garment comprising an electro-dermal interface. The interface includes two or more electrodes in an array of electrodes. The electrodes are associated with three or more polarities. Two or more measurement circuits associated with respective measurement functions are in communication with the electrodes, including a first measurement circuit associated with a first measurement function and a second measurement circuit associated with a second measurement function. Switching circuitry comprising two or more pole switches, with each switch in communication with a respective electrode. A controller is in communication with the switching circuitry to change a measurement function. Changing the measurement function includes changing a polarity associated with at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A defibrillator system optimizes the timing and manner of applying a defibrillator charge to a patient based upon data provided to the defibrillator from a utility module or one or more external devices. A parameter module on the utility module provides the defibrillator with patient parameter information. Devices external to the utility module may provide the utility module with coaching data that the utility module may pass through to the defibrillator as a proxy to the external devices. The utility module may also provide external devices with patient data that the utility module may pass through to the external devices as a proxy to the defibrillator on a scheduled or other basis. The utility module may additionally provide a reserve of power to enable defibrillators to be used where power is unavailable and to enable defibrillators to deliver multiple charges more readily anywhere, anytime.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated external defibrillator is configured to deliver one or both of electrical pulses and shocks to a heart of a patient during a cardiac emergency. The defibrillator includes a defibrillator electrode delivery system and a hydrating system. The defibrillator electrode delivery system includes a pair of defibrillation electrode pads. Each pad supports a hydrogel to facilitate the deliverance of one or both of electrical pulses and shocks to a patient. The hydrating system includes a fluid container that maintains a fluid that hydrates the hydrogel over a predetermined time period to prolong the effectiveness of the hydrogel.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system and method are provided. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may be used as pulse system for a defibrillator or cardioverter. The dynamically adjustable multiphasic pulse system may include a subsystem that generates a first phase of a pulse, a separate subsystem that generates a second phase of the pulse and a switch element that switches between the subsystem and the separate subsystem to generate a therapeutic pulse having at least one positive phase and at least one negative phase.

Abstract: An electronic medical monitoring and treatment apparatus allows a victim of a medical emergency person access to a medical professional (MP) who can monitor, diagnose and treat the person from a remote site. The apparatus includes a cardiac medical monitoring and treatment device (MMTD) coupled to an electronic adapter designed to communicate with a local, first transmitting/receiving (T/R) device which, in turn, is adapted to electronically communicate with a remote, second transmitting/receiving (T/R) device used by the MP. The MMTD may comprise a cardiac treatment circuit for effecting cardiac pacing and/or defibrillation and a cardiac signal circuit for receiving cardiac signals. The cardiac signals are (1) transmitted from the signal circuit to the second T/R device for evaluation by the MP, (2) the MP may transmit a control signal to the treatment circuit, and (3), in response thereto, the treatment circuit may generate one or more electrical pulses for treatment of the person.

Abstract: An apparatus for coding video information according to certain aspects includes a memory unit and a processor in communication with the memory unit. The memory unit stores difference video information associated with a difference video layer of pixel information derived from a difference between an enhancement layer and a corresponding base layer of the video information. The processor determines a value of a video unit based on a reference video unit or spatial neighboring video unit within the difference video layer and applies a smoothing filter to the reference video unit or spatial neighboring video unit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for single therapy pulse (STP) therapy for tachyarrythmia are disclosed. The STP therapy can be delivered from a far-field position to allow a “global” capture approach to pacing. Due to the global capture in STP, a series of pulses, which is indicative of conventional anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) delivered by transvenous systems, becomes unnecessary. One to four pulses at most are needed for STP, and after delivery of the one to four pulses, therapy delivery can be interrupted to determine whether the previously delivered therapy has been successful.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for a defibrillator electrode having communicative capabilities are generally disclosed.

Abstract: An improved user interface for a defibrillator (100) capable of being used with paddle electrodes (180) and adhesive pad electrodes (190). A shock delivery button (110) located on the defibrillator control panel delivers a shock through the pad electrodes. A second shock delivery button (210), located on the paddle electrodes, delivers a shock through the paddle electrodes. Both shock delivery buttons are configured with the same shape, operation and illumination in order to reduce user confusion.

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

Abstract: A conductive fluid reservoir can be used to dispense conductive fluid to increase electrical connectivity between an electrode of a defibrillator and a patient. The reservoir includes a container that holds the conductive fluid, one or more outlets on the container, and an inflatable pouch located at least partially within the container. The inflatable pouch is capable of being inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state. In the deflated state, a free end of the inflatable pouch covers the one or more outlets. In the inflated state, the free end of the inflatable pouch is removed from the one or more outlets such that the conductive fluid is allowed to flow out of the container via the one or more outlets. Inflating the inflatable pouch causes the conductive fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir.

Abstract: A novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform and method are provided. The novel therapeutic biphasic or multiphasic pulse waveform may be used in a defibrillator, or in another medical device that delivers therapeutic electrical stimulation pulses to a patient.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for receiving status updates from multiple automated external defibrillators, receiving, from a user, a request to access status information, and sending, to the user, summary level status information for at least some of the multiple automated external defibrillators, the summary level status information being grouped based on a measure of geographic proximity of the multiple automated external defibrillators.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy that treats atrial arrhythmias within pain tolerance thresholds of a patient. An implantable therapy generator adapted to generate and selectively deliver a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy and at least two leads, each having at least one electrode adapted to be positioned proximate the atrium of the patient. The device is programmed for delivering a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy via both a far-field configuration and a near-field configuration of the electrodes upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia. The three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy includes a first stage for unpinning of one or more singularities associated with an atrial arrhythmia, a second stage for anti-repinning of the one or more singularities, both of which are delivered via the far-field configuration of the electrodes, and a third stage for extinguishing of the one or more singularities delivered via the near-field configuration of the electrodes.

Abstract: Injectable subcutaneous heart device (ISHD) for regulating arrhythmias in a heart of a patient, including a plurality of linked structures, each one of the linked structures being hollow, an interconnecting bus, a biocompatible coating, at least two electrodes and a plurality of sensors, the interconnecting bus for electrically coupling the linked structures and the biocompatible coating for hermetically sealing and electrically insulating the linked structures, one of the linked structures encapsulating a power source, another one of the linked structures encapsulating at least one capacitor and a third one of the linked structures encapsulating electronics, the electrodes and the sensors being respectively placed on an outer surface of the linked structures located at opposite ends of the ISH D, for detecting arrhythmias and providing electrical shocks to the heart, the electrodes and the sensors being electrically coupled with the interconnecting bus and the ISHD being positioned subcutaneously around the

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a wearable medical device capable of treating a patient presenting with syncope is provided. The wearable medical device includes a memory storing event profile information, a battery, at least one treatment electrode coupled to the battery, at least one processor coupled to the memory and the at least one treatment electrode, and an event manager executed by the at least one processor. The event manager is configured to detect an event associated with syncope; store, in the memory, data descriptive of the event in association with an indication that the data includes data descriptive of a syncopal event; and address the event.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a method for predicting the likelihood of survival of a particular individual with favorable neurological function during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure includes obtaining an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal of the particular individual during the CPR procedure. The method also includes obtaining a non-invasive measure of circulation of the particular individual during the CPR procedure and generating a prediction for the likelihood of survival of the particular individual with favorable neurological function based on the EEG signal and the non-invasive measure of circulation.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: A fail-safe visual indicator (62) for indicating the readiness status of a medical device is described. The visual indicator incorporates iconic status indications (67, 70) which are easier to understand for users of all nationalities and languages. The status indications are superimposed upon each other in order to reduce the space required on the medical device for the indicator.

Abstract: An implantable medical device system includes a pacemaker and an extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The pacemaker is configured to acquire a cardiac electrical signal, determine RR intervals from the cardiac electrical signal, apply ventricular tachycardia detection criteria solely to the RR intervals, detect ventricular tachycardia (VT) when the detection criteria are met; and deliver anti-tachycardia pacing in response to detecting the VT before the extravascular ICD delivers a shock therapy.

Abstract: Cardiac electrodes and techniques for testing application of the electrodes to a victim are described herein.

Abstract: The device includes a cardiac therapy circuit with a first terminal, and a peripheral therapy circuit with a second terminal. These terminals can either receive a cardiac detection/stimulation lead and a peripheral detection/stimulation lead of an anatomical structure. The device is configured to recognize the leads and automatically configure the connection terminals. This includes discrimination methods for identifying the terminal on which a cardiac signal is detected, and switching methods for coupling the cardiac therapy circuit to the terminal and the peripheral therapy circuit to the other terminal.

Abstract: A system includes a first computing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. The processor and the memory are configured to receive at least one of (i) information indicative of treatment of a victim by a first caregiver using the first computing device and (ii) information indicative of a health status of the victim; determine that treatment of the victim by the first caregiver using the first computing device is completed; and transmit the received information to a second computing device.