Abstract: A process for the control of a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10), a control module (19) and a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10) are provided with a control module (19). The process is used for the output of online help and for guiding the user via a sequence of operating steps that are executed via defined operational controls (17). Each operational control (17) is designed with a selection signal generator and with an activation signal sensor in order to make possible a visual selection of the respective operational control. The selection may be coupled with the output of a visual indication on the graphical user interface (13).

Abstract: A remote interface system according to some embodiments includes one or more patient monitoring devices having one or more sensors for patient monitoring, one or more first processors to receive information from the sensors and generate patient data based thereon, a web server, a first communication system, and a first screen to display a representation of at least a first portion of the patient data, and a remote interface device including a second communication system, a second screen, one or more second processors, an application executed by the one or more second processors and configured to detect a presence of the first communication system, establish a communication link between the first and second communication systems, establish a reliable connection channel (e.g. secure websocket connection) with the web server, receive the patient data via the connection, and display at least a second portion of the patient data on the second screen.

Abstract: A lead delivery apparatus and a method of delivering a medical lead to an anatomic target site. An elongated lead advancement member is coupled to a delivery shaft. The delivery shaft is inserted to the target site. The delivery shaft is temporarily attached to the target site using a fixator. A medical lead is inserted over the lead advancement member and pushed over the lead advancement member toward the target site.

Abstract: Medical devices, software and methods are provided, for making a decision as to whether to pause patient chest compression treatment in connection with administering electric shock therapy to the patient. The decision is made depending whether signal spikes identified in the ECG data are determined to be QRS complexes, or merely likely impulsive artifact caused by the chest compressions.

Abstract: Techniques for programming electrical stimulation therapy intensity based on electrical charge are described. In some examples, a display presents a stimulation intensity value in units of electrical charge, e.g., Coulombs. In such examples, a user may adjust the displayed charge value, rather than pulse amplitude or pulse width, to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation therapy. In some examples, a processor determines modifications to pulse amplitude and pulse width based on the modification to the charge value. In some examples, a processor modifies a pulse amplitude and width to achieve a desired charge, while maintaining a relationship between pulse amplitude and width specified by a predetermined function. In some examples, the function may be programmed, e.g., selected or adjusted, by a user.

Abstract: Implanted medical device data is received, where the data was sensed by a first lead portion and a sensor over a time period. The number of detected noise events sensed by the first lead portion is counted based on applying first noise detection criteria to the data sensed by the first lead portion. The number of detected noise events over the sensor is counted based on applying second noise detection criteria to the data sensed by the sensor. The mean number of detected noise events is calculated for the first lead portion and sensor based on the number of noise events sensed by the first lead portion and the number of noise events sensed by the sensor. Potential lead failure in the first lead is recorded if the number of detected noise events over the first lead is greater than the mean number of noise events by at least 5%.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may output an opening human-perceptible indication, after detecting a shockable cardiac arrhythmia but before validating it. This may succeed in informing the patient that the WCD system is working, and in particular analyzing a just-detected cardiac arrhythmia. The information may give comfort and confidence to the patient who may be conscious, and be experiencing only ventricular tachycardia but not ventricular fibrillation.

Abstract: A wearable patch-type automatic defibrillator attachable to a region of a patient near the patient's heart includes a battery which stores electrical energy for defibrillation, a controller which controls the battery, electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, and defibrillation electrodes. The controller analyzes ECG signals of the patient received through the ECG electrodes, and automatically provides the patient with the electrical energy stored in the battery through the defibrillation electrodes when defibrillation is needed according to a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A resuscitation system comprising at least two high-voltage defibrillation electrodes; a first electrical unit comprising circuitry for providing resuscitation prompts to the rescuer; a second electrical unit separate from the first unit and comprising circuitry for providing defibrillation pulses to the electrodes; circuitry for providing at least one electrical connection between the first and second units, an activity sensor adapted to be worn by the patient and capable of providing an output from which the patient's current activity can be estimated, wherein the patient's current activity comprises overall body activity rather than cardiac activity; and at least one processor configured for estimating the patient's current activity by analyzing the output of the activity sensor.

Abstract: A medical device includes a device housing and a door mounted to the device housing. The device also includes a first magnet mounted to the door, wherein magnetic force applied to the door exerts a moment on the door, and a second magnet mounted in the housing and positioned to hold the door shut by magnetic interaction with the first magnet. In addition, the device includes a user-movable mode-changing mechanism attached to a third magnet, and arranged to hold the third magnet out of proximity with the first and second magnets when the device is in a first mode, and to move the third magnet into proximity with the first and second magnets when the device is in a second mode so as to expel the first magnet away from the housing and open the door to expose items positioned behind the door.

Abstract: A cardiac treatment apparatus, comprising an external cardiac waveform monitor capable of sensing a physiological signal from a heart of a patient and capable of determining if the patient's heart requires a therapeutic dose of electrical stimulation, an electrical stimulator adapted to deliver the therapeutic dose of electrical stimulation to the heart of the patient and, a wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the patient's sensed physiological data to a remote medical provider.

Abstract: An apparatus may be configured for documenting a code blue scenario when adhered to the chest of a subject undergoing resuscitation by sensing and transmitting information associated with the code blue scenario. Such information may include one or more of vital signs of the subject during resuscitation, information associated with chest movements of the subject during resuscitation, and audio information from an environment of the subject during resuscitation. A computing platform that is separate and distinct from the apparatus may provide code blue documentation conveying information related to the vital signs of the subject and derived from the audio information from the environment of the subject during resuscitation.

Abstract: A method for using a defibrillator is described which executes a resuscitation protocol having a CPR pause period. The defibrillator prompts a rescuer to perform CPR during a CPR pause period. The CPR pause period may be interrupted for the acquisition of ECG signal data which is not contaminated by chest compression artifacts. Following the acquisition of ECG signal data, the CPR period resumes and continues for its full period. The ECG signal data acquired during the interruption of the CPR period is analyzed and, if a shockable rhythm is identified, a shock sequence is initiated immediately upon conclusion of the CPR period.

Abstract: A rescue cell apparatus used for cardiac defibrillation of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a hand held device for sending and receiving communication signals and configured to be used as a remote control to administer a defibrillation pulse to the patient for cardiac defibrillation; a defibrillator unit having a sensor electronic pad positionable on the patient, the sensor electronic pad adapted to deliver the defibrillation pulse; and a second electronic pad, connectable by an electrical wire to the defibrillator unit, the second electronic pad positionable on the patient and adapted to detect ECG signals and to deliver the defibrillation pulse to the patient; and an image recognition module configured in the handheld device, and adapted to verify positioning of the sensor electronic pad and the second electronic pad on the patient before defibrillation.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed capacitor and method of manufacturing are provided. The hermetically sealed capacitor includes an anode element having an anode wire and a feed through barrel, a cathode element, a first case portion having a first opening portion and a second case portion having a second opening portion. The first and second opening portions form an opening configured to mate with the feed through barrel. The first opening portion may include a slot portion configured to receive the feed through barrel. The hermetically sealed capacitor may also include electrolytic solution disposed between the first and second case portions.

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: Methods and systems for securing remotely-operable devices are provided. A security device can receive a plurality of commands to control a remotely-operable device in a remote environment. At least one command in the plurality of commands can include command data that is related to the remotely-operable device. The security device can receive a plurality of responses to the plurality of commands. The security device can process the plurality of commands and the plurality of responses to determine a signature related to an operator that issued the plurality of commands for the remotely-operable device. The security device can determine an identity of the operator based on the signature. The security device can generate an identity report that includes the identity of the operator.

Abstract: A system generates a haptic effect that simulates a mechanical button. The system receives a signal that indicates that a user has contacted a user interface of the system. The system includes an impact actuator. In response to the signal, a moving element of the impact actuator contacts the user interface, which generates the haptic effect.

Abstract: A user interface method and apparatus is described for use with a defibrillator (100) such as an automated external defibrillator (AED). The user interface comprises a plurality of layered user interface components which become available to the operator of the defibrillator (100) as they become necessary or appropriate during the operation of the defibrillator (100) and treatment of the patient. In one embodiment, the layered user interface components comprise an on/off actuator (108), a lid (104), an electrode package (120) containing defibrillation electrodes (142, 144), and a shock key (170), as well as accompanying visual and aural instructions for operating the defibrillator (100) and for treating the patient.

Abstract: A method for delivering electrotherapy from a defibrillator includes the steps of providing a source of patient ECG signals received during a CPR period, estimating from the patient ECG signals the likelihood of a shockable rhythm existent during the CPR period, and determining whether CPR should be interrupted prior to the end of the CPR period to deliver electrotherapy based on the estimating step. Based on the determining step, the defibrillator may then provide an output instruction to stop CPR. The AED (10) thus enables an improved rescue protocol.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a pair of electrodes for delivering an artifact-compensated defibrillation shock and a method thereof is provided. The defibrillator can be deployed rapidly while administering a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the patient. Upon detection of an end of the CPR operation, a correlation signal indicative of signal corruption is detected and analyzed rapidly to determine an appropriate energy level discharged across the pair of electrodes. Thereafter, a notification signal is sent to the user of the defibrillator prior to delivering the defibrillation shock to the patient. The artifact-compensated defibrillation shock is delivered if for a predetermined period of time no movement is detected.

Abstract: A method and medical device for determining a cardiac event that includes sensing a cardiac signal, determining a predetermined number of sensed cardiac events in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining a plurality of sensed event windows in response to the predetermined number of the sensed cardiac events, determining, for each of the plurality of sensed event windows, whether a number of paced events is less than a paced event threshold, determining whether intervals within the sensed event windows having a number of paced events less than the paced event threshold are greater than an interval threshold, determining an interval difference factor for each of the plurality of windows having intervals less than the interval threshold, and determining the cardiac event in response to the interval difference factors determined for each of the plurality of windows.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrosurgical instrument having a housing that includes a generator configured to output electrosurgical energy and a controller configured to control the output of the generator. The instrument also includes a switch coupled to the controller and configured to provide a signal to the controller to select the energy modality of the electrosurgical energy. An indicator is also included to provide an indication of the selected energy modality.

Abstract: A multi-modal electrotherapy apparatus including circuitry for administering defibrillation therapy and for administering medium voltage therapy (MVT) adapted to reduce the side effects of MVT. The electrotherapy apparatus is configured to selectively deliver MVT to vectors not involving the ventricles and defibrillation therapy to vectors involving the ventricles. The apparatus can use biphasic waveforms configured to avoid capture of cardiac cells during MVT. The electrotherapy apparatus can minimize the risk of applying MVT at inappropriate times, such as during atrial fibrillation or where conventional ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation therapy is more appropriate.

Abstract: In embodiments, an emergency external defibrillator system is configured for use by a local rescuer in cooperation with a remote rescuer to assist a patient. The external defibrillator system includes a sensor to generate a patient value that represents a physiological parameter of the patient. The system also includes a communication module to transmit the patient value to another device of a remote rescuer, and to receive in response an incoming message that contains an encoded discharge instruction. The system also includes a processor that can decode the discharge instruction, and cause the system to defibrillate or pace the patient. An advantage is that therapy can be initiated remotely from the remote rescuer, who may be better trained, more confident, and less under the stress of the moment than the local rescuer.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) having a rechargeable and primary battery is disclosed, as are algorithms for automatically selecting use of these batteries at particular times. In one IMD embodiment, the primary battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery until its voltage reaches a threshold, after which the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery when it is sufficiently charged. In another IMD embodiment, the rechargeable battery acts as the main battery, and an algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the rechargeable battery if it is sufficiently charged; otherwise, the algorithm allows the IMD to draw power from the primary battery. Further disclosed are techniques for telemetering data relevant to both batteries to an external device, and for allowing a patient to choose use of a particular one of the batteries.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a power source, a microwave applicator, a switching mechanism, and a controller. The power source is configured to generate microwave energy. The microwave applicator is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue. The switching mechanism includes a housing having input and output ports. The input port is connectable to the power source and the output port is connectable to the microwave applicator. The housing is configured to house one or more switches therein. The controller is in operative communication with the switching mechanism to toggle the switch from a first state, wherein microwave energy generated by the power source is directed to the microwave applicator to a second state, wherein microwave energy is directed to a resistive load operably coupled to the switching mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic external defibrillator with an intelligent self-test system that ensures device readiness. The self-test system conditionally runs functional tests based on knowledge of device use, time of day, pre-programmed information, operational features and previous events. The condition of the defibrillator is indicated visually, audibly or both based on the results of the self-test performed.

Abstract: A disposable electrical stimulation device and method for providing therapeutic treatment and pain management in a convenient, compact configuration. Electrode size and shape and relative configuration can be varied according to an intended application and use, or a universal configuration can be provided for use on almost any area of the body. The common structure of communicatively coupled dual electrodes including control circuitry and a power source accommodates a range of different sizes, configurations, stimulation treatment intensities, and other physical and electrical characteristics that can be pre-customized and packaged for specific, limited time use. The device can therefore be used in methods of providing therapy, managing pain, and achieving other treatment goals by electrical stimulation.

Abstract: An AED unit is operable to selectively switch to a pediatric rescue protocol by inserting a key-like device into an aperture of the AED unit. A sensor inside the case of the AED unit senses the presence of the device in the slot and responds by executing the pediatric rescue protocol. A separate electrode pad mating connector on the AED unit receives an electrode pad connector, the associated electrode pads being suitable for either adult or pediatric patients.

Abstract: A dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic pulse generation system and method are provided. The dynamically adjustable biphasic or multiphasic pulse generator system may be used as a pulse generation system for a defibrillator or other type of electrical stimulation medical device.

Abstract: Atrial-Ventricular (A-V) condition in a heart is evaluated. Signal data sensed from the heart during an atrial stimulation of the heart is received. An Atrium-Hision (A-H) interval corresponding to an extra-stimulus event during the atrial stimulation of the heart is computed using the sensed signal data. Furthermore, a difference between the A-H interval corresponding to the extra-stimulus event and an A-H interval corresponding to a preceding extra-stimulus event is determined. Moreover, a presence of an A-H jump is automatically determined based on the determined difference.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit and a multi-cell power source. The cells of the power source are coupled to a transformer in a parallel configuration. The transformer includes multiple secondary windings and each of the windings is coupled to a capacitor that stores energy for delivery of a therapy to a patient. In accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, the low power circuit is configured to control simultaneous delivery of energy from each of the cells to a plurality of capacitors through the transformer.

Abstract: A defibrillator device is provided. The defibrillator device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a readout module, a USB interface, a voltage converter and a stimulation module. When the first and second electrodes contact the chest of a patient, the readout module obtains a physiologic rhythm signal of the patient and provides a heart rhythm signal according to the first physiologic rhythm signal. According to a first voltage from a portable electronic device, the voltage converter generates a second voltage when the first USB interface is coupled to the portable electronic device, wherein the second voltage is larger than the first voltage. When the physiologic rhythm signal indicates that cardiac arrhythmia is present in the patient, the stimulation module provides an electric shock energy to the chest of the patient via the first and second electrodes according to the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a defibrillator that specifies treatment protocols in terms of number of chest compressions instead of time intervals. The defibrillator includes a connection port that is configured to attach with a plurality of electrodes that are capable of delivery of a defibrillation shock and/or sensing one or more physical parameters. An energy storage device capable of storing a charge is attached to the plurality of electrodes. A controller is coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the energy storage device, the controller is configured to provide CPR chest compression instructions in terms of the numbers of CPR chest compressions.

Abstract: A system including a chest compression sensor configured to detect at least one parameter corresponding to chest compressions of a subject and an electrocardiogram signal simulator configured to generate a simulated electrocardiogram signal and combine and/or modify the simulated electrocardiogram signal with an output of the chest compression sensor to produce a simulated electrocardiogram signal with a CPR artifact.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for cardiac defibrillation, especially low-voltage defibrillation, in a subject, including converting fibrillation into tachycardia and using feedback or an estimation thereof from the heart to time stimuli to occur when large amounts of tissue are excitable in the heart of the subject. The resultant tachycardia can then be terminated using a tachycardia termination protocol known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. The method can be implemented using a currently available defibrillator or an internal cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) configured to apply a lower voltage shock, such as a far-field stimulation. A device designed especially for the method or another device employing this method can also be used. Because the proposed defibrillation method requires less energy than current approaches using single biphasic stimulus, defibrillator battery life is improvable or battery size decreasable.

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 generate a positive phase and a negative phase of a pulse to generate a therapeutic pulse.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic device includes a detachable battery pack from a casing; and a battery pack loading section in which the battery pack is loaded. The battery pack loading section includes a battery receiving surface that receives a battery and a peripheral wall that is formed at the peripheral edge of the battery receiving surface and faces the side surface of the battery. A connector to be connected to a battery terminal of the battery pack is disposed on the peripheral wall. A raised portion that is raised toward the battery pack is formed on the battery receiving surface and on the peripheral wall in the battery pack loading section. The battery pack has an elastic sealing member surrounding the battery terminal at a portion in contact with the raised portion in a manner disposed in the battery pack loading section.

Abstract: A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed in which implantable electrodes positioned around a targeted area of the spinal cord transmit an interferential current that has a base medium frequency alternating current between 500 Hz-20 KHz. A digital signal processor generates a sine-wave-like waveform from a pulse generator which after further processing is used to generate at least two circuits for use in producing the beat frequency signal. An effective area of stimulation is controlled by the quantity of electrodes, positioning of the electrodes and electrode cross pattern orientation. Amplitude modulation of electrical circuits created at the electrode placements also augments the effective area of stimulation. The stimulator and method reduce accommodation of the body to the electrical stimulation and provide deeper penetration of the resultant signal.

Abstract: A defibrillator and method that uses ECG signals from limb lead electrodes for display and monitoring, even when a separate set of therapy pads are present at the patient. The limb lead ECG signal is used for display and to determine whether electrotherapy is necessary. The determination is a prerequisite to arming and delivery of the electrotherapy.

Abstract: Electrical crosstalk between two implantable medical devices or two different therapy modules of a common implantable medical device may be evaluated, and, in some examples, mitigated. In some examples, one of the implantable medical devices or therapy modules delivers electrical stimulation to a nonmyocardial tissue site or a nonvascular cardiac tissue site, and the other implantable medical device or therapy module delivers cardiac rhythm management therapy to a heart of the patient.

Abstract: A system for managing care of a person receiving emergency cardiac assistance is disclosed that includes one or more capacitors for delivering a defibrillating shock to a patient; one or more electronic ports for receiving signals from sensors for obtaining indications of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the patient; a patient treatment module executable on one or more computer processors to provide a determination of a likelihood of success from delivering a future defibrillating shock to the person with the one or more capacitors, using (a) information about a prior defibrillating shock, and (b) a value that is a function of current ECG signals from the patient.

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: A method for managing care of a person receiving emergency cardiac is disclosed and involves monitoring, with an external defibrillator, multiple parameters of the person receiving emergency cardiac assistance; determining from at least one of the parameters, an indication of trans-thoracic impedance of the person receiving emergency cardiac care; determining, from at least one of the parameters corresponding to an electrocardiogram of the person receiving emergency cardiac assistance, an initial indication of likely shock effectiveness; determining, as a function of at least the indication of trans-thoracic impedance and the initial indication of likely shock effectiveness, an indication of whether a shock provided to the person receiving emergency medical assistance will be effective; and affecting control of the defibrillator by a caregiver as a result of determining the indication of whether a shock will be effective.

Abstract: A computing device includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform operations that include providing an alternating electrical signal to a patient through at least a pair of electrodes, and determining transthoracic impedance of the patient from a measurement associated with the applied alternating electrical signal. Operations also include identifying, from the transthoracic impedance, a sequence of resistance values for controlling the discharge of a charge storage device located external to the patient, and controlling the discharge of the charge storage device using the identified sequence of resistance values.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device capable of delivering therapy to a patient is provided. The ambulatory medical device comprises at least one controller operatively connected to at least one sensor configured to detect a health disorder of the patient, at least one treatment element configured to deliver therapy to the patient, and at least one response mechanism configured to be actuated by the patient, the at least one response mechanism having one of a first state and a second state. The at least one controller being configured to delay delivery of the therapy to patient for a first predetermined period of time responsive to detection of the health disorder and the at least one response mechanism having the first state, and to deliver the therapy to the patient in response to continued detection of the health disorder, the at least one response mechanism remaining in the first state.

Abstract: A training adapter (28) for an automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) which provides for safe training use of any AED. The training adapter includes a circuit which ensures that any defibrillation voltage/current is shunted away from the trainee, training electrodes (26), and patient simulation equipment. The training adapter simultaneously provides to the AED a simulated patient ECG signal which causes the AED to operate as if an actual cardiac rescue were occurring, thus heightening the realism of the training experience.

Abstract: A method and system which includes a minimally invasive, implantable device with a sensor configured for collecting electrical data associated with cardiac performance, a sensor configured for collecting mechanical data associated with cardiac performance, a sensor for collecting optical data associated with cardiac performance, a sensor for collecting biochemical data associated with cardiac performance, and a processor for deriving cardiac conditions and actuating an alarm upon identifying a cardiac event.

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.