Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) (10) having a treatment decision processor (28) is described which estimates the probability of successful resuscitation made from an analysis of a patient parameter measured in the presence of CPR artifact. The invention may also adjust its analysis protocol and guidance outputs depending on a comparison of the estimate with a subsequent shock analysis. The invention also may use the trend of the measured patient parameter to adjust the CPR protocol either during a CPR pause or after the initial CPR pause. The AED (10) thus enables an improved rescue protocol.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with implantable devices equipped with programmable voltage multipliers (including voltage dividers.) Candidate pulse widths are determined for selected voltage multipliers and stimulation vectors. Each candidate pulse width corresponds to a lowest pulse energy sufficient to achieve capture within the tissues of the patient (subject to a safety margin) using the selected vector and using the corresponding voltage multiplier. As such, a candidate pulse width represents a preferred or optimal pulse width, at least insofar as energy consumption is concerned. However, depending upon the capabilities of the device, the candidate pulse width might not be achievable. Accordingly, for each programmable vector, the system determines a lowest “operable” voltage multiplier sufficient to generate a pulse at a candidate pulse width subject to the capabilities of the device.

Abstract: An ECG lead system for use with a plurality of unique diverse ECG floor monitors for when a patient is substantially immobile and/or a plurality of unique diverse ECG telemetry monitors, is provided. The ECG lead system includes a plurality of unique adapters, wherein each adapter includes an input receptacle configured for selective electrical connection with a device connector of an ECG lead set assembly; and at least one unique monitor plug electrically connected to the input receptacle. Each monitor plug is configured to selectively electrically connect to a corresponding receptacle of a respective unique diverse ECG floor monitor or unique diverse ECG telemetry monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for weighing an individual on a backboard. The backboard is configured to support a supine individual during transportation. An upper surface of the backboard is configured to receive the supine individual. A scale is embedded within the backboard beneath the upper surface. The embedded scale is configured to determine a weight of the supine individual in response to the upper surface receiving the supine individual.

Abstract: A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base.

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

Abstract: A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present concept are directed to external defibrillators that include an electrode connection port having multiple connection options, and include a detection device to determine an electrode connection configuration so as to provide an appropriate electrical shock to a patient. The detection device detects the electrode connection configuration of a plug connector for connected electrodes to determine if the plug connector is in an adult orientation or a pediatric orientation. The external defibrillator is configured to a deliver an electrical shock with less energy when the pediatric orientation is detected rather than the adult orientation.

Abstract: The temperature of a patient is a significant predictor of death in heart failure patients. Temperature provides a window into the physiology of the patient's underlying condition and may be used as an early marker for CHF exacerbations. The patient's temperature is taken to form a time series of temperature values. In accordance with some embodiments, the time series of temperature values is converted to the frequency domain by, for example, a discrete Fourier Transform. The frequency domain representation then is analyzed for a marker indicative of the worsening condition of the patient. In accordance with other embodiments, the patient's time series of temperature values is analyzed for a marker using, for example, Cosinor analysis. In yet other embodiments, both the time and frequency domain temperature data is analyzed for markers of the patient's worsening medical condition.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including (1) an external device, configured for placement outside of a body of a subject and to sense a factor of the subject, and to generate a signal in response to the sensed factor, and (2) an implant, which comprises a wireless receiver for receiving the signal, and at least one electrode, the implant configured to drive the electrode to apply current to an aortic and/or vagal site of the subject in response to the signal.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.

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

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

Abstract: Cardiac systems and methods using ECG and blood information for arrhythmia detection and discrimination. Detection circuitry is configured to produce an ECG. An implantable blood sensor configured to produce a blood sensor signal is coupled to a processor. The processor is coupled to the detection and energy delivery circuitry, and used to evaluate and treat cardiac rhythms using both the cardiac electrophysiologic and blood sensor signals. The blood sensor is configured for subcutaneous non-intrathoracic placement and provided in or on the housing, on a lead coupled to the housing, and/or separate to the housing and coupled to the processor via hardwire or wireless link. The blood sensor may be configured for optical sensing, using a blood oxygen saturation sensor or pulse oximeter. A cardiac rhythm may be evaluated using the electrocardiogram signal and the blood sensor signal, and tachyarrhythmias may be treated after confirmation using the blood sense signal.

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 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; and a patient treatment module executable on one or more computer processors using code stored in non-transitory media and 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) a mathematical transform from a time domain to a frequency domain applied to the indication of the ECG, and (b) a tapered window for identifying the portion of the indications of the ECG on which the transform is performed.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering ventricular resynchronization pacing therapy in conjunction with electrical stimulation of nerves which alter the activity of the autonomic nervous system is disclosed. Such therapies may be delivered by an implantable device and are useful in preventing the deleterious ventricular remodeling which occurs as a result of a heart attack or heart failure. The device may perform an assessment of cardiac function in order to individually modulate the delivery of the two types of therapy.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator evaluates the hemodynamic stability of an arrhythmia to determine whether or not to defibrillate. The device obtains cardiac pressure and cardiac impedance data and evaluates a phase relationship between these parameters. Hemodynamically stable rhythms will result in an out of phase relationship.

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 novel wearable electronic skin patch sensor device configured for the real time acquisition, processing and communicating of cardiac activity and other types of biological information within a wired or wireless network is disclosed. A system level scheme for networking the sensor device with client devices that include intelligent personal health management appliances, cellular telephones, PDAs, portable computers, personal computers, RFID Tags and servers is disclosed. The sensor device and the system enable distributed processing, archival and correlation of the biological information with biometrics, gastronomic information, user profiles and health factors that include height, weight, blood pressure and physical activity facilitating real time personal health management at any time and any place.

Abstract: Automated treatment of arrhythmia utilizing an electrotherapy device. Time-coordinated applications of medium-voltage therapy (MVT) followed by high-voltage therapy (HVT) include a first MVT waveform to a first target region and a second MVT waveform to a second target region, such that the HVT is synchronized relative to a first compression cycle corresponding to activation of the first target region, and to a second compression cycle corresponding to activation of the second target region resulting from the administration of the MVT.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as an insulation failure resulting in a short circuit, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Upon determining if a specific defibrillation pathway is shorted, the method excludes the one electrode from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between functioning defibrillation electrodes. Protection can be provided against a short in the right-ventricular coil-CAN defibrillation pathway of a pectoral, transvenous ICD with a dual-coil defibrillation lead. If a short caused by an in-pocket abrasion is present, the CAN is excluded from the defibrillation circuit, delivering defibrillation current only between the right-ventricular and superior vena cava defibrillation coils. Determination that the defibrillation pathway is shorted may be made by conventional low current measurements or delivery of high current extremely short test pulses.

Abstract: An electrode identification system (1) for defibrillators, comprising an electrode plug (2) adapted for connection to at least one electrode having a first pair of conducting contacts (6, 8), an identification element (10) connected between the first pair of conducting contacts, a second pair of conducting contacts (12, 14) for connection to the electrode, and a housing (16) providing a cavity (18, 20) which substantially encases the first and second pairs of conducting contacts and the identification element and an aperture through which ends of the first and second pairs of conducting contacts extend, a defibrillator socket (3) adapted for connection to a defibrillator and adapted for connection to an electrode plug having a first pair of conducting contacts (24, 26) for connection to the first pair of conducting contacts of the electrode plug, a second pair of conducting contacts (28, 30) for connection to the second pair of conducting contacts of the electrode plug and for connection to the defibrillator,

Abstract: Techniques may automatically disable an exposure mode that was enabled for operation in the presence of a disruptive energy field. For example, an implantable medical device (IMD) automatically disables the exposure operating mode when (i) the amount of time that has elapsed since enabling the IMD exceeds a threshold amount of time and (ii) a disruptive energy field is detected before the amount of time exceeds the threshold amount of time and the disruptive energy field is not currently detected. When either of these conditions is not met, the IMD continues to operate in accordance with the exposure operating mode.

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 for providing a resuscitating treatment of a human being, which has the following actions sensing human muscle activity, human breathing activity, human neural activity or human cerebral activity, determining whether the human being is in a state of developing apnoea by a processing unit based on the sensing, provoking an induced aspiration reflex by a resuscitating stimulation of a respiratory area of a human brain stem by providing a stimulus with a stimulation device to a location distant from the respiratory area of the human brain stem upon the processing unit determining the state of developing apnoea, the location being a nasal filter of the human being or a nasopharyngeal area of the human being.

Abstract: A method for providing a resuscitating treatment of a human being, which has the following actions sensing human muscle activity, human breathing activity, human neural activity or human cerebral activity, determining whether the human being is in a state of developing apnoea by a processing unit based on the sensing, provoking an induced aspiration reflex by a resuscitating stimulation of a respiratory area of a human brain stem by providing a stimulus with a stimulation device to a location distant from the respiratory area of the human brain stem upon the processing unit determining the state of developing apnoea, the location being a nasal filter of the human being or a nasopharyngeal area of the human being.

Abstract: Vector selection is automatically achieved via a thoracic or intracardiac impedance signal collected in a cardiac function management device or other implantable medical device that includes a test mode and a diagnostic mode. During a test mode, the device cycles through various electrode configurations for collecting thoracic impedance data. At least one figure of merit is calculated from the impedance data for each such electrode configuration. In one example, only non-arrhythmic beats are used for computing the figure of merit. A particular electrode configuration is automatically selected using the figure of merit. During a diagnostic mode, the device collects impedance data using the selected electrode configuration. In one example, the figure of merit includes a ratio of a cardiac stroke amplitude and a respiration amplitude. Other examples of the figure of merit are also described.

Abstract: Methods and devices detect context related to a patient when monitoring a physiological condition of the patient and/or when applying one or more modes of therapy. The context may be a patient context such as posture or an environmental context such as ambient conditions. The context may be used in various ways in relation to the physiological measurement, such as to control when the physiological measurements are made, to appropriately flag physiological measurements, to be recorded in association with the physiological measurements, and/or to correct the physiological measurements based on a reference context. A device such as a beacon transmitter issued in detecting the context and a measurement device such as an implantable cardiovascular device is used to capture the physiological measurements.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward an implantable electrostimulation device, a plurality of sensing and pacing elements, and a fine wire lead extending in a sealed relationship from the electrostimulation device and to the plurality of sensing and pacing elements. The fine wire lead includes multiple discrete conductors and a drawn silica or glass fiber core, a polymer cladding on the drawn silica or glass fiber core, and a conductive metal cladding over the polymer cladding. Additionally, the fine wire lead simultaneously delivers different electrical signals or optical signals between the sensing and pacing elements and the electrostimulation device.

Abstract: A system and related method for identifying a trigger event to a patient health-related exacerbation. The system includes at least one sensor configured to collect data related to the patient health-related exacerbation, an analyzer configured to validate the collected data, a patient interface device configured to receive patient inputs to at least one question, and an identifier device configured to receive the patient inputs and collected data and identify the trigger event. The system may also include an expert system configured to receive the patient inputs and the validated collected data and identify a primary patient disease, and a reporting device configured to generate reports related to the identified primary patient disease, patient inputs, and sensed patient conditions.

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 modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: a base containing a defibrillator to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) one or more pods each connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pods operable at a distance from the base, (c) a wireless communications link between the base and a selected one of the two or more pods to carry the at least one vital sign from the selected pod to the base, the selection being based on which pod is associated with the base.

Abstract: Methods and/or devices are disclosed herein for monitoring cardiac impedance signal and delivering therapy to a patient's heart based upon the monitored cardiac impedance.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse.

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: The invention relates to methods and systems for determining phase-specific parameters of a physiological variable, and a related computer program and a related machine-readable storage medium, which are usable in particular to determine parameters of physiological variables that are subject to circadian variation. To this end, phase-specific parameters of a physiological variable X(t) are determined by calculating, at least for a portion of values x lying in a specifiable time period, a mean g(x|?) in each case of values X(t+?) for which X(t)=x applies for their predecessors, ? describing a time interval, and determining the phase-specific parameters by evaluating the mean g(x|?).

Abstract: A resuscitation system for use by a rescuer for resuscitating a patient having a ventricular arrhythmia, comprising circuitry and processing configured for detection of chest compression/phase timing information indicative of the start of the decompression phase, circuitry and processing configured for delivery of electromagnetic therapy for the termination of ventricular arrhythmias, wherein the circuitry and processing for the delivery of electromagnetic therapy utilizes the chest compression phase timing information to initiate delivery of the electromagnetic therapy within 300 milliseconds of the start of the decompression phase.

Abstract: The defibrillator may include a heart rhythm detector to detect the heart rhythm of a patient, a manual mode controller structured to set the defibrillator in a synchronous shock operating mode or an asynchronous shock operating mode depending on an input from a human operator, a shock module to cause the defibrillator to deliver a shock to the patient according to the operating mode, and an automatic mode controller structured to, after the shock module has delivered the shock to the patient, set the external defibrillator to the synchronous shock operating mode or the asynchronous shock operating mode depending on the detected heart rhythm of the patient and without input from the human operator.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system includes an output device and a motion sensor. The output device emits a sound or a vibration for the patient, who responds by deliberately tapping the system. The motion sensor registers the tapping, and interprets it as a reply from the patient. The reply can be that the patient is conscious, or convey data that the patient enters by tapping the right number of times, or that the patient wants attention, and so on. Since the patient does not need direct access to the wearable defibrillation system for tapping it, he or she can wear it under their other garments, which helps preserve their dignity and privacy.

Abstract: A wearable defibrillator consists of a vest (or belt) which is worn by the patient. The device monitors the patient's ECG with sensing electrodes and can monitor other patient conditions and in appropriate cases can treat certain conditions. An accelerometer(s) in the wearable defibrillator can allow for the device to determine the position, movements, forces applied to the patient, and/or the device. The device can use a least one patient motion detector generating a signal indicative of patient activity. Analysis of the signal can be indicative of patient activity appropriate for treatment or indication of device condition.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may include a battery dedicated to providing cardiac stimulation therapy and a separate power source that provides power for electrical stimulation therapy. Such a configuration preserves the battery dedicated for providing cardiac stimulation therapy even if the second power source is depleted. As an example, the IMD may comprise a cardiac stimulation module configured to deliver at least one stimulation therapy selected from a group consisting of pacing, cardioversion and defibrillation. The IMD further comprises a electrical stimulation module configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy, a first power source including a battery, wherein the first power source is configured to supply power to the cardiac stimulation module and not to the electrical stimulation module, and a second power source. The second power source is configured to supply power to at least the electrical stimulation module.

Abstract: The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the therapy with a cardiac resynchronization device (CRT) and/or therapy with an automated internal cardiac defibrillator (ICD) for treating patients with any cancer or patients with cachexia due to acute or chronic illness other than cardiac illness, including malignant tumor disease, COPD, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, chronic infections, and/or AIDS. Areas of application are the life sciences, in particular medicine and medical technology.

Abstract: Energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue within a patient's body is controlled. An electrical signal used to stimulate the tissue is changed from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the energy delivered to the tissue is adjusted based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.

Abstract: A wearable treatment device includes a cardiac sensing electrode, a treatment electrode, a user interface, and a sensor. The cardiac sensing electrode detects cardiac information, and the treatment electrode applies treatment to a subject. The user interface receives quality of life information from the subject, and the sensor detects subject activity and wellness information. A controller coupled with the cardiac sensing electrode, the treatment electrode, the user interface, and the sensor receives the detected cardiac information, the quality of life information, and the detected subject activity and wellness information, and determines that treatment is to be applied to the body of the subject based upon the detected cardiac information. The controller can adjust the treatment based on at least one of the detected subject activity and wellness information and the quality of life information.

Abstract: An implantable medical device detects a strong static magnetic field associated with an MRI imaging instrument and operates in a safekeeping operating mode. The device includes an electronic circuit for the detection/stimulation of a cardiac activity, a weak field sensor detecting the presence of a first magnetic field of a permanent magnet being located in proximity to the device, a strong field sensor detecting the presence of a second magnetic field of an MRI imaging instrument during the course of an MRI examination.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic device to facilitate care of a subject is provided. The wearable therapeutic device can include a garment having a sensing electrode. The garment includes at least one of an inductive element and a capacitive element, and a controller identifies an inductance of the inductive element or a capacitance of the capacitive element, and determines a confidence level of information received from the sensing electrode based on the inductance or the capacitance. The wearable therapeutic device also includes an alarm module coupled with the controller and configured to provide a notification to a subject based on the confidence level.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing life support are provided. A life support system includes a first life support device that has a control unit and is configured to apply a life support protocol to a subject. The first life support device also includes a memory unit that can store life support protocol information, and the control unit can provide the life support protocol information to a second life support device. The control unit can also receive operating instructions from the second life support device based on the life support protocol information, and can implement the operating instructions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device (“IMD”) that can be programmed from one operational mode to another operational mode when in the presence of electro-magnetic interference (“EMI”). In accordance with this particular embodiment, the IMD includes a communication interface for receiving communication signals from an external device, such as a command to switch the IMD from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The IMD further includes a processor in electrical communication with the communication interface, which is operable to switch or reprogram the IMD from the first operation mode to the second operation mode upon receiving a command to do so. In addition, the IMD includes a timer operable to measure a time period from when the processor switches the IMD to the second operation mode.