US20030004547A1 - Defibrillation system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of treating a patient for ventricular tachycardia using a wearable defibrillator includes monitoring the patient for a predetermined condition via one or more electrodes on the defibrillator, sending a message to the patient in response to the predetermined condition, activating the defibrillator so that the defibrillator delivers defibrillation energy to the patient, and storing at least one of the results of the monitoring, sending and activating steps in a memory on the defibrillator. The method also includes downloading information stored in the memory of the defibrillator to a base station having an external interface, and transmitting the information downloaded from the memory of the base station to an external location via the external interface of the base station.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• The present invention is directed to a defibrillation device, and more particularly to a personal wearable pacer/cardioverter/defibrillator which monitors a patient's condition, detects shockable or paceable arrhythmias, determines consciousness, and, in the case that the patient is determined to be unconscious, administers therapy to the patient.[0002]
• 2. Description of the Related Art[0003]
• Cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, are electrical malfunctions of the heart, in which regular electrical impulses in the heart are replaced by irregular, rapid impulses. These irregular, rapid impulses can cause the heart to stop normal contractions, thereby interrupting blood flow therethrough. Such an interruption in blood flow can cause organ damage or even death.[0004]
• Normal heart contractions, and thus normal blood flow, can be restored to a patient through application of electric shock. This procedure, which is called defibrillation, has proven highly effective at treating patients with cardiac arrhythmias, provided that it is administered within minutes of the arrhythmia. In the past, this was not always possible, since defibrillation units were large, and thus not easy to move, and could only be operated by an experienced clinician.[0005]
• In response to the foregoing drawbacks of defibrillation units, implantable defibrillators were developed. Such defibrillators, however, also have several drawbacks. Specifically, use of a such a defibrillator requires surgery, thereby making their use inconvenient and even undesirable under certain circumstances. Moreover, implantable defibrillators are also costly, both in terms of the device itself and in terms of the cost of the surgery and subsequent treatments.[0006]
• To address the foregoing drawbacks of implantable defibrillators, portable automatic external defibrillators (hereinafter “AEDs”) were developed. These defibrillators are typically used by trained emergency medical system personnel. The major shortcoming of these defibrillators is the delay between the onset of ventricular fibrillation and the administering of a first shock. It has been estimated that survival decreases by 10% for each minute that passes after the first minute of ventricular fibrillation.[0007]
• Temporary high risk patients who do not reach an ICD have little protection against sudden cardiac arrest (“SDA”), particularly with the discovery that anti-arrhythmia drugs have been proven to be less effective than a placebo. Accordingly, there exists a need for a defibrillator, preferably a portable, wearable defibrillator, which addresses the foregoing drawbacks of conventional defibrillators.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention addresses the foregoing needs. For example, according to one aspect, the present invention is a defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient. The defibrillator includes at least one electrode which attaches to the patient for transmitting the defibrillation energy to the patient and for receiving patient information from the patient, and a plurality of capacitors which are switchable so as to alter characteristics of the defibrillation energy. According to the invention, a controller controls switching of the plurality of capacitors in accordance with the patient information received from the at least one electrode.[0009]
• By monitoring the patient for patient information and switching the plurality of capacitors in accordance with the patient information, the foregoing aspect of the invention makes it possible to deliver, to the patient, defibrillation energy which is appropriate for that patient. As a result, the invention provides increased effectiveness in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.[0010]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a way in which to increase long-term wear of a sensing electrode, such as a traditional defibrillation electrode (i.e., electrodes having a conductive surface area of over 60 cm[0011]²), a low-surface-area electrode (i.e., electrodes having a conductive surface area of roughly 60 to 10 cm²), or segmented electrodes (i.e., electrodes having a conductive surface area of roughly 8 to 10 cm²). Specifically, the invention includes a variety of different techniques for increasing the amount of time that an electrode can be worn by a patient without resulting in substantial skin irritation or damage. For example, according to one embodiment, one or more electrodes are moved on the patient's body periodically. As another example, therapeutic or prophylactic agents are provided in or on the electrode. Also, the size, configuration, and materials used to construct the electrodes contribute the amount of time that the electrodes can be worn by a patient.
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient. The defibrillator includes a signal generator for generating the defibrillation energy and a plurality of segmented electrodes each having a conductive area for transmitting the defibrillation energy to the patient. The plurality of segmented electrodes are divided into groups of two or more electrodes, each of the groups of electrodes having at least one line connected to the signal generator. Each of the lines has a length that is sufficient for each group of electrodes to be placed on the patient a predetermined distance away from others of the groups of electrodes. In the invention, the electrodes in at least one of the groups are spatially arranged to have an effective conductive area which is greater than a total combined conductive area of the electrodes in the group.[0012]
• According to still another aspect, the invention is a segmented electrode device for use during ventricular fibrillation of a patient. The segmented electrode device includes a plurality of segmented electrodes each having a conductive area for transmitting defibrillation energy to the patient. The plurality of segmented electrodes are divided into groups of two or more electrodes, each of the groups of electrodes having at least one line connected to a signal generator. Each of the lines has a length that is sufficient for each group of electrodes to be placed on the patient a predetermined distance away from others of the groups of electrodes. In the invention, the electrodes in at least one of the groups are spatially arranged to have an effective conductive area which is greater than a total combined conductive area of the electrodes in the group.[0013]
• By virtue of the electrode configurations in the foregoing two aspects of the invention, it is possible to simulate a larger conductive area using segmented electrodes. As a result, these aspects of the invention have an advantage over their conventional counterparts. That is, these aspects of the invention are able to provide defibrillation energy to the patient without using large electrodes. Thus, these aspects of the invention provide reduced skin irritation without a corresponding reduction in efficacy.[0014]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient. The defibrillator includes an external interface, over which patient information is transmitted to an external location, and a patient interface, over which the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient, and over which the patient information is received. A processor is included in the defibrillator, which analyzes the patient information received over the patient interface and which controls transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient based on at least a first portion of the patient information. A memory stores at least a second portion of the patient information prior to transmission of the second portion of the patient information over the external interface.[0015]
• By controlling transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient based on at least a first portion of information received from the patient, the invention is able to tailor the defibrillation energy to the patient's needs. Moreover, because the invention includes a memory which stores at least a second portion of the patient information, and includes an external interface over which such information may be transmitted, the invention is capable of recording patient information, such as patient electrocardiogram (hereinafter “ECG”) information or the like for a period of time, and of transmitting that patient information to an external location, such as a central repository, hospital, doctor, etc.[0016]
• According to another aspect, the present invention a defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient. The defibrillator includes a processor and a patient interface, over which patient information is received from the patient and over which the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient. The processor operates in a normal mode and a low-power consumption mode, wherein, during the normal mode, the processor receives the patient information and controls transmission of the defibrillation energy in accordance with the patient information.[0017]
• By having the processor operate in a low-power consumption mode, the invention reduces the amount of power consumed by the defibrillator. As a result, a power supply will last longer in the defibrillator of the present invention than in its conventional counterparts.[0018]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a defibrillation system which includes a defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient and a base station connected to the defibrillator. The defibrillator includes a plurality of electrodes connected to the patient for transmitting defibrillation energy to the patient and for receiving patient information from the patient, and a memory which stores the patient information and defibrillation information, the defibrillation information relating to operation of the defibrillator. The defibrillator also includes a base station interface, over which the patient information and the defibrillation information are transmitted, and over which external information is received, and a controller for controlling when the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient based on the patient information and at least part of the external information. The base station includes a defibrillator interface which mates to the base station interface of the defibrillator and over which (i) the defibrillation information and the patient information is received from the memory of the defibrillator, and (ii) the external information is transmitted to the defibrillator. The base station also includes an external interface, over which the defibrillation information and the patient information is transmitted to an external location. and over which the external information is received from the external location.[0019]
• By virtue of the foregoing arrangement, it is possible to transmit patient and defibrillation information from a defibrillator to a base station and from the base station to an external location, such as a central repository, doctor, hospital, etc. Moreover, the foregoing arrangement makes it possible to transmit external information from the base station to the defibrillator. This external information can be used, e.g., to reprogram the defibrillator, to alert a patient to a possible condition in the patient or the defibrillator, etc. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, a memory on the defibrillator containing patient and defibrillation information is removable, and can be transferred to the base station or to an external location for downloading.[0020]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a defibrillation system which includes a defibrillator for delivering predetermined defibrillation energy to a patient, an indicator which indicates operational defects in the defibrillator, and a base station which is interfaced to the defibrillator. The base station performs diagnostics on the defibrillator in order to detect operational defects in the defibrillator, and transmits results of the diagnostics to the defibrillator. The indicator provides an indication of such operational defects in the defibrillator when the base station detects operational defects in the defibrillator.[0021]
• By alerting the patient to operational defects in the defibrillator while the defibrillator is still in the base station, this aspect of the invention is able to reduce the chances of malfunction following a cardiac arrhythmia. As a result, this aspect of the invention increases the patient's chances of surviving an arrhythmia.[0022]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a method of treating a patient for ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or other treatable rhythm using a pacer/converter/defibrillator in accordance with the present invention (hereinafter referred to solely as a “defibrillator”). The method includes monitoring the patient for a predetermined condition via one or more electrodes on the defibrillator, sending a message to the patient in response to the predetermined condition, activating the defibrillator so that the defibrillator delivers defibrillation energy to the patient, and storing at least one of the results of the monitoring, sending and activating steps in a memory on the defibrillator. The method also includes downloading information stored in the memory of the defibrillator to a base station having an external interface, and transmitting the information downloaded from the memory of the base station to an external location via the external interface of the base station.[0023]
• By sending a message to the patient in response to the predetermined condition, by processing the patient's response, and by other consciousness detection methods, the present invention is able to reduce the chances of defibrillation energy being delivered to the patient while the patient is still conscious. Moreover, the foregoing aspect of the invention is able to store at least some information relating to the arrhythmia and the patient's response thereto, and to download that information to a base station, from whence the information may be transmitted to an external location for analysis or the like.[0024]
• In this regard, according to another aspect, the present invention is a base station for use with a defibrillator. The base station includes a defibrillator interface over which information is exchanged with the defibrillator, an external interface over which information is exchanged with an external entity, and a controller. The controller (i) receives patient information and defibrillation information from the defibrillator, (ii) transmits the patient information and defibrillation information to the external entity, (iii) receives defibrillator programming information from the external entity, (iv) programs the defibrillator in accordance with the defibrillator programming information, (v) performs diagnostics on the defibrillator, and (vi) transmits results of the diagnostics to at least one of the defibrillator and the external entity.[0025]
• Thus, the base station of the present invention may both act as an interface between a defibrillator and an external entity and provide a patient with a means to ensure proper operation of the defibrillator.[0026]
• According to another aspect, the present invention is a method for reprogramming a defibrillator based on a central database of information relating to patients that use a type of defibrillator. The method includes collecting, in the central database, information relating to a plurality of patients that use the type of defibrillator, analyzing the information stored in the central database so as to test an algorithm for detecting irregular heart activity, and correcting the algorithm for detecting irregular heart activity based on a result of the analyzing process. The method also includes transmitting a corrected algorithm to a plurality of base stations corresponding to the plurality of patients, and reprogramming a defibrillator in each of the base stations using the corrected algorithm.[0027]
• By providing a way in which to test algorithms for detecting irregular heart activity, a way in which to correct such algorithms, and a way in which to reprogram a defibrillator with a corrected algorithm, the present invention is able to improve its performance over time.[0028]
• In preferred embodiments, the invention features a long-term cardiac monitoring and defibrillation system that is wearable by a patient. The system includes at least two electrode arrays electrically connected to a portable defibrillator. The electrode arrays are spatially separated and adhered to portions of the patient's skin in the thoracic window area for an extended period of time, such that electrical activity of the heart can be monitored and effective defibrillation and/or pacing impulses can be delivered to the patient's heart. The electrode arrays comprise plural electrodes which are capable of sensing the patient's heart condition by detecting the electrical activity of the heart, and of delivering defibrillation or pacing impulses to the patient's heart when required.[0029]
• In another aspect, the cardiac monitoring and defibrillation system of the invention comprises features which enhances the long-term wearability of the system. These features include use of a low-current defibrillation waveform and electrodes having a composition and/or geometric design adapted to minimize the area of the electrodes. In this regard, it has been determined that use of a lower current than that typically used for defibrillation can provided effective defibrillation, particularly when coupled with electrode arrays having electrode surface areas which are significantly smaller than the surface area of conventional defibrillation electrodes. The use of reduced area electrodes minimizes irritation to the skin. These features also permit higher impedance materials to be used in the electrodes, which is also less irritating to the patient's skin.[0030]
• In one aspect, the electrode array comprises multiple spatially separated electrodes separated by non-conductive material, passive material or free space. The use of multiple smaller electrodes minimizes the electrode area in contact with the skin needed to deliver an effective defibrillation impulse to the heart, thereby reducing the area of skin in contact with electrode materials.[0031]
• Another aspect of the invention features a long term cardiac monitoring and defibrillation system and method that ameliorates, reduces or prevents irritation of the patient's skin caused by delivery of defibrillation impulses and/or by the constant contact of the electrodes with the skin. According to this aspect, skin that becomes irritated from contact with the electrodes is permitted to recover by periodically detaching the electrode arrays and moving or rotating them by a predetermined amount, and re-affixing either the same or new electrode arrays to different portions of the skin within the patient's thoracic window area. This moving or rotating allows substantially different sections of the patient's skin to be in contact with the electrodes so that portions of the skin previously in contact with the electrodes are allowed to recover.[0032]
• The electrode arrays of the present invention preferably are designed for long term patient wearability. To this end, the electrode arrays include a therapeutic or prophylactic material which ameliorates, reduces or prevents irritation to the patient's skin in contact with the electrode arrays. Therapeutic or prophylactic materials may include, for example, wound healing agents, moisturizers, emollients, protective agents or antibacterial agents. Each electrode array comprises electrically conductive areas (electrodes) and electrically non-conductive areas (passive areas). The electrodes are capable of sensing the electrical activity of the heart, delivering electrical impulses (cardio and defibrillation) to the heart, as well as tactile stimulation and pacing signals.[0033]
• The electrode arrays preferably include an adhesive portion for adhering the array directly to the skin. However, external means for retaining the electrode arrays in electrical proximity to the skin may be used, such as a vest or a band. Long term wearability of the electrode arrays may be enhanced by selecting materials for use in the electrode array which minimize irritation to the skin in contact with the array. Such materials may include, for example, adhesives and backing materials having a high moisture vapor transmission rate and conductive materials for use in the electrodes having low salt (ionic) concentrations or comprised of silicone or other adhesive materials that are conductive by means of additives.[0034]
• In another embodiment, long term wear can be enhanced and skin irritation reduced by including in the system means for monitoring, and adjusting as necessary, the environment at the interface between the electrode array and the skin. Such means may include, for example, means for monitoring and adjusting the {PH at the skin-electrode interface in order to maintain a neutral non-irritating interface; and means for controlling the ion flow at the interface between the electrodes and the skin. In the latter embodiment, ion flow would be reduced to a minimum except for the short time during which a defibrillating shock is being delivered, at which time the ion flow would temporarily increase to provide a conductive path for the defibrillation impulse.[0035]
• This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the attached drawings.[0036]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 shows a defibrillation system according to the present invention in a configuration for performing diagnostics and data uploading.[0037]
• FIG. 2 shows the defibrillation system according to the present invention during use in connection with monitoring and treating a patient.[0038]
• FIG. 3 shows an electrode harness used with the defibrillation system of FIGS. 1 and 2.[0039]
• FIG. 4 shows a view of a sensing electrode and applicator used in the electrode harness of FIG. 3.[0040]
• FIG. 5 shows an application tray used to apply sensing electrodes to a patient's body.[0041]
• FIG. 6 shows defibrillation energy having a bi-phasic waveform which is generated by the defibrillation system of the present invention.[0042]
• FIG. 7A shows a front view of a wearable defibrillator used in the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.[0043]
• FIG. 7B is an exploded view showing the mechanical construction of the wearable defibrillator of the present invention.[0044]
• FIG. 8 shows a functional block diagram of the defibrillator shown in FIG. 7A.[0045]
• FIG. 9 shows a “221” capacitor configuration.[0046]
• FIG. 10 shows a “2111” capacitor configuration.[0047]
• FIG. 11 shows a “11111” capacitor configuration.[0048]
• FIG. 12 is a flow diagram depicting general operation of the wearable defibrillator of FIG. 7A.[0049]
• FIG. 13 is a block diagram of electrical circuitry used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention to implement the functions shown in FIG. 8.[0050]
• FIG. 14 shows capacitor switching circuitry used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.[0051]
• FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a base station used in the system of FIGS. 1 and 2.[0052]
• FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a preferred algorithm used by the present invention to perform ECG analysis on received patient information.[0053]
• FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the primary power supply used in the defibrillator of the present invention.[0054]
• FIG. 18 shows a view of an alternative electrode and applicator configuration that may be used in the present invention that uses selectively applied adhesives in the applicators.[0055]
• FIG. 19 is a view of an alternative electrode configuration that may be used in the present invention.[0056]
• FIGS. 20A and 20B are views of an alternative electrode configuration that may be used in the present invention.[0057]
• FIGS. 21A and 21B are views of an alternative electrode configuration that may be used in the present invention.[0058]
• FIG. 22 shows a view of an alternative electrode configuration that may be used in the present invention.[0059]
• FIG. 23 shows a view of an alternative electrode configuration that may be used in the present invention.[0060]
• FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of an electrode in which an adhesive surface is covered with a pull-tab covering to allow the patient to place the electrode on the patient's skin and then to pull the tab to expose the adhesive surface.[0061]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention is directed to a defibrillation system for use in treating patients who have suffered from cardiac arrhythmias. A representative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in these figures,[0062]defibrillation system1 is comprised ofbase station2,electrode harness4,personal computer6,patient simulator7,central repository9, andwearable defibrillator10. A brief overview of the operation of each of these components is provided below, followed by detailed descriptions thereof.
• [0063]Defibrillator10 is capable of interfacing either tobase station2, as shown in FIG. 1, or toelectrode harness4, as shown in FIG. 2. To this end, bothelectrode harness4 andbase station2 include physical connector identifiers at their respective interfaces todefibrillator10. By reading these connector identifiers,defibrillator10 is able to determine both the type of interfaced device (i.e., a base station or electrode harness) and the identity of a particular interfaced device (i.e., one electrode harness as opposed to another), and then to react accordingly
• [0064]Electrode harness4 includes one ormore sensing electrodes31 which interface topatient12, and which are used both to monitor the patient and to transmit defibrillation energy to the patient. In this regard, althoughdefibrillator10 may be utilized with non-segmented electrodes having a low surface area or with traditional defibrillation electrodes,sensing electrodes31 comprise segmented electrodes since these require the most description. Defibrillation energy, which can comprise an electric signal having a bi-phasic waveform, a mono-phasic waveform, or a truncated exponential waveform, is generated bydefibrillator10 in the event that predetermined conditions have been detected in the patient. These predetermined conditions include whether the patient has suffered a cardiac arrhythmia, whether the patient is conscious, as well as other conditions, such as patient impedance, that are monitored by sensingelectrodes31.
• [0065]Defibrillator10 is also capable of providing pacing impulses and tactile stimulation signals to the patient viaelectrode harness4. The tactile stimulation signals alert the patient to abnormal cardiac activity in the patient, whereas the pacing impulses stimulate contractions of the patient's heart. Whileelectrode harness4 is being worn by the patient, data may be transmitted directly fromdefibrillator10 topersonal computer201 vianon-contact interface16.
• When[0066]defibrillator10 is interfaced tobase station2, as shown in FIG. 1,base station2 is able to perform diagnostics on the defibrillator, to reprogram the defibrillator, and to retrieve data stored in the defibrillator. Such data can include an operational history of the defibrillator, information concerning the patient's cardiac activity, and the like. All or some of this retrieved data may be transmitted, viapersonal computer interface14, topersonal computer6 for display and/or processing.
• Data retrieved by[0067]base station2 fromdefibrillator10 may be transmitted tocentral repository9 viaexternal data link17.Central repository9 preferably stores this data, together with patient and defibrillation information corresponding to a plurality of other patients, all of whom use the same type of defibrillator. Apersonal computer19 is in communication withcentral repository9. This personal computer may be used to analyze the patient and defibrillation information received fromdefibrillator10 in view of corresponding information from the plurality of other patients, and, if desired, to provide the results of this analysis back tobase station2.
• As shown in FIG. 1,[0068]defibrillator10 also includes a link topatient simulator7.Patient simulator7 comprises test equipment which simulates bodily functions and characteristics of a patient, including cardiac activity and thoracic impedance. During testing,defibrillator10 monitorspatient simulator7 in much the same way thatdefibrillator10 monitors a patient and, in a case that predetermined conditions have been detected inpatient simulator7, transmits defibrillation energy topatient simulator7. To aid in the testing process,patient simulator7 also simulates patient responses to the defibrillation energy provided bydefibrillator10 and provides response information back todefibrillator10. This response information may be transmitted to, and analyzed by,base station2, and then provided to any one or more ofcentral repository9,computer6, ordefibrillator10.
• Electrode Harness[0069]
• FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of[0070]electrode harness4.Electrode harness4 is preferably disposable and, in preferred embodiments of the invention, can be worn for approximately 2 to 7 days or longer for a cumulative period of 1 week to 12 months. To this end, electrode harness may include a means fordefibrillator10 to determine howlong electrode harness4 has been connected thereto. For example, in one embodiment of the invention,electrode harness4 includes an identification resistor (not shown) as its physical connector identifier.Defibrillator10 measures the resistance across this resistor and then starts a countdown, after whichdefibrillator10 notifies the patient that it is time to change the electrode harness. In this regard, each electrode harness may include a different, unique resistance associated therewith.Defibrillator10 may measure this resistance by passing a current therethrough and, in this manner, determine the identity of an interfaced electrode harness.
• As shown in FIG. 3,[0071]electrode harness4 includespower supply20,connector21, non-electricallyconductive padding22 and24, electrical leads (or “lines”)26,27,29 and30, andsensing electrodes31.Sensing electrodes31 comprise the defibrillator's interface to the patient. Specifically, sensingelectrodes31 attach to the patient so as to monitor the patient, transmit tactile stimulation energy, and to transmit defibrillation energy to the patient under appropriate circumstances. Each electrode may comprise a single layer of conductive material. In preferred embodiments of the invention, however, each electrode is multi-layered as shown, for example, in the cross-sectional view of electrode31ain FIG. 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, electrode31aincludes three layers, namelytop cover assembly32, conductor/wire assembly33, andskin interface32
• [0072]Skin interface32 contacts directly with the patient's skin and comprises a layer of material, such as a hydrogel, that is capable of transmitting defibrillation energy to the patient without causing substantial irritation or harm to the skin. For larger patients, or hypoallergenic patients, conductive screens or meshes can be used in addition to or in place of hydrogel. These screens or meshes may be used in combination with a cream, such as a hydrating cream or a skin healing cream. Such creams also may be applied to the patient's skin before attaching the electrodes thereto.
• [0073]Skin interface32 contacts to conductor/wire assembly34, which can be either substantially coextensive with, or smaller than,skin interface32. Conductor/wire assembly34 includesconductive layer34a,wire connection34b,wire34c,and sealinglayer34d.Conductive layer34apreferably comprises a silver/silver chloride polymer base ink silk-screened onto a layer of Tyvek (used as an insulator and as a carrier) which is die-cut and folded. A wire with a welded washer is then attached toconductive layer34aby means of a washer (tin plated nickel) and eyelet (a hollow rivet that is crimped in order to hold the assembly together). Insulating tape is then wrapped around this connection in order to reduce corrosion.
• As an alternative to the silver/silver chloride formulation,[0074]conductor34amay comprise conductive metal such as tin, silver, gold, copper, salts or oxides of these conductive metals, carbon, a substrate which has been coated with a conductive compound (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), an ink silkscreened on a carrier, metallized cloth, solid metal or carbon grid, foil, plate, etc.Conductor34 preferably has a thickness which is sufficient to transmit at least ten successive defibrillation energy signals having peak amplitudes of 23 amperes for a duration of 10.75 msec each.
• [0075]Top cover assembly33 includesfoam insulating layer33aand wearableadhesive layer37.Adhesive37, which can comprise an adhesive material fixed to a backing, such as tape or the like, is disposed adjacent toconductor34 and/orskin interface32 and is used to attach electrode31ato the patient's skin. In preferred embodiments of the invention, adhesive37 may also be temperature sensitive, meaning that adhesion thereof increases or decreases in response to temperature variations.Adhesive37 is preferably non-conductive.
• Adhesive[0076]37 should also be adapted for long-term wear. To this end, an adhesive having a high moisture vapor transmission rate (“MVTR”) of approximately 300 to 1500 g/m²/day is suitable for use with the invention. By virtue of this feature of the invention, the adhesive is made breathable, meaning that it permits air to be transmitted therethrough to the patient's skin. This increases the amount of time an electrode may be worn without causing substantial harm to the patient's skin.Adhesive37 should also be sufficient to adhere to the patient's body in the face of normal movements or muscle contractions and in the face of normal water exposure such as might occur during bathing or sweating. However, adhesive37 should not be so strong as to cause substantial discomfort during removal of an electrode. To this end, adhesive37 preferably has a peel strength of 500 g/cm or less.
• Also shown in FIG. 4 are[0077]applicator35 andrelease liner assembly36.Applicator35 includes two layers—a bottom layer having cut-outs35aand a top layer having an adhesive35b.Cut-outs35alimit the amount of adhesive that contacts the top side of the electrode.Release liner assembly36 includes cut-out36aonupper layer36b(closest to the hydrogel) which causes only a portion ofurethane bottom layer36cto come into contact withupper layer36b.This configuration ofrelease liner assembly36, particularly cut-out36a,allowsbottom layer36cto be removed first from an electrode, followed by upper-layer36b,without causing any separation of the electrode from the applicator assembly. Moreover, cut-outs35aonapplicator35bfacilitate removal ofapplicator35bfromtop cover assembly35 without causing harm to the electrode.
• An alternative electrode configuration to that shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 18. FIGS.[0078]19 to24 show additional alternative electrode configurations. FIG. 19 shows a finger-patternedelectrode200 comprising a conductiveadhesive polymer layer220, acarbon sheet240, and amedical adhesive carrier260, covering and extending beyond the edges of thepolymer layer220 and thecarbon sheet240. In other embodiments, a metal sheet or a metal fabric may replacecarbon sheet220.
• FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show a[0079]rectangular electrode300 comprisingmetal foil sheet320,pressure pad backing340 and medicaladhesive carrier360, covering and extending beyond the edges of themetal foil sheet320 and thepressure pad backing340. The front surface ofmetal foil sheet320 comes in contact with patient'sskin380 and pressure pad backing340 contacts the back surface ofmetal foil sheet320 and keepsmetal foil sheet320 in close contact withskin380. In this regard, a pressure pad is a unit which can be deformed by pressure applied in the direction perpendicular to the skin. By maintaining a thickness that is less than a free dimension, pressure in the pad is assured. Medicaladhesive carrier360 contactspressure pad backing340. In another embodiment, a metal fabric replacesmetal foil sheet320.
• FIGS. 21A and 21B show[0080]rectangular electrode400 comprisingmetal foil sheet420,pressure pad backing440,stiffener460, and medicaladhesive carrier480. The front surface ofmetal foil420 is in contact withskin490; the front surface ofpressure pad440 is in contact with the back surface ofmetal foil420; the front surface ofstiffener460 is in contact with the back surface ofpressure pad440; and medicaladhesive carrier480 is in contact withstiffener460 and covers and extends beyond the edges of all other layers (420,440, and460).Stiffener460 comprises a material which will resist bending, andstiffener460 is used to transmit force into the electrode area. In a preferred embodiment,stiffener460 comprises a thin plastic material with an area that is slightly larger than areas ofmetal foil sheet420 andpressure pad backing440. In another embodiment, a metal fabric replacesmetal foil sheet420.
• FIG. 22 shows electrode[0081]500 with alternating strips ofactive areas520 andspace540 for breathing. Eachactive area520 comprises a metal foil sheet and a pressure pad backing. The strips ofactive areas520 are in contact with stiffener560, and stiffener560 is in contact with medical adhesive carrier580. In another embodiment, a metal fabric replaces the metal foil in eachactive area520. In yet other embodiments, each active area comprises a metal foil sheet or a metal fabric, a pressure pad backing and a stiffener. The back surfaces of the active areas are in contact with a medical adhesive carrier.
• FIG. 23[0082]show electrode600 with multiple small square-shapedactive areas620. As in the alternative strip configuration,active areas620 are spaced for breathing. Eachactive area620 comprises a metal foil and a pressure pad backing. The back surfaces ofactive areas620 are in contact with the front surface ofstiffener640, and medicaladhesive carrier660 is in contact with the back surface ofstiffener640. In another embodiment, a metal fabric replaces the metal foil sheet. In yet other embodiments, each active area comprises a metal foil sheet or a metal fabric, a pressure pad backing and a stiffener. Back surfaces of the active areas are in contact with a medical adhesive carrier.
• FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the electrode in which the adhesive surface is covered with a pull-tab covering to allow the patient to place the electrode on the skin and then pull the tab to expose the adhesive surface and maintain the electrode in place.[0083]
• A conductive portion of each sensing electrode, which in this case are segmented electrodes, preferably has a surface area that is roughly 8 to 10 cm[0084]²; although other dimensions may be used. The present invention, however, takes advantage of “spreading resistance” in the patient's bodily tissue so as to permit this reduction in the surface area of the conductive portion each electrode. Spreading resistance is a property of human tissue which causes defibrillation energy (or any other electric signal for that matter) applied to the patient's skin to spread outward over the skin and downward and outward through the patient's tissue. In the context of the present invention, once current from the defibrillation energy is applied from an electrode to the patient's skin, the current diffuses beyond the electrode and continues to diffuse as the current moves into the underlying tissue. As a result of this diffusion, the density of the current decreases with increasing distance from the perimeter of the electrode. The present invention compensates for this by placingsensing electrodes31 in a geometric pattern such that the interaction between diffusing current from each sensing electrode results in an accumulation of spreading current in areas betweensensing electrodes31. The result is that an effective area is created in which current densities in the path between groups of sensing electrodes (e.g., sensingelectrodes31a,31band31cshown in FIG. 3) are similar to that of a large electrode having a perimeter equal to an outer perimeter of all of the sensing electrodes in the group. A similar effect may be achieved through random placement of the electrodes on the patient.
• Thus, by spatially arranging the sensing electrodes to take advantage of human tissue's spreading resistance, the present invention is able to create a “virtual” conductive surface using relatively small electrodes. The virtual conductive surface can be significantly larger than a combined conducive area of the individual sensing electrodes. This also contributes to a lower impedance for a combined surface area of the sensing electrodes than would be the case for a continuous electrode having a similar surface area.[0085]
• Each of[0086]sensing electrodes31 may be shaped so that the conductive portion thereof has a perimeter which is greater than a circumference corresponding to a radius of the electrode. That is, since charge tends to migrate to the perimeter of an electrode, the present invention attempts to maximize the perimeter of each electrode, particularly conductive surfaces thereof, thereby increasing the amplitude of the defibrillation energy that the electrode can handle without causing substantial burns to the patient. Examples of electrodes with such a perimeter include star-shaped electrodes, square electrodes, swirled-shaped electrodes, etc. It is, however, noted that conventional circular electrodes may be used in conjunction with the present invention as well.
• To increase operational efficiency of[0087]sensing electrodes31,sensing electrodes31 should be placed within a “thoracic window” on the patient's body. A thoracic window is defined as an area of the patient's body which is suitable for placing electrodes so as to optimize delivery of defibrillation energy to the patient's heart, and is described in an article by Geddes et al. the American Heart Journal,volume 94, page 67 (1977), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into the subject application as if set forth herein in full. In this regard, there are two currently defined thoracic windows on a patient. These comprise the anterior-posterior thoracic window and the apex-sternum thoracic window. In the apex-sternum thoracic window, electrodes are typically placed underneath the patient's left rib cage and over the patients right shoulder area. In the anterior-posterior thoracic window, electrodes are typically placed on a patient's lower left back and left front. Preferably, the sensing electrodes are placeable over the thoracic window either randomly or in a geometric pattern which is sufficient to cover a large enough area of the patient's myocardium to cause adequate defibrillation upon application of defibrillation energy.
• [0088]Electrodes31 can be attached or placed in contact with the skin by various methods. Proper defibrillation requires that the electrodes be in close contact with the patient's skin, in addition to being placed in an appropriate location within the patient's thoracic window area. Preferably, the electrode are attached to the patient's skin using an adhesive thereon, as described in more detail below. However, other attachment means are possible. For example, a thoracic wrap made out of cotton or spandex can be used to assure proper placement of the electrodes and good contact between the electrodes an the skin.
• In order to ensure proper current accumulation in areas between the sensing electrodes, each sensing electrode in a group (e.g., the group of[0089]electrodes31a,31band31c) should be placed within a predetermined distance of other sensing electrodes in the group. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each sensing electrode in each group of electrodes is separated from other sensing electrodes in that same group by between 0.5 and 3 times an effective diameter of each electrode, where the effective diameter corresponds to the farthest distance between two points on the electrode. To ensure proper separation among the sensing electrodes,electrode harness4 includes non-electricallyconductive pads22 and24 (i.e., the passive areas), on which groups of sensing electrodes can be mounted in predetermined geometric configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,sensing electrodes31a,31band31c(i.e., the active areas) are mounted onpad22 in a triangular configuration, while sensingelectrodes31d,31e,31fand31gare mounted onpad24 in a rectangular configuration. Although FIG. 3 shows only two geometric arrangements for sensingelectrodes31, the invention is not limited to these. Rather, any geometric arrangement may be utilized, including, but not limited to, a checkerboard pattern, swirl patterns, interlocking patterns, star patterns, crescent patterns, E-shaped patterns, F-shaped patterns, L-shaped patterns, X-shaped patterns, H-shaped patterns, O-shaped patterns, C-shaped patterns, etc. Of course, the electrodes may be arranged in a random manner as well.
• Preferably,[0090]pads22 and24 are flexible so as to facilitate placement of sensingelectrodes31 on contours of the patient's body. It is noted, however, thatpads22 and24 need not be flexible. Rather, an adhesive tape can be used in place ofpads22 and24 or, alternatively, in addition topads22 and24. As still another alternative,pads22 and24 can be used selectively inelectrode harness4, meaning that pads can be used to mount some ofsensing electrodes31 and not others. In fact, this is the case in the representative embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 3. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, segmented electrodes is not mounted on a pad, but rather “floats”, meaning that it can be mounted anywhere on a patient's body, constrained, of course, by the length of itselectrical lead30. As described below,electrode31hdoes not provide the defibrillation energy to the patient, but rather is used only to monitor the patient's ECG. However, to provide greater flexibility in electrode placement, in alternative embodiments of the invention, all electrodes may float in the same manner as sensingelectrode31h.In the case that all or some electrodes float, the invention may include an applicator tray, such astray39 shown in FIG. 5, havingcups40 which arrange the electrodes in geometric pattens so as to ensure accurate placement within the patient's thoracic window. That is, the applicator tray ensures that the electrodes will be spatially arranged in the manner described above so as to take advantage of human tissue's spreading effect.
• As noted above,[0091]electrodes31 may include a hydrogel or other conductive material on a surface thereof which comes into contact with the patient's skin, i.e., on the skin interface of the electrode. The hydrogel is electrically conductive, thereby permitting transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient, but has a relatively low ion concentration that is low enough so as to not to cause substantial skin irritation. In preferred embodiments, the conductivity of the hydrogel is variable based, e.g., on temperature, etc. In addition, the hydrogel preferably has a relatively high MVTR, thereby making the hydrogel breathable. As was the case above with respect to adhesive37, this reduces skin irritation caused by wearing the electrodes, and thus increases the amount of time that the electrodes can be worn.
• Hydrogels or other conductive materials used with conventional ECG electrodes may be used in the present invention, since the deleterious effects of such materials will be countered by the present invention for reasons described both above and below. In addition, conductive materials which meet the above qualifications include electrolytes, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), or lithium chloride (LiCl). Currently preferred hydrogel materials include hydrophilic polymers, such as karaya gum, gum acacia, locust bean gum, polysaccharide gum, modified polysaccharide, or polyacrylamide. A hydrating agent, such as water or polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerine, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, glycerol, etc.) may also be included in the conductive material. In these cases, water is typically present at a concentration from about 1% to 60% by weight, whereas polyhydric alcohol is typically present at a concentration from about 10% to 50% by weight.[0092]
• As noted above, the electrode interface to the skin may include, instead of or in addition to a hydrogel, a mesh, screen, or other porous material. These elements are conductive and, due to their porous nature, allow air to pass therethrough to the patient's skin. As was the case with the hydrogel described above, this feature of the invention provides for prolonged wearability of the electrodes.[0093]
• The hydrogel on each sensing electrode may also include a therapeutic or prophylactic agent which reduces skin irritation caused by the electrode, and/or which promotes healing of wounds or skin irritation that may be caused by the sensing electrodes. Such an agent may be applied directly to each electrode, or capsules which release the agent in response to the defibrillation energy may be applied to the electrode. A therapeutic or prophylactic agent may also be included on each of[0094]pads22 and24 in order to promote skin health. Agents which render the patient's skin porous, such as keratolytic agents (e.g., salicylic acid) or rubefacient (e.g., methyl salicylate) may be included on each electrode or pad so as to facilitate transmission of the therapeutic or prophylactic agent into the skin and/or to permit use of low water content hydrogels.
• Examples of therapeutic or prophylactic agents that may be used with the present invention include moisturizers, emollients, bactericides, mold inhibitors, stabilizers or buffers to maintain a neutral PH and to reduce corrosion and skin sensitivity, gelation inhibitors (e.g., Mg(OAc)[0095]₂), healing agents, hormonal agents (e.g., hydrocortisone (steroids)), protective agents, etc. Examples of acceptable bactericides and mold inhibitors include antibactierals, antiseptics, antifungals, boric acid, bacitracin, acriflavine, formaldehyde, gentian violet, mercuric sulfide, mercurochrome, neomycin, and iodine. Examples of acceptable stabilizers include oligo or polybasic organic acids and their salts (including chelating agents), polyethers, tartaric acid, citric acid, and n-alkyl sulfonate, where n is from 8 to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of acceptable healing agents include allantoin, peruvian balsam, vitamin A, and vitamin B. Examples of acceptable protective agents include benzoin, charcoal, talc, zinc oxide, and aloe vera. These therapeutic agents may be used both prior to use or after use to promote healing.
• The amount of therapeutic or prophylactic material used corresponds to an amount effective to reduce irritation, or to promote recovery of irritated skin. The therapeutic or prophylactic agent may be in any form useful to achieve the intended purpose, including liquid solutions, creams, gels, solids, granules, powders or any other form, including microcapsules. As noted above, the therapeutic or prophylactic agent may be included as part of the electrode, e.g., incorporated in the conductive areas of the electrode, or incorporated in a passive area of the electrode array. Alternatively, the electrode array may comprise three areas: electrode areas, passive areas and areas containing the therapeutic or prophylactic material. In addition, the therapeutic or prophylactic material may be applied to the skin prior to attaching the electrodes (pre-treatment), or after the electrodes have been removed (post-treatment). In another embodiment, skin irritation may be reduced by including in the electrode array means for monitoring, controlling and/or correcting the skin environment in contact with the electrode array. For example, it is possible to monitor the electrode-to-skin PH, and adjust the PH accordingly. Along these lines, the electrodes may comprise a multi-layered matrix for controlling ion flow between the skin and the electrode.[0096]
• In alternative embodiments of the invention, rather than using the sensing electrode configuration described above, i.e., segmented electrodes, non-segmented electrodes having conductive portions of less than 60 cm[0097]²and, in some cases, even to less than 30 cm²may be utilized. In this regard, traditionally, it was necessary for conductive portions of defibrillation electrodes to have a surface area of 60 cm²to 80 cm²in order to deliver a sufficient defibrillation energy to the patient. The present invention, however, takes advantage of the “spreading resistance” effect described above so as to permit reduction in the surface area of each electrode. Of course, the features described herein with respect to sensingelectrodes31 may also be used in conjunction with the non-segmented electrodes described herein. These features include, but are not limited to, using hydrogels having low ion concentrations, therapeutic and prophylactic agents, and/or high MVTRs, effecting electrode movement relative to the patient so as to reduce the deleterious effects of electrode-to-skin contact, etc., utilizing an adhesive designed for long-term wear, etc. As well, the following monitoring and energy-transmitting functions described with respect to segmented electrodes may also be used in conjunction with the non-segmented electrodes described herein.
• In still other embodiments of the invention, traditional non-segmented defibrillation electrodes, i.e., electrodes having a surface area of 60 cm[0098]²to 80 cm², may be used in conjunction with all aspects of the invention described herein, particularly those aspects of the invention that provide for long term (i.e., greater than two days) wearability of the electrodes. In this regard, these aspects include, but are not limited to, using the electrodes in conjunction with hydrogels having low ion concentrations, therapeutic and prophylactic agents, and/or high MVTRs, effecting electrode movement relative to the patient so as to reduce the deleterious effects of electrode-to-skin contact, etc., utilizing an adhesive designed for long-term wear, etc. As well, the following monitoring and energy-transmitting functions described with respect to sensingelectrodes31 may also be used in conjunction with the traditional non-segmented electrodes described herein.
• It is noted that[0099]defibrillator10 may also be used with any type of commercially-available subcutaneous electrode as well. It is still further noted that the invention may include combinations of two or more of the foregoing types of electrodes.
• Referring back to FIG. 3, in[0100]electrode harness4, each group of electrodes and/or single electrode has at least one electrical lead mechanically connected between its lead interface andpower supply20. The leads can be standard cables comprising electrically conductive wires sheathed in a flexible, protective material, e.g., a flexible plastic material. The wires used in the leads preferably are able to carry repeated defibrillation impulses of at least 20 A for a 20 millisecond duration, and preferably have adequate insulation qualities satisfying a high potential test for about 1750 V. In addition, the cables preferably are flexible, durable, soft and comfortable while having sturdy insulation.
• An exploded view of[0101]power supply20 is shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17,power supply20 includesbase180, top181 and, sandwiched therebetween,batteries184.Power supply20 is also comprised ofconnector21, which includes the physical connector identifier forelectrode harness4, and which interfacespower supply20 andelectrical leads26,27,29 and30 todefibrillator10. To this end,connector21 includessocket186 which receives the electrical leads viaholes185.Socket186 fits within top181 such thatpin188 on top181 contacts withhole190 onsocket186.Socket186 is shielded so as to protect signals being transmitted therethrough frombatteries184. This shielding is tied to the “floating” ground in the battery and also to shields from the leads to the electrodes.
• In preferred embodiments of the invention, each electrical lead is non-removably connected to[0102]connector21 onpower supply20, meaning that each lead is hard-wired toconnector21 or is otherwise connected toconnector21 in a way in which removal of the electrical leads fromconnector21 will damage either one or both of these components. It is noted, however, that alternative embodiments of the invention are possible, in which each lead is removably connected toconnector21.
• [0103]Power supply20 comprises the primary power cell forwearable defibrillator10. To this end,batteries184 comprise non-rechargeable lithium batteries (e.g., DL123A,size 2/3 A) which are capable of providing 2 to 7 days of normal operation ofdefibrillator10, including delivering at least six defibrillation energy (i.e., shocks) having peak currents of 23 A to the patient. In this regard, the working voltage ofpower supply20 is preferably 3.3 to 6.6 V, with the maximum output being 6.6 V.
• In preferred embodiments,[0104]power supply20 is made water-resistant by sealingpower supply20 within a silicone membrane (not shown) or the like. In this regard,power supply20 may be made water-resistant by a number of other means as well. For example, it is possible to use a variety of other insulating materials in place of silicone. By sealingpower supply20 in this manner, it is possible to reduce the risk of unintended electric shock during activities, such as showering or the like.
• Each electrical lead on[0105]electrode harness4 has a length that is sufficient for each corresponding electrode or group of electrodes to be placed on the patient at a predetermined distance away from others of the electrodes or groups of electrodes. As noted above, by spatially arranging defibrillator (as opposed to solely ECG) electrodes in this manner, the invention ensures proper accumulation of current in areas between the sensing electrodes. The present invention provides an additional advantage in this regard in that groups of electrodes arranged in geometric patterns on the patient are movable relative to the patient in a manner which ensures that the geometric patterns are substantially retained, but are at different orientations relative to the patient. For example, it is possible to rotatepad22 containingsensing electrodes31a,31band31con a patient such thatpad22 is still within the patient's thoracic window (e.g., either the apex-sternum thoracic window, the anterior-posterior thoracic window, or some combination thereof), but such thatsensing electrodes31a,31band31cdo not contact the patient's skin at the same location. Random rotation or movement may also be used to accomplish the same result. For example, in a case thatelectrodes31 all float, random motion may be the best way in which to achieve the desired result. Moreover, in accordance with the invention, and particularly with non-segmented electrodes, it is possible merely to shift each electrode from a first position to a second position, such that portions of the first and second positions overlap.
• By providing for the foregoing rotation and/or movement, together with the therapeutic and prophylactic agents described above, the present invention reduces skin damage which may occur due to prolonged use of[0106]wearable defibrillator10. To achieve optimum reduction in skin damage, eachsensing electrodes31, group of sensing electrodes, or individual non-sensing electrodes should be rotated in the above manner roughly once every 12 hours to 7 days.
• In operation, sensing[0107]electrodes31 are capable of transmitting electrical signals fromdefibrillator10 to a patient. These electrical signals include, but are not necessarily limited to, defibrillation energy, tactile stimulation signals, pacing signals, and AC and DC signals used to measure a patient's skin and thoracic impedance. The same information used to measure the patient's thoracic impedance may also be used to determine the patient's respiration and pulse rates. The defibrillation energy preferably has a bi-phasic waveform with two phases. These phases may have substantially equal durations or, alternatively, may have different durations, e.g., the first phase may be roughly 6 msec and the second phase may be roughly 4 msec. An example of a bi-phasic waveform having substantially equal durations is shown in FIG. 6 (described below).
• As noted above, the waveform of the defibrillation energy may also be mono-phasic, i.e., the waveform may comprise just the first one of the two phases shown in FIG. 6, or may comprise a truncated exponential waveform. Monophasic waveforms typically require greater current, generally on the order of 15% to 20% greater, in order to achieve substantially the same effect as bi-phasic waveforms. Regarding the pacing impulses, these preferably comprise waveforms having a low peak current of roughly 150 mA.[0108]
• [0109]Sensing electrodes31 are also capable of transmitting patient information from the patient todefibrillator10. This patient information includes, but is not limited to, information relating to the patient's skin and thoracic impedance, artifact noise in the patient's body (caused, e.g., by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, agonal breathing, seizures, patient handling, and ambulatory or vehicular motion), sensory stimulation signals from the patient, and the patient's ECG, including any cardiovascular signals evidencing abnormal heart activity.
• In this regard,[0110]electrode harness4 preferably includes two independent differential channels, namely “ECG 1” and “ECG 2” shown in FIG. 3, for measuring the patient's ECG. In this regard, groups ofelectrodes31a,31band31cand31d,31e,31fand31gcomprising ECG1 both provide the defibrillation energy to the patient and monitor the patient's ECG, whereaselectrode31hcomprising ECG2 is used solely for monitoring the patient's ECG.ECG1 serves as the primary monitoring channel for ECG analysis, whereasECG2 serves as a backup for use in a case thatECG1 is not operating or is not operating properly (e.g., ifECG1 is relatively noisy). Alternatively,ECG2 can be used as a means of verifying the validity of an ECG obtained viaECG1. That is, by comparing ECGs obtained fromECG1 anECG2, it is possible to confirm the validity of the patient's ECG. It is also possible to confirm whether the electrodes are properly attached to the patient based on this comparison. As still another alternative, it is possible to “average” ECGs fromECG1 andECG2, in order to obtain an averaged ECG for the patient, or to increase ECG resolution by using inputs from bothECG1 andECG2. The use to whichdefibrillator10 puts the ECG signal, as well as the other signals obtained via anelectrode harness4, is provided in detail below.
• For example,[0111]defibrillator10 provides several ways to measure the patient's thoracic impedance based on information received from sensingelectrodes31. Specifically, the patient's impedance is determined directly by applying an AC or DC signal through an electrode, sampling data obtained from the electrode in response to the AC or DC signal, and analyzing the sampled data. More specifically, in preferred embodiments of the invention, this method of measuring the patient's thoracic impedance entails sampling such data from an electrode within5 seconds of defibrillator power-on and then every 10 seconds for a 160 msec period at a sample rate of 4 msec or to continuously sample the impedance signal. Filtering is then performed on the sampled data so as to reduce the bandwidth of the sampled data to less than 10 Hz. The sampled data is then analyzed so as to provide a noise magnitude estimate for the signal and a frequency content of the signal. Subsequent processing is then performed to obtain a measurement of the patient's thoracic impedance by averaging all of the data samples in each 160 msec period. This averaging and filtering is performed in order to reduce the effects of artifact noise associated with CPR, muscle tremors, and agonal breathing. Of course, this processing occurs indefibrillator10, and not inelectrode harness4.
• In addition to the foregoing method, the patient's thoracic impedance is also calculated by[0112]defibrillator10 each time the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient. Specifically, the patient's thoracic impedance may be determined before, during and after transmission of defibrillation energy, based on patient information received from the electrodes in response to the defibrillation energy.
• Wearable Defibrillator[0113]
• A close-up view of[0114]defibrillator10 is shown in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7A,defibrillator10 includeshousing40, light emitting diode (hereinafter “LED”)41,visual indicator42,auditory indicator44,annunciator46,user interface47, communications link49, andconnector50. FIG. 7B is an exploded view showing the mechanical construction of the features shown in FIG. 7A. A description of these features of the invention is provided below.
• [0115]Housing40 is preferably small enough to make the defibrillator portable, and thus wearable, yet large enough to house the circuitry included withindefibrillator10. In this regard,housing40 can comprise a belt, or the like, which a patient can wear around his or her waist, chest, etc. However, in preferred embodiments of the invention,housing40 comprises a rectangular casing that is roughly 6 inches in length, by 4 inches in width, by 2 inches in depth, or preferably 5.2 inches by 3.2 inches by 1.5 inches. As shown in FIG. 7B,housing40 is comprised ofbase40aand top40b.The preferred weight ofdefibrillator10 is approximately 1.5 pounds or preferably 1.0 pound or lighter. In this regard, the invention is able to achieve its small size by using high-energy capacitors (e.g., 500 μF, 400 μF, etc.) to store and deliver defibrillation energy, as described in more detail below.
• [0116]Connector50 and communications link49 comprise external interfaces ondefibrillator10.Connector50 is disposed onhousing40 so as to permit connection ofdefibrillator10 tomating connector21 on power supply20 (see FIG. 2), and to permit connection ofdefibrillator10 tocorresponding mating connector51 on base station2 (see FIG. 1). To this end,connector50 preferably includes two high-speed data pins (not shown), which permitsbase station2 to interface todefibrillator10 at a same point that electrodeharness4 interfaces todefibrillator10. By virtue of this arrangement, information can be transmitted betweendefibrillator10 and eitherbase station2 or a patient. Communications link49 comprises a non-contact interface to personal computer201 (see FIG. 2), over which information may be transmitted betweendefibrillator10 and personal computer201 (see FIG. 2) whiledefibrillator10 is being worn by the patient or, if desired, at other times as well. Examples of such a non-contact interface include an infrared (hereinafter “IR”) link or a radio frequency (hereinafter “RF”) link.
• [0117]Visual indicator42 comprises a liquid crystal display (hereinafter “LCD”) or the like (in preferred embodiments, aStandish 162SLC 2×16 dot matrix display), having two lines for displaying information, including text and errors, to a patient or to aclinician operating defibrillator10. This information can include, but is not limited to, information concerning the patient's heart activity, such as the patient's ECG or the like; messages upon detection of abnormal activity in the patient's heart; statements indicating that the patient has been wearingelectrode harness4 for greater than a recommended period of time; instructions for the use ofdefibrillator10; prompts for usingdefibrillator10; errors that have occurred indefibrillator10; messages transmitted todefibrillator10 from an external location viabase station2,personal computer6, orpersonal computer201; an indication that one or more ofsensing electrodes31 have become detached from the patient; and an indication thatdefibrillator10 cannot differentiate between artifact noise in a patient's body and a cardiac arrhythmia. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the information is displayed for about 15 seconds.
• In addition to the LCD, one or more visual indicators, such as light emitting diode (hereinafter “LED”)[0118]41, may be provided ondefibrillator10 to indicate different operational states thereof. For example, in preferred embodiments of the invention,LED41 blinks whendefibrillator10 is operating normally, is off whendefibrillator10 is without power (including whenpower supply20 has failed), and is continuously illuminated during power-up error detection diagnostics performed bydefibrillator10.
• [0119]Auditory indicator44 comprises a speaker (in preferred embodiments, an MG Electronics MCS298 speaker) or the like, which provides verbal messages corresponding to information displayed onvisual indicator42. These messages may be output in a variety of different languages on bothvisual indicator42 andauditory indicator44. In preferred embodiments of the invention,auditory indicator41 echosvisual display42, and has a volume that is adjustable at least up to 60 or 70 decibels.Auditory indicator44 may also be configured to provide additional sounds, such as tones, buzzing, beeping, etc. to indicate error conditions withindefibrillator10. Examples of such error conditions include, but are not limited to, a low or drained power supply, improper attachment ofsensing electrodes31 to the patient, detachment of sensingelectrodes31 from the patient, and inoperability ofdefibrillator10. In addition, another auditory indicator, such asannunciator46, may also be included ondefibrillator10.Annunciator46 is preferably separate fromauditory indicator42, and produces a buzzing or other unique sound to indicate error conditions withindefibrillator10, particularly a low or drained power supply.
• [0120]User interface47 comprises a response button, whereby a patient or clinician can provide an input towearable defibrillator10 simply by pressing the button. As shown in FIG. 7B, the response button is comprisedsilicone47a,button47b,paddle47cand foil47d.The response button cancels any upcoming defibrillation operation, meaning that, when pressed, the response button terminates a current defibrillation and, in some embodiments of the invention, disarmsdefibrillator10. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the response button is relatively large, making it easily accessible to the patient, particularly through clothing and the like. In addition, in preferred embodiments of the invention,defibrillator10 confirms when the response button has been pressed by issuing both audio and visual messages. In operation, the response button is pushed in response to, e.g., a “PLEASE RESPOND” verbal message so as to confirm patient consciousness or lack thereof. In preferred embodiments of the invention,defibrillator10 also includes a cardiac event recording button which may or may not be separate from the response button, and which is pushed when the patient wants to record occurrence of a cardiac event. It is noted that these two functions are combined during a potential rescue situation; i.e., the patient will want to respond to the defibrillator's response requests at the same time, possibly recording the occurrence of a cardiac event. Combining these functions into a single button helps train the patient to habitually push the same button whenever there are requests from the defibrillator or cardiac events.
• FIG. 8 is a system functional block diagram of[0121]defibrillator10. Briefly, the hardware and software functional blocks shown in FIG. 8 monitor and analyze patient information (e.g., the patient's ECG) received fromelectrode harness4 in order to determine if a cardiac rhythm is life threatening and requires defibrillation, and also permits communication tobase station2,personal computer6, and personal computer210. In addition, these blocks withindefibrillator10 determine the patient's thoracic impedance based on information received from the patient viaelectrode harness4, and adjust the defibrillation energy accordingly. Alternatively, a predetermined thoracic impedance value may be stored in datalogging memory block57. That predetermined thoracic impedance value may then be retrieved and used to adjust the defibrillation signal.
• As shown in FIG. 8,[0122]defibrillator10 comprisesauditory indicator44,visual indicator42,LED41,user interface47, andannunciator46. Descriptions of these features of the invention were provided above and, therefore, will not be repeated here. It is worth noting, however, thatannunciator46 receives power frombackup battery54, which is rechargeable, and which is independent of the primary source of power (i.e., power supply20) fordefibrillator10.Backup battery54 provides power toannunciator46 in the event thatpower supply20 fails, thereby givingannunciator46 the ability to warn the patient in such an event.
• [0123]Defibrillator10 also includes patient measurements block56, data loggingmemory block57,accessory communications block59, real time clock (hereinafter “RTC”)60, RTC/RAM backup battery61, which may or may not be separate frombackup battery54, andsignal generator62. In the representative embodiment of the invention described herein,signal generator62 comprises processingblock64,defibrillation control block66, discharge/protection switches67,capacitors69,charger70 andcharge control block71. In this regard, although the present invention includes the forgoing blocks insignal generator62, any combination of hardware and/or software which effects the same function as these features can be employed in the practice of the present invention.
• [0124]RTC66 maintains the current date and time, receiving power from rechargeable RTC/RAM backup battery61 whendefibrillator10 is powered-off. In preferred embodiments of the invention,RTC60 is a Dallas 1306 serial RTC, which is able to maintain the correct time and date for up to 30 days without connection topower supply20. RTC/RAM backup battery61 also provides power to a memory (e.g., a RAM (not shown)). Accessory communications block59 performs any filtering and protocol conversion necessary to enable transmission of data betweendefibrillator10 andbase station2,personal computer6 and/or personal computer210. Patient measurements block56 comprises analog signal conditioning hardware which filters and digitizes ECG signals, thoracic impedance measurements, and electrode-to-skin impedance measurements received viaelectrode harness4, and which transmits the resulting data to processingblock64. Patient measurements block56 also receives information from an accelerometer, described below, relating to the patient's motion, and provides this information toprocessing block64.
• Data[0125]logging memory block57 stores both the operational history ofdefibrillator10 and information relating to the patient. More specifically, data logging memory block57 stores abnormal heart activity of the patient; the patient's ECG before, during and after application of defibrillation energy; an indication that the patient has been trained for use with defibrillator10; analyzed ECG conditions; ECG markings, including defibrillation synch, external pace pulse, high slew rate, and saturation; patient thoracic and electrode-to-skin impedance measurements over time; voice, tone, and buzzer prompts; displayed messages; information concerning patient interaction with the defibrillator10 (e.g., if and when the patient has pressed the response button); transmitted defibrillation waveform measurements, including current and voltage versus time; execution time measurements of defibrillator10 for use in determining if defibrillator10 operated as expected; detected operational errors of defibrillator10 (including a type of error, persistence of the error, whether defibrillator10 was in the operational mode when the error occurred, whether defibrillation had begun when the error occurred, and whether a cardiac arrhythmia had been detected when the error occurred); calibration data for defibrillator10; the serial number of defibrillator10; a harness identification ID of an electrode harness interfaced to defibrillator10; cold and warm start information for defibrillator10; artifact noise in the patient; data from an accelerometer relating to motion of the patient; documentation regarding the defibrillator; instructions on how to use the defibrillator; and patient parameters. These patient parameters include, but are not limited to, the patient's ID number which is a unique assigned identifier for each patient (range of 1 to 9,999; default=0); the patient's name; the language used for voice and corresponding text messages; a minimum audio level to which a patient responds; minimum tactile stimulation signal to which a patient responds; maximum tactile stimulation signal for a patient; pacing bradycardia rate—heartbeat rate below which bradycardia will be declared and pace rescue initiated; pace current level—current level needed to ensure pace rescue; a ventricular tachycardia rate at which defibrillation energy is to be delivered to the patient (range of 150 to 180 beats per minute (hereinafter “bpm”)); the patient's thoracic impedance range, meaning, the impedance range during which defibrillation energy may be transmitted to the patient (range of 15 to 200 ohms); a time and a date at which the defibrillator was issued to the patient; a name of a clinic at an external location (e.g., central repository9, a hospital, a doctor's office, etc.); a name of a clinician at the external location; and an electrode-to-skin impedance range which is used to determine whether the electrodes are not attached, or are improperly attached, to the patient. Also stored with the patient parameters is a checksum which is used to determine their validity.
• In summary, data logging memory block essentially stores any information provided to, or transmitted from,[0126]defibrillator10 over a predetermined span of time, such as two days. This data is preferably stored in a log format and includes time data specifying a time at which each event occurred. In addition, embedded in the data are validation and synchronization mechanisms for use in detecting areas of corrupted or missing data.
• In preferred embodiments of the invention, data logging[0127]memory block57 has a capacity (e.g., 24 megabytes or 48 megabytes) which is sufficient to record the foregoing information over a 48 hour period of continuous use ofdefibrillator10. In embodiments of the invention where only a portion of the foregoing information is stored in datalogging memory block57, there may be a corresponding decrease in the size of data loggingmemory block57 or a corresponding increase in the available period of use for the device. On the other hand, to achieve a reduction in the required amount of memory space without sacrificing data stored therein, it is possible to compress the data, preferably at a 4-to-1 compression ratio, and then to store the compressed data in datalogging memory block57. It is noted that the invention is not limited to compressing the data at a 4-to-1 ratio, and that any compression ratio may be used. Any of a number of well-known compression algorithms, particularly those relating to biological signal compression, may be employed to effect the necessary compression. Compression techniques that result in lossless compression, however, are preferred. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, data loggingmemory block57 is removable, and can be transferred to the base station or to an external location at which point data stored therein may be downloaded.
• [0128]Signal generator62 generates, based on patient impedance data provided from patient measurements block56, defibrillation energy which preferably has a bi-phasic waveform may have two phases with substantially identical durations, different durations, or a first phase with a longer duration than a second phase, and having relatively low peak amplitudes over a patient impedance range. A mono-phasic waveform or a truncated exponential waveform having similar characteristics may also be used.
• FIG. 6 shows a representative example of defibrillation energy generated by[0129]signal generator62. As shown in FIG. 6,waveform72 has twophases74 and76, each of which has substantially thesame durations77 and79 (i.e., t_max=˜5.4 seconds) and a peak amplitude of less than 23 amperes (i.e. I_max=˜20A). Specifically, the bi-phasic waveform has a 5.37 msec (+/−5%) initial “positive” phase, followed by a 100 to 300 μsec zero-potential plateau (i.e., t_switch=˜180 μsec), followed by another 5.37 msec (+/−5%) “negative” phase. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the amplitude at the end of the pulse is 60 to 80% of its initial value. Of course, the example shown in FIG. 6 merely representative, and waveforms having different values can also be generated by the present invention. In fact, in preferred embodiments of the invention, the duration of each phase of a bi-phasic waveform may be between 4.5 and 6.4 msec.
• The waveform corresponding to the defibrillation energy preferably also has a substantially consistent tilt, as shown in FIG. 6. In preferred embodiments, the tilt of the defibrillation energy is between 53% and 79%. The present invention provides a way in which to alter this[0130]tilt using capacitors69. In this regard,capacitors69 store energy which is discharged to the patient via discharge/protection switches67 in the form of the foregoing defibrillation energy. This energy is discharged as a waveform having the foregoing characteristics. The tilt of the waveform (i.e., the rate of the waveform's exponential decay) is determined by the “RC” time constant τ of the circuit used to generate the waveform. In this regard, that circuit's time constant τ may be altered by switchingcapacitors69, as described below, so as to alter the overall, combined capacitance value ofcapacitors69. Thus, by switchingcapacitors69 in this manner, it is possible to vary the tilt of the waveform and the achieve a low-current waveform.
• To ensure safe operation, the energy for defibrillation energy is discharged by[0131]capacitors69 only in the case that a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia is detected in the patient (as determined by comparing the patient's ECG to pre-stored patient parameters), the patient is deemed to be unconscious (as determined, e.g., by the patient's response, or lack thereof, to messages provided byauditory indicator44,visual indicator42. and annunciator46), and the patient's thoracic impedance is within a predetermined range. In preferred embodiments of the invention, this range is between 15 ohms and 200 ohms. The process of determining whether and when to transmit defibrillation energy to a patient is described in more detail below. One (or more) ofcapacitors69 is also used to provide the above-noted tactile stimulation signal to the patient. The tactile stimulation signal may be used to alert the patient of the occurrence of a cardiac event, and may vary based on the patient and based on which time it is administered to the patient in response to a message from the defibrillator. That same capacitor may also be used to deliver a pacing signal to the patient's heart in order to stimulate normal contractions thereof.
• The invention preferably includes 5 capacitors having capacitances of 500 μF (350 V) each; although capacitors having other capacitances may be used as well. The capacitors are switchable into the “221” configuration shown in FIG. 9, in which there are two sets of parallel capacitors in series with a single capacitor; the “2111” configuration shown in FIG. 10, in which there is one set of parallel capacitors in series with three single capacitors; and the “11111” configuration shown in FIG. 11, in which there are five single capacitors in series. In general, the higher the impedance of the patient, the lower the peak current that is required for the defibrillation energy (a lower tilt is also required at higher impedances). Consequently, the higher the impedance of the patient, the lower the capacitance that is required to generate the defibrillation energy. For example, for a patient whose impedance is relatively high (e.g., 120 ohms), the 11111 capacitor configuration may be used to generate defibrillation energy having a maximum peak current of 15 A.[0132]
• In this regard, the lower the impedance of the patient, the higher the capacitance that is required to generate the defibrillation energy. Thus, for patients whose impedance is relatively low (e.g., 40 ohms), the 221 capacitor configuration may be used to generate defibrillation energy having a maximum peak current of 21 A.[0133]
• Table 1, shown below, provides values for I[0134]_max+, I_avrg+, I_final, t_max+, t_switch, and t_max− (see FIG. 6) for defibrillation energy for patients having impedances of 40, 60, 80 and 120 ohms. These values are merely representative of a particular case, and other values, of course, may be substituted therefor. In this regard, as noted above, the duration of each phase is roughly between 4.5-6.5 msec, and the peak current is roughly between 12 and 25 A.

  	TABLE 1
  	40ohms	60ohms	80ohms	120 ohms

  Imax +	21	A	20	A	20	A	15	A
  Iavrg +	15	A	15	A	15	A	11	A
  Ifinal −	−7.0	A	−6.0	A	−5.0	A	−5.5	A
  tmax +	5.4	ms	5.4	ms	5.4	ms	5.4	ms
  tswitch	0.2	ms	0.2	ms	0.2	ms	0.2	ms
  tmax −	5.4	ms	5.4	ms	5.4	ms	5.4	ms

• In addition to using[0135]capacitors69 to control the waveform of the defibrillation energy in the foregoing manner, the invention may also include a resistor, placed in series with the capacitors. Due to the resistor's effect on the circuit's time constant, the resistor has the effect of “smoothing”, i.e., decreasing the tilt of, the waveform of the defibrillation energy. In this regard, generally speaking, an increase in the resistance of the resistor decreases the tilt of the waveform. As an alternative to the foregoing configuration, the invention may include a single capacitor and one or more switchable resistors to achieve the effect of varying the circuit's time constant and thereby varying the waveform of the defibrillation energy.
• As noted above, discharge/protection switches[0136]67 control delivery of the defibrillation energy fromcapacitors69 to the patient. Discharge/protection switches67 are controlled bydefibrillation control block66 which, in turn, is controlled by processingblock64. Specifically, whendefibrillator10 is not in use, or is not required to provide an output signal, processingblock64 commandsdefibrillation control block66 to open discharge/protection switches67, thereby providing protection from unwanted electric signals. On the other hand, when processingblock64 determines that defibrillation energy is to be transmitted to the patient, processingblock64 immediately commands defibrillationblock control block66 to close discharge/protection switches67, thereby providing the energy to the patient. In this regard, as noted above, one ofcapacitors69 is also able to transmit tactile stimulation and pacing signals to the patient. In a case that a tactile stimulation or a pacing signal, as opposed to the defibrillation energy, is to be transmitted, processingblock64 issues a command todefibrillation control block66 which, in response, may switch one of discharge protection switches67 so as to output a signal from only one ofcapacitors69. As shown in FIG. 8,defibrillator control block66 also monitors discharge/protection switches67 and provides the results thereof to processingblock64.
• [0137]Charger70 controls charging ofcapacitors69 frompower supply20, the input of which is labeled20ain FIG. 8. Specifically,charger70 comprises hardware which transfers energy frompower supply20 tocapacitors69.Charger control block71controls charger70 in response to commands received from processingblock64 so thatcapacitors69 charge to a level commanded by processingblock64. In this regard, processingblock64 may issue commands to chargecapacitors69 to one of a plurality of different levels depending on a determined type of arrhythmia, e.g., ventricular fibrillation versus ventricular tachycardia. Thus, if a ventricular fibrillation is detected, then a signal having a higher amplitude is output, whereas if a ventricular tachycardia is detected, then a “cardio” or lower amplitude defibrillation signal is output. Processing block may also issue commands to charge processingblock69 based on a type of signal to be transmitted, e.g., defibrillation energy, a pacing impulse, or a tactile stimulation signal.
• Processing[0138]block64 can comprise a microprocessor, controller, or the like, as described below, which includes an internal program memory (not shown in FIG. 8). This memory is used to store software modules comprised of process steps that are executable by processingblock64. Specifically, process steps in these modules are executable to control operation ofdefibrillator10 based on input received from a patient or, alternatively, from base station2 (see FIG. 1). These software modules comprise input/output (hereinafter “I/O”)module80, including communications submodule81 therein,data recording module82,diagnostics module84,defibrillation control module86,ECG analysis module87,user interface protocols89, andmaster control module90.
• I/[0139]O module80 preferably comprises a BIOS module which controls the transfer of data between software modules running withinprocessing block64 and hardware components withindefibrillator10. I/O module80 also controls communications betweenprocessing block64 andauditory indicator44,visual indicator42,LED41, anduser interface47. To this end, the invention includesuser interface protocols89, betweenmaster control module90 and I/O module80.User interface protocols89 comprise command sequences for controlling transmission of various prompts, such as tones, verbal messages, or the like, to the user viaauditory indicator44,visual indicator42, andLED41 in response to detected events, such as a cardiac arrhythmias or the like. Similarly,user interface protocols89 include command sequences for controlling receipt of signals input by the user via user interface47 (i.e., the response button).Communications submodule81 controls communications betweenprocessing block64 and an interfaced device, such aselectrode harness4 orbase station2, viaaccessory communications block59. Processingblock64 also executes a low-level, run time executive (hereinafter “RTE”) module (not shown), which supports communication between the various software tasks running inprocessing block64.
• [0140]ECG analysis module87 comprises process steps which monitor the patient for a predetermined condition based on information provided throughelectrodes31. ECG analysis module analyzes the patient's ECG and impedance data provided from sensing electrodes31 (via patient measurements circuit56), together with other information provided from the patient, including artifact noise and patient motion, in order to determine whether, when, and what types of arrhythmias are present in the patient's ECG.
• More specifically,[0141]ECG analysis module87 performs any necessary signal processing on the patient's ECG and thoracic impedance data in order to remove any extraneous data such as may be present due to noise in the patient's body, including artifact noise or noise caused by patient motion. Assuming thatECG analysis module87 is able to remove extraneous noise from the patient's ECG and impedance data,ECG analysis module87 compares the patient's ECG and thoracic impedance data to the patient parameters stored in data logging memory block57 (e.g., the patient's thoracic impedance range and ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia rates at which defibrillation, pacing or cardio (described below) signals should be administered) in order to determine whether an arrhythmia has occurred. In the case thatECG analysis module87 determines that an arrhythmia has occurred,ECG analysis module87 analyzes the patient's ECG and the patient parameters in order to determine the type of arrhythmia, i.e., whether the arrhythmia comprises ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, bradycardia, or indioventricular rhythms, and whether defibrillation energy should be transmitted to the patient in response to the arrhythmia. Specifically,ECG analysis module87 determines if the patient's rhythm is normal, meaning that the patient has a normal heartbeat, in which case no intervention is required; bradycardia, meaning that the measured heartbeat is less than 5 bpm; ventricular fibrillation which comprises uncoordinated rapid contractions of the heart which replace normal synchronous pumping action, specifically in the heart's lower chambers; ventricular tachycardia which comprise a threatening heart condition associated with a very rapid heart rate (>150 bpm) but minimum pumping action; marginal ventricular tachycardia (between 120 and 150 bpm—referred to as “walking VTs”); noise; and non-determinate signals, which are described below. The invention may use one or more well-known analysis algorithms to make these determinations. However, in preferred embodiments of the invention,ECG analysis module87 performs the algorithm shown in FIG. 16.
• The algorithm shown in FIG. 16 essentially includes three stages, ECG input and[0142]prefiltering stage150, arrhythmiarisk assessment stage151, and therapydecision algorithm stage152. ECG input andprefiltering stage150 includespreconditioning filter step154, during which baseline stabilizer processing, noise filtering, bandpass filtering, and auto-gain control are performed on the patient's input ECG data. In preferred embodiments, at least some of these functions are performed in hardware in patient measurements block56 (e.g.,ECG filter119 andECG amplifier92 described below with respect to FIG. 13). Followingpreconditioning filter step154, the ECG data is then transmitted to bothrhythm analysis step156 and fault detection step157.
• [0143]Rhythm analysis step156 detects peaks in the patient's ECG, a beat morphology of the patient's heart, and a rhythm interval of the patient's heart. Fault detection step157 determines a noise level estimate for noise in the patient's ECG, the electrode quality, meaning connection ofelectrodes31 to the patient, and the patient's ECG signal amplitude. Results fromsteps156 and157 are provided topreliminary decision matrix158 which makes a preliminary determination, based on the information provided fromsteps156 and157 and based on stored patient parameters, whether the patient's ECG comprises a benign rhythm, a complex rhythm, or a rhythm that constitutes a risk of arrhythmia. This preliminary determination is then provided to periodicarrhythmia review step160. Periodicarrhythmia review step160 samples the input ECG data for fixed time intervals (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds), or at variable time intervals for arrhythmias which are preliminarily determined to be complex. This data, along with the preliminary determination made inpreliminary decision matrix158, is then passed along to arrhythmiarisk assessment stage151, specifically torhythm analysis step161.
• [0144]Rhythm analysis step161 performs segment morphology analysis on data received from periodicarrhythmia review step160, and also performs a temporal analysis of the results of the segment morphology analysis. Processing then proceeds todecision matrix162 which either confirms or refutes the preliminary decision made inpreliminary decision matrix158 based on the processed data and stored patient parameters. Specifically,decision matrix162 either confirms or refutes that the patient's ECG comprises a benign rhythm, an arrhythmia, or a complex rhythm. Processing then proceeds to therapydecision algorithm stage152, specifically torhythm analysis step164.Rhythm analysis step164 processes the patient's ECG data by performing thereon, a Fourier analysis, a power spectral analysis, spectral analysis extraction, and a multi-variate temporal analysis.
• The processed ECG data output from[0145]rhythm analysis step164 is then provided tonoise analysis step166.Noise analysis step166 performs adaptive noise discrimination on the processed ECG data, and then performs noise identification and classification so as to characterize noise in the data. For example, the noise may comprise artifact nose, noise from an internal pacemaker, etc. Thereafter, processing proceeds todecision matrix167.Decision matrix167 either confirms that the patients ECG is a benign rhythm, in whichcase decision matrix167 merely permits continued monitoring of the patient's ECG, or declares that there is an arrhythmia. The results ofdecision matrix167 are then output totherapy decision step169, which determines whether to provide defibrillation energy to the patient based on the results ofdecision matrix167, together with patient physiologic measurements provided bystep170. These physiologic measurements include consciousness detection, hemodynamic assessment, and stimulus response tests.
• By virtue of the foregoing,[0146]ECG analysis module87 is able to differentiate “treatable rhythms”, meaning ECG and physiologic analysis results which warrant application of therapy, from “non-treatable rhythms”, meaning ECG and physiologic analysis results which do not warrant application of therapy. Non-treatable rhythms include normal sinus rhythms, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation (with or without bundle branch block), atrial flutter, second and third degree heart block, ventricular ectopy, premature ventricular contractions, and pacing (see below).ECG analysis module87 is also capable of recognizing spontaneous organized cardiac rhythms that frequently follow defibrillation, and are associated with the presence of pulse and blood pressure. These rhythms are also classified as non-treatable. Treatable rhythms include ventricular fibrillation (coarse), and high rate ventricular tachycardia that are hemodynamically compromised and result in patient unconsciousness. For ventricular fibrillation, the peak-to-peak amplitude should be greater than 150 μV for the rhythm to be considered treatable, and for a ventricular tachycardia the patient's rate must exceed the corresponding patient parameter, namely the patient parameter corresponding to the ventricular tachycardia rate at which defibrillation energy (or a cardio signal (i.e. a low-energy defibrillation signal)) is to be delivered to the patient.
• When identifying treatable versus non-treatable rhythms, the foregoing process errs on the side of caution, meaning that it is more likely that the[0147]ECG analysis module87 will identify a non-treatable rhythm as treatable, than identify a treatable rhythm as non-treatable. This feature is built into the system as a safety measure, so that the likelihood of misidentifying a life-threatening arrhythmia is reduced.
• [0148]ECG analysis module87 is also able to identify other rhythms. These include non-determinative rhythms and pace rhythms. Pace rhythms correspond to heart rates that are sustained below 30 bpm and which result in patient unconsciousness. These rhythms are treated with a pacing signal, as opposed to a full defibrillation/cardio signal. Non-determinate rhythms comprise rhythms which require additional analysis to make a definitive decision as to whether defibrillation is required in response thereto. Such rhythms may be the result of extraneous artifact noise in the patient's body caused, e.g., by muscle contractions resulting from movement. In the event thatECG analysis module87 is unable to differentiate between extraneous noise and the patient's ECG,ECG analysis module87 notifiesmaster control module90 which, in turn, outputs a message tovisual indicator42 and/orauditory indicator44.
• In addition to the foregoing,[0149]ECG analysis module87 is able to determine, based on electrode-to-skin impedance data received fromelectrodes31 and the electrode-to-skin impedance range stored in datalogging memory block57, whether and which electrode inelectrode harness4 has become detached from the patient. To this end, patient measurements block56 preferably monitors separate, identifiable terminals which permitsECG analysis module87 to identify inputs from particular electrodes inelectrode harness4. In the case that one or more of these electrodes has become detached from the patient,ECG analysis module87 passes such information along tomaster control module90.ECG analysis module87 is also able to determine whether electrodes are attached to the patient's skin based on thoracic impedance measurements. That is, if the patient's thoracic impedance is determined to be above a predetermined value, such as 200 ohms, ECG module ascertains that the electrodes are no longer attached to the patient.
• [0150]ECG analysis module87 also determines the patient's heart rate and “R-wave synchronization trigger” based on received ECG information. In this regard, R-waves are present in the patient's ECG, both intrinsically and, in some cases, due to an internal or external pacemaker. Transmission of defibrillation signal (in this case a cardio signal) to the patient must be synchronized with an R-wave in order to avoid triggering ventricular fibrillation during a vulnerable period of the patient's ventricles. This vulnerable period occurs during repolarization of the ventricles, and usually begins 30 to 40 msec before the apex of a T-wave in the patient's ECG, and ends near the apex of the T-wave. If ventricular ischemia is present, the vulnerable period starts approximately at the same time, but may persist for as long as 120 msec after the end of the T-wave. In all cases, however, the onset of the vulnerable period follows the peak of the R-wave by an amount of time that depends on the patient's heart rate and on the patient's ECG. The onset ranges from approximately 220 msec at a heart rate of 60 bpm to 120 msec and to as low as 100 msec at a heart rate of 150 bpm. The R-wave synchronization trigger determined byECG analysis module87 is used bymaster control module90, described below, to synchronize the defibrillation energy so that the defibrillation energy is not applied during these vulnerable periods. Specifically, defibrillation energy is synchronized so that it is delivered within 60 msec of the patient's R-wave peak, if one is present. If no R-wave is detected within a 500 msec monitoring window, then the defibrillation energy is transmitted at the end of this window. In determining the R-wave synchronization trigger,ECG analysis module87 disregards stand-alone pacemaker pulses, meaning that only the heart's reaction to these pulses is factored into determination of the R-wave synchronization trigger, and not the pacemaker pulses themselves.
• [0151]Master control module90 integrates patient information fromECG analysis module87, patient responsiveness fromuser interface47, and outputs toauditory indicator44,visual indicator42, andLED41. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram which provides an overview of this aspect ofmaster control module90's operation, including some operational aspects ofECG analysis module87. In step S1201 of the flow diagram,master control module90 receives analysis results fromECG analysis module87, which indicate whether the patient has suffered an arrhythmia, the type of arrhythmia that the patient has suffered, and whether the arrhythmia is life threatening.Master control module90 also receives information concerning the patient's thoracic impedance. As described below, this information is used to determine the amplitude of the defibrillation energy to be transmitted bydefibrillator10.
• After step S[0152]1201 receives the ECG analysis results and impedance information, processing proceeds to step S1202, which determines whether the analysis results indicate that the patient has suffered a life-threatening arrhythmia. In a case that step S1202 determines that the patient has not suffered a life-threatening arrhythmia, processing proceeds to step S1203. Step S1203 issues commands to output a message, such as “SEE A DOCTOR”, to the patient, in the form of audio and visual signals viaaudio indicator44 andvisual indicator42, respectively. Thereafter, processing returns to step S1201.
• On the other hand, in the case that step S[0153]1202 determines that the patient has suffered a life-threatening arrhythmia, processing proceeds to step S1204. Step S1204 determines whether other pre-conditions have been met before defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient. Specifically, step S1204 determines whether the patient's thoracic impedance is within a predetermined range, preferably between 15 and 200 ohms, and whether the patient's ECG has been confirmed by, e.g., bothECG1 andECG2 above taking into account artifact noise in the patient's body. In a case that step S1204 determines that these pre-conditions have been met, processing proceeds to step S1205; otherwise processing proceeds to steps S1203 and back to step S1201.
• Step S[0154]1205 determines whether the patient is conscious. More specifically, in step S1205,master control module90 outputs a message (e.g., a query) such as “ARE YOU THERE”. This message is output both visually and audibly. After the message is output,master control module90 waits a predetermined period of time for a response signal. This response signal may be input by the patient viauser interface47, specifically, by pressing the response button. In a case thatmaster control module90 detects the response signal within the predetermined period of time,master control module90 ascertains that the patient is conscious. Sincedefibrillator10 does not administer defibrillation energy to conscious patients, in this case,master control module90 will not cause defibrillation energy to be transmitted to the patient. Instead, processing proceeds to step S1203, in which master control module simply issues instructions to the patient, which can vary depending upon the severity of the arrhythmia.
• Thus, by pressing the response button, transmission of defibrillation energy to the patient is averted. In this regard, transmission of the defibrillation energy can also be averted upon detection of certain errors in the defibrillator, disconnection of[0155]electrode harness4 fromdefibrillator10, and removal ofsensing electrodes31 from the patient.
• In step S[0156]1205, in a case thatmaster control module90 does not detect a response signal within the predetermined period of time,master control module90 issues another audio or visual message (e.g., a louder message). After this second message has been transmitted to the patient,master control module90 again waits for a response from the patient. In a case that the patient does not respond to this second message within a predetermined period of time,master control module90 issues a third message to the patient. This message can be a still louder message or can include a tactile stimulation signal which is transmitted via an electrode on the patient. If the patient does not yet respond,master control module90 issues a fourth and final message together with a tactile stimulation signal. In this regard, it is noted that the format of these four messages can vary. For example, verbal messages need not be louder, the tactile stimulation signal can increase in intensity with each message or may be applied at each message, etc. Moreover, there need not be four messages. Rather, there can be more or less messages, as desired.
• In the event that the patient responds to none of the foregoing messages,[0157]master control module90 ascertains that the patient is unconscious. In this case, processing proceeds to step S1206, in which casemaster control module90 immediately thereafter issues a command todefibrillation control module86 instructing that the defibrillation energy be transmitted to the patient. That is, in preferred embodiments of the invention, as soon as the patient is determined to be unconscious, master control module causes defibrillation energy to be transmitted to the patient immediately, without waiting for further input from the patient, a clinician, or other party. Included with the command to transmit the defibrillation energy is data defining the amplitude and duration of phases in the defibrillation energy.Master control module90 determines this information based on the measured thoracic impedance of the patient (see, e.g., Table 1 above).
• In preferred embodiments of the invention, the defibrillator trains patients with periodical tests in use of the response button via a response test training protocol. Clinicians introducing the defibrillator to new patients are able to initiate execution fo the protocol from an attached clinician station (not shown). The same protocols that are be used to periodically test (and train) patients whenever the electrodes are replaced. The protocol is based on first two alert levels (described below) and an imminent response protocol (i.e., when the patient must response to a message from the defibrillator) so that the patient learns and becomes familiar with the first part of the imminent response protocol. The patient learns what the voice message prompt sounds like at[0158]Level 1, and learn what theLevel 2 combined voice and tactile simulation signal sounds and feels like. The repetition of theLevel 2 prompts is to ensure that the patient was given more than enough time to response. The response/test training protocol serves to develop a habitual reaction in the patient to the push response button in response to voice and tactile stimulation signal prompts during a potential rescue situation; regularly expose the patient to the “PLEASE RESPOND” voice menage prompt atLevel 1,Level 2 with tactile stimulation signal if they do not respond to the first prompt; indirectly show the patient that before electrical therapy will be applied to them, they will be exposed to a series of voice and tactile stimulation signals to confirm that the patient is unconscious each time the test is performed, establish that the defibrillator is generating the voice and tactile stimulation prompts and that the patient can hear/feel them, can respond, and the defibrillator is registering the response; each time, record how fast the patient is responding to the prompts; and each time, determine that patient interface is working and, otherwise, declare the defibrillator unusable.
• In some embodiments of the invention, in a case that a patient is determined to be unconscious,[0159]master control module90 may also cause a message, such as “STAND BACK”, to be output prior to defibrillation so as to advise bystanders of an upcoming defibrillation. In this regard, other messages may be provided to bystanders as well. For example, it is possible to output a message such as “CALL FOR HELP” in the event that a patient wearing the defibrillator is unconscious. Such a message may even be output after defibrillation energy is administered to the patient. In this regard, any number of different types of messages may be included in the invention, which may be output at any time during the defibrillation process.
• In addition to applying defibrillation energy to the patient,[0160]master control module90 also determines when it is time to provide a pacing signal to the patient, and applies that signal accordingly. This process is similar to the above process for applying defibrillation energy. That is, in a case thatmaster control module90 determines that a patient's heart rate is below 30 bpm and the patient is unconscious, a pacing signal may be applied via theelectrode harness4.
• [0161]Defibrillation control module86 controlsdefibrillation control block66 andcharge control block71 in accordance with the command received frommaster control module90 so that defibrillation energy which is appropriate for the patient can be generated and transmitted to the patient.
• Regarding the remaining software modules executing within[0162]processing block64,diagnostics module84 performs diagnostics ondefibrillator10 relating to the operation and safety thereof prior to transmitting defibrillation energy to the patient. These diagnostics include diagnostics that are performed at power-on ofdefibrillator10 in order to determine if there are operational defects therein. In a case thatdiagnostics module84 detects operational defects as a result of these diagnostics, this information is stored in datalogging memory block57 and is transmitted back tomaster control module90, which alerts the patient. Such information also may be transmitted tobase station2 or topersonal computer6.
• [0163]Data recording module82 controls transmission of data betweendefibrillator10,base station2 andcomputers6 and210. This data can include as noted above, abnormal heart activity of the patient; the patient's ECG before, during and after application of defibrillation energy; analyzed ECG conditions; ECG markings, including defibrillation synch, external pace pulse, high slew rate, and saturation; patient thoracic and electrode-to-skin impedance measurements over time; voice, tone, and buzzer prompts; displayed messages; information concerning patient interaction with thedefibrillator10; transmitted defibrillation waveform measurements, including current and voltage versus time; execution time measurements ofdefibrillator10 for use in determining ifdefibrillator10 operated as expected; detected operational errors ofdefibrillator10; calibration data fordefibrillator10; the serial number ofdefibrillator10; a harness identification ID of an electrode harness interfaced todefibrillator10; cold and warm start information fordefibrillator10; artifact noise in the patient; data from an accelerometer relating to motion of the patient; and patient parameters.Data recording module82 also controls storage of the foregoing data in datalogging memory block57.
• FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing representative hardware used to implement the functions of[0164]defibrillator10 described above with respect to the FIG. 8. The hardware components shown in FIG. 13 includeprocessor board91, which is comprised ofECG amplifier92,flash memories94,program ROM96, static RAM (hereinafter “SRAM”)97,backup battery99,voice chip100,LCD circuit101, processor field programmable gate array (hereinafter “FPGA”)102, voice driver103,output circuit104, reset/watchdog circuit106,power supply monitor107,microprocessor109,control FPGA110, address and data bus111,crystal oscillator112, andRTC113. Also included withindefibrillator10 arecapacitors69,transformer114,power supply20,input circuitry116, output circuitry117,ECG filter119, andaccelerometer120.
• Generally speaking,[0165]processor109,processor FPGA102 andcontrol FPGA110 perform the functions ofprocessing block64;flash memories94 perform the functions of data loggingmemory block57;control FPGA110 performs the functions ofdefibrillation control block66,charge control block71, andcharger70;processor FPGA102,input circuitry116, ECG filters119,accelerometer120, andECG amplifiers92 perform the functions of patient measurements block56; and controlFPGA110, together with a serial interface (not shown) and a non contact interface (not shown), perform the functions ofaccessory communications block59. Remaining hardware components of FIG. 13 that perform the functions shown in FIG. 8 are self-evident
• The hardware components shown in FIG. 13 are all tied to an internal, “floating” ground during operation of[0166]defibrillator10. This means that there are no connections to an external ground whendefibrillator10 is interfaced to a patient (although there may be external ground connections whendefibrillator10 is interfaced to base station2). The use of floating grounds during operation ofdefibrillator10 is important from the patient's perspective, since it reduces the chances of unwanted electric shock to the patient. This floating ground may be onpower supply20, which was described above. A detailed description ofpower supply20 is therefore omitted here for the sake of brevity. Suffice it to say thatpower supply20 provides power to all components ondefibrillator10, includingprocessor board91,input circuitry116, andcapacitors69.
• [0167]Accelerometer120 measures a patient's motion and provides this information toprocessor109 viacontrol FPGA110.Processor109 analyzes the information received fromaccelerometer120, stores information relating to patient motion, and uses this information in its calculations of artifact noise noted above.
• [0168]Input circuitry116 receives signals from each ofsensing electrodes31, negative and positive inputs frompower supply20, and a connector ID from an interfaced device.Input circuitry116 also controls output of defibrillation, tactile stimulation and pacing signals to a patient. To this end, included withininput circuitry116 are a plurality of switches, one corresponding to each input/output. These switches open and close in response to instructions fromprocessor board91 so as to ensure that signals, such as the defibrillation energy, are not inadvertently transmitted to a patient.Input circuitry116 also includes shielding and the like on its input/output signal lines so as to reduce the chances of damage to defibrillation circuitry during application of defibrillation energy to the patient.
• Signals received from[0169]input circuitry116 are transmitted toECG filter119.ECG filter119 comprises plurality of bandpass filters used to filter signals received fromelectrode harness4. These filtered signals are transmitted toECG amplifier92 onprocessor board91.ECG amplifier92 includes amplifying circuitry for amplifying the filtered signals received fromECG filter119, and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the amplified signals from analog form into digital form. These digital signals are then transmitted toprocessor109 viaprocessor FPGA102.
• [0170]Processor109 receives clocking signals fromcrystal oscillator112, which preferably provides signals up to 40 MHz.Processor109 can comprise a microprocessor, microcontroller, or the like, and is used to execute the software modules-described above so as to control operation ofdefibrillator10. Examples of microprocessors which have been identified as suitable for use with the present invention include the Intel196 processor family, Intel 386EX (386EXTB), TMS320F206, Motorola 68332, the TI “2×3” family DSP Processor, Amtel 8051 or equivalent,Hitachi 8/500 series, Mitsubishi M37700, and Motorola 68HC16, to name a few.Processor109 also controls the application of power to other components indefibrillator10, particularly those onprocessor board91, and is able to cause these components to be powered-up and powered-down for predetermined time intervals. This feature of the invention reduces the amount of power consumed bydefibrillator10.
• As another power saving feature,[0171]processor109 is capable of operating in different modes, during whichprocessor109 consumes different amounts of power. Specifically,processor109 is operable in a normal mode, during whichprocessor109 samples data fromelectrodes31 and controlsdefibrillator10 in the manner described herein.Processor109 is also operable in a low-power mode. In some embodiments of the invention,processor109 may be turned off completely. In preferred embodiments, however, most processing inprocessor109 ceases, but some elementary routines remain running. During the low-power mode, all internal registers inprocessor109 retain their data, thereby making it possible forprocessor109 to resume normal operation upon re-entering the normal mode.Processor109 enters the low-power mode periodically, e.g., at intervals of 1 to 2 ms, for predetermined periods of time, e.g., 20 ms. Alternatively,processor109 can operate in the low-power and normal modes at equal intervals, such as every 4 ms.
• In preferred embodiments of the invention, the length of time that[0172]processor109 operates in the low-power mode is variable based on information received from the patient or, alternatively, based on information received fromcentral repository9. For example, ifprocessor109 determines based, e.g., on the patient's ECG and previous history, that the patient is at a relatively low risk for a cardiac arrhythmia,processor109 can lengthen the period of the low-power mode. Likewise, ifprocessor109 determines, based on similar information, that the patient is at a high risk for an arrhythmia,processor109 can shorten, or even eliminate, the low-power mode.
• Another feature of the low power mode is that the amount of power consumed therein may be varied. For example, in a case that[0173]processor109 determines that benign rhythms have occurred for a relatively long time,processor109 may enter a “deep” low power mode, in whichprocessor109 is off, or in which only the most elementary of routines remain running. On the other hand, in a case thatprocessor109 determines that a treatable rhythm occurred recently,processor109 may enter a “light” low power mode, in which less power is consumed than when the processor operates in the normal mode, but in which more than just elementary routines remain running in the processor.
• To enter the low-power mode, in preferred embodiments of the invention,[0174]processor109 simply executes an “IDLE” instruction, during which most internal processing inprocessor109 is disabled. In response to this IDLE instruction,processor109 stops its internal clock and may execute only low-level routines so as to perform minimal tasks, such as determining when it is time to re-enter the normal mode. To this end, in the low-power mode,processor109, via control FPGA110 (described below), monitors signals received fromRTC113 and, based on these signals, determines when it is time to re-enter the normal mode. In a case thatdefibrillator10 includes a button or the like (not shown) on its user interface for placingprocessor109 in the normal mode manually,processor109 also monitors such a button during the low-power mode.
• [0175]Flash memories94 comprise removable EPROMs or the like.Program ROM96 stores the software modules described above with respect to FIG. 8 which are executed byprocessor109.Static RAM97 comprises a memory out of which those software modules may be executed. As described above,SRAM97 is backed-up bybackup battery99. In this regard,backup battery99 contains a rechargeable lithium coin cell battery which is sufficient to back up bothRTC113 andSRAM97.Battery backup99 may also be used to supply power topower annunciator46. Alternatively, a second backup battery (not shown) may be used for this purpose.
• Reset/[0176]watchdog circuit106monitors processor109 andcontrol FPGA110 in order to determine if eitherprocessor109 or control FPGA has lost program control. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention,control FPGA110 outputs a square wave signal called WATCHDOG_OUT in a case that controlFPGA110 andprocessor109 are communicating properly. Reset/watchdog circuit106 monitors this signal for variations therein. In a case that this signal is interrupted, or has an unexpected waveform, reset/watchdog circuit106 ascertains that there has been a system malfunction. As another example,processor109 is programmed to generate a signal called CONTROL_PLD_FAULT in a case that controlFPGA110 has failed. Reset/watchdog circuit106 monitors for this signal as well in order to ascertain if there has been a failure incontrol FPGA110.
• In the event that either[0177]processor109 orcontrol FPGA110 has failed, a system reset will be attempted by reset/watchdog circuit106. If the problem persists, reset/watchdog circuit106 will instructoutput circuit109 to output an alarm, e.g., a “tone” or a “buzzing” viaannunciator46. In this regard, in the event of a system error which causes a reset to be asserted, an alarm will not be sounded immediately. That is, if the system successfully recovers after one reset, no alarm will be sounded. This design allows the system to rebound from a temporary fault without alerting the user unnecessarily. If, however, a persistent fault condition exists which reasserts itself for at least 200 msec per second, the alarm is sounded for 5 to 10 seconds. If the system subsequently recovers, the alarm will cease to sound at the conclusion of this 5 to 10 second period; otherwise, the alarm will continue as long as the system reset signal is asserted for 200 msec or more per second, stopping only when the backup battery forannunciator46 has been drained.
• The system will also reset itself if power output by[0178]power supply20 drops below a predetermined level or goes above a predetermined level. To determine ifpower supply20 has gone below or above these predetermined levels,power supply monitor107monitors power supply20. In preferred embodiments of the invention, power supply monitor comprises plural comparators with associated circuitry for making these determinations. In a case thatpower supply20 is low, or is outputting greater than a predetermined amount of power, this information is transmitted to reset/watchdog circuit106. In response, reset/watchdog circuit106 causesannunciator46 to output an alarm viaoutput circuit104. In a case thatpower supply20 has failed,processor109 shuts downdefibrillator10 just after reset/watchdog circuit106 has causedannunciator46 to output the alarm.
• [0179]Processor board91 also includescontrol FPGA110 andprocessor FPGA102, which comprise glue logic for controlling inputs to, and outputs from,processor board91.Processor FPGA102 contains memory page registers, glue logic, and processor internal clock stopping/starting circuitry. This clock stopping/starting circuitry stops an internal clock ofprocessor109 for predetermined periods of time, such as 4 msec, duringprocessor109's low-power modes.Processor FPGA102 also controls outputs toLED41,auditory indicator44 and visual indicator42 (see FIG. 8). In this regard, interfaced toprocessor FPGA102 isvoice chip100, e.g., an ISD33000 series Chip Voice Record/Playback device which can store up to 60 seconds of prerecorded voice messages. Voice driver103 is also required to driveauditory indicator44. An example of such a driver is a TI TPA4861D (SOIC-8).Defibrillator10 also includes LCD controller/driver101 which, in preferred embodiments of the invention, is an OKI MSM6555B or MISM6665 chip.
• [0180]Control FPGA110 contains a defibrillator state machine and various registers for controlling operations ofdefibrillator10. Among these registers are capacitor configuration registers (not shown). By writing into these registers,capacitors69 can be programmed to enable different capacitor configurations, i.e., the 221, 2111 or 11111 configurations shown in FIGS.9 to11. More specifically,control FPGA110 includes CAP_SW1, CAP_SW2, CHRGELCB and CHARGE registers. Writing a “1” into the CHARGE register enables capacitor charging, whereas writing a “0” into the CHARGE register disables charging. Writing a “1” into the CHRGELCB register switches all capacitors into a parallel configuration for charging, whereas writing a “0” into the CHRGELCB register charges only one ofcapacitors60 and allows that one ofcapacitors69 to be placed into a series configuration for transmitting a tactile stimulation or pacing signal. Writing a “1” into the CAP_SW1 register switches two ofcapacitors69 into a series configuration, whereas writing a “0” into CAP_SW1 register switches the two ofcapacitors69 into a parallel configuration. Writing a “1” into the CAP_SW2 register switches two others ofcapacitors69 into a series configuration, whereas writing a “0” into CAP_SW2 register switches the two others ofcapacitors69 into a parallel configuration. Thus, values in CAP_SW1 and CAP_SW2 control the configuration ofcapacitors69 during a defibrillation.
• [0181]Control FPGA110 comprises a plurality of other registers as well, including a defibrillator control register. Bits are written to the defibrillator control register to setdefibrillator10 to provide either defibrillation energy, a tactile stimulation signal, or a pacing signal.Control FPGA110 also has a number of other functions, including monitoring the charge incapacitors69 and adjusting the charge based on signals (e.g., patient impedance) received from an interfaced device such aselectrode harness4, monitoring inputs fromuser interface47, e.g., the response button, and providing output via a serial interface (not shown) tobase station2 and via a non-contact interface (not shown) topersonal computer6.
• As noted above, outputs from[0182]control FPGA110, namely CAPSW1 and CAPSW2, control switching ofcapacitors69 from the 11111 configuration into the 2111 and 221 configurations. FIG. 14 shows a detailed circuit diagram of capacitors69 (and of transformer114). In preferred embodiments of the invention, the circuitry shown in FIG. 14 fits on a circuit board having a surface area of roughly 2 inches²or less. As shown in FIG. 14,capacitors69a,69b,69c,69dand69eare charged bypower supply20 viatransformer114. CAPSW1 controls switching ofcapacitors69band69cviatransistor switch122, whereas CAPSW2 controls switching of capacitors69dand69eviatransistor switch124. As noted above, this switching controls the overall, combined capacitance of69a,69b,69c,69dand69e,which affects the amplitude and the tilt of a waveform output therefrom. Additional signal conditioning and output circuitry is also shown in FIG. 14 but, since this particular circuitry is not essential to the invention, a detailed description thereof has been omitted for the sake of brevity.
• It is worth noting, however, that FIG. 14 also shows[0183]circuitry126 which is used to output tactile stimulation and pacing signals fromcapacitor69a.As shown in FIG. 14, PACEP and TENSP, which are output bycontrol FPGA110, control application of the pacing and tactile stimulation and signals, respectively, fromcapacitor69a.That is, charge fromcapacitor69a,namely CAP1+127, is applied tocircuitry126 and processed for output as the pacing or tactile stimulation signal. FIG. 14 also shows the CHARGELCB signal, which was described above, and ISNSCB and IDSNSCB signals. The ISNSCB signal comprises a current sense signal which is used to determine the charge ofcapacitors69, whereas the IDSNSCB signal is used to determine the defibrillation energy current. This information is passed back toprocessor board91, which processes this information and responds in the manner described above. For example, in the event thatprocessor109 determines thatcapacitors69 are charged excessively for a particular patient such that over-current or even over-time defibrillation could occur,defibrillator10 may be shut down or temporarily disabled so thatcapacitors69 can be discharged without harm to the patient.
• Returning to FIG. 13, output circuitry[0184]117 includes signal conditioning circuitry as well as control circuitry which ensures that defibrillation energy will not be output inadvertently. In this regard, the invention also includes other safety features which limit transmission of the defibrillation control signal. For example, prior to delivery of the defibrillation energy,processor109 monitors and demonstrates that state control clocks controlling the defibrillation energy are operational, and also tests the hardware components in order to detect any single point failures therein. These tests include testing switches ininput circuitry116, through which the defibrillation energy is transmitted. These switches are tested, one at a time, to demonstrate that each switch is capable of holding off a full magnitude of the defibrillation energy. At each step of this switch test, a voltage across each transistor (i.e., switch) is monitored to record a test voltage and to record a transistor gate drive time constant in addition to combined opto isolator and transistor turn-off times. These voltages are then used to measure patient voltage during application of the defibrillation energy. Upper transistor switches, through which the defibrillation energy is transmitted, are tested first, followed by lower transistor switches. Each transistor switch is monitored and tested to demonstrate that the defibrillation energy would be terminated independently of hardware control timing.
• In addition, as noted above, two pre-conditions must be met before defibrillation energy is transmitted the patient, namely, (i) the patient has experienced a treatable rhythm and (ii) the patient is unconscious. When these two conditions occur,[0185]processor109 arms the defibrillation controller, e.g.,control FPGA110. Specifically,processor109 provides the following sequence of control signals to initiate arming of the defibrillation controller. First,processor109 tests its own internal safety signal (“PD_SAFE”) to demonstrate its ability to override any hardware defibrillation control signals.Processor109 then confirms that defibrillation energy can be detected properly by activating test signals and reading current feedback signals based on these test signals.Master control module90, executing withinprocessor109, sets a “defibrillator arm request status” bit in memory for use and checking by an executive control module (not shown). This executive control module monitors operation of the software and updates a watchdog timer in processor109 (which outputs the WATCHDOG_OUT signal noted above) when the software is confirmed to function properly. The executive control module then sets an arm request signal in the defibrillation controller and calls a watchdog update subroutine which transitions the signal output from the watchdog timer. This causes a watchdog timer update and transitions the “armed request” status to the “armed” status in the defibrillation controller. The PD_SAFE signal is then put in the active state to allow the activation of hardware control signals for defibrillation therapy.
• Next,[0186]processor109 provides a final synchronized trigger signal to the defibrillation controller for delivery of the defibrillation energy. This synchronized trigger signal will be accepted only after the “armed” status has been established. The defibrillation controller will clear the armed status if the synchronization trigger signal is not provided within a 500 msec time period, thereby providing a limited acceptable period for defibrillation therapy. In a case that the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient, following transmission thereof,processor109 determines if the defibrillation energy was transmitted properly. In this regard, defibrillation energy dosage errors of over-current are protected by the reset/watchdog circuit described above, but, if such an event does inadvertently occur, a fault condition is retained in a hardware fault register. Similarly, under-dosages of the defibrillation energy are also detected and stored. In addition to being stored, these and other defibrillator operational errors may be transmitted tobase station2.
• [0187]Diagnostics module84 also performs a plurality of diagnostics ondefibrillator10 to testdefibrillator10's hardware. These diagnostics include cold start diagnostics, which are executed whendefibrillator10 powers-up normally, warm start diagnostics which are executed whendefibrillator10 experiences transient reset or power loss, runtime diagnostics which are continuing, periodic tests performed in the background of normal operating conditions, and specific conditions diagnostics which are tests that are performed prior to, or when certain operations are performed, such as transmission of defibrillation energy.
• Cold start diagnostics include RAM test, ROM test, D/A and A/D converter tests, FPGA tests, RTC and ECG sampling rate tests, LCD tests, voice circuitry tests, backup battery voltage tests, primary power supply voltage tests, internal voltage tests, old electrode harness test (i.e., whether the electrode harness has been changed after transmission of defibrillation energy), safety tests so as to verify that safety controls are operational, watchdog timer tests, shutdown tests, and patient parameters validation. Warm start diagnostics include operational state data tests (protected RAM validation) and patient parameters validation. Runtime diagnostics include watchdog timer active tests so as to confirm that a clock signal is active, software clock to real time clock comparison tests, software execution times checks, system voltage tests so as to test if the system is within voltage specifications, A/D runtime reference voltage tests, backup battery voltage tests, primary power supply voltage tests, internal voltage tests, old electrode harness test, operational state data integrity test, operational temperature tests, lead off tests, stuck keys test, safety tests including electrode harness time limit tests, defibrillation capacitor voltage tests, defibrillation output circuitry tests, output voltage tests, patient parameter validation, and impedance measurements. Specific conditions diagnostics include tests which are performed prior to transmission of defibrillation energy to the patient. These tests include cross checking processor tests whereby[0188]control FPGA110checks processor109 for correct performance of a command sequence, andprocessor109 checks controlFPGA110 for correct progression of states during set-up and transmission of defibrillation energy. Other tests include a watchdog timer test which resets the system in a case thatprocessor109 fails to respond periodically, electrodes-off tests in whichprocessor109 confirms that electrodes are attached to the patient, operational therapy state data integrity tests, pre-therapy dosage tests whereby energy to be transmitted as defibrillation energy is compared with two impedance measurements prior to transmission, stuck ECG relay contacts tests (prior to defibrillation), H-bridge therapy tests, and delivered defibrillation current limiting tests.
• Base Station[0189]
• In brief, a base station for use with the present invention includes a defibrillator interface, over which information is exchanged with the defibrillator, and an external interface over which information is exchanged with an external entity, such as[0190]central repository9, a doctor's office, a hospital, etc. Also included in the base station is a controller which receives patient information and defibrillation information from the defibrillator, transmits the patient information and defibrillation information to the external entity, receives defibrillator programming information from the external entity, programs the defibrillator in accordance with the defibrillator programming information, performs diagnostics on the defibrillator, and transmits results of the diagnostics to at least one of the defibrillator and the external entity. Communication between the defibrillator and the base station may be via an RF, IR, or direct electrical connection. In addition, communication/testing may be effected by direct contact between the sensing electrodes and the base station.
• A block diagram of[0191]base station2 is shown in FIG. 15. As shown,base station2 includes,RAM130,program memory131,user interface132, non-volatile memory133,defibrillator interface134,external interface136,controller137, address/data bus139, andpersonal computer interface140.Base station2 may receive power from an external source, such as a wall outlet, or from a battery (not shown). Each of the features ofbase station2 shown in FIG. 15 is described in more detail below.
• [0192]User interface132 can comprise a keyboard, buttons, switches, or the like, which provide a user with a way to controlbase station2 directly.Defibrillator interface134 corresponds toconnector51 shown in FIG. 1 and comprises an interface todefibrillator10, over which patient information (e.g., ECG information) and defibrillator information (e.g., errors in operation of defibrillator10) is received from the defibrillator, and over which external information (i.e., information received from an external source, such as new patient parameters) is transmitted to the defibrillator.Defibrillator interface134 includesbase station2's physical connector ID.Defibrillator interface134 is preferably a serial interface and, as described above, mates to the same connector ondefibrillator10 that is used to interfacedefibrillator10 toelectrode harness4.
• [0193]Personal computer6, which is interfaced tobase station2 viapersonal computer interface140, may be used to indicate operational characteristics ofbase station2, such as whenbase station2 is uploading data, whether that upload was successful, a display of all uploaded data, etc.
• External interface comprises a link to an external location, such as central repository[0194]9 (see FIG. 1) or a personal computer, over which patient and defibrillation information is transmitted to the external source, and over which the external information is received from the external source. External interface can comprise a modem link, a network connection, or the like, over which data may be transmitted to and frombase station2. At this point, it is noted that all information stored in datalogging memory block57 above can be transmitted overdefibrillator interface134 andexternal interface136 ofbase station2.
• [0195]Controller137 comprises a microprocessor or the like, which is capable of executing stored program instructions so as to control operation ofbase station2. Any type of processor may be employed, such as those described above with respect todefibrillator10. Program instructions that can be executed bycontroller137 are stored inprogram memory131.Program memory131 preferably comprises an EPROM, or the like, which can be reprogrammed with newly-received information or routines bycontroller137. In preferred embodiments of the invention,program memory131 stores controlmodule140,diagnostics module142, andpatient parameters144, among other data and software modules.
• [0196]Patient parameters144 correspond to the patient parameters described above and, as noted, can be reprogrammed based on information, such as instructions, provided from an external source.Control module140 is executed so as to control transfer of information betweendefibrillator10,base station2, andcentral repository9.Diagnostics module142 comprises a module which performs various safety diagnostics ondefibrillator10 whendefibrillator10 is interfaced tobase station2. By way of example,control module140 may be executed to retrieve information relating to operational errors ofdefibrillator10 from data loggingmemory block57 ofdefibrillator10.Diagnostics module142 may then use this information to target-test components and/or software ondefibrillator10 that may be responsible for these errors. Alternatively,diagnostics module142 may perform a complete safety diagnostic check on all aspects ofdefibrillator10 eachtime defibrillator10 is mated tobase station2.
• In this regard, base station[0197]2 is capable of performing diagnostics comprising an audio test to confirm that messages and tones output by defibrillator10 are clearly audible; measurement tests to confirm that all measurements in defibrillator10 needed to perform a defibrillation procedure are as expected; ECG analysis tests so as to confirm that defibrillator10 is able to detect and differentiate various cardiac arrhythmias; defibrillation waveform tests so as to confirm that defibrillator10 can generate and output a waveform appropriate for a patient having a particular impedance; patient leakage current tests so as to confirm that leakage current in defibrillator10 is not above an acceptable level; over-dosage defibrillation tests so as to confirm that defibrillator10 will automatically terminate an over-current defibrillation (e.g., I_max≧30 A) and an over-time defibrillation (e.g., t_max≧20 msec); under-dosage defibrillation tests so as to determine if defibrillator is providing an under-current defibrillation (e.g., I_maxis less than a required current for a patient's impedance measurement by more than 20%) or an under-time defibrillation (e.g., t_maxis less than a required duration for a patient's impedance measurement by more than 20%); power consumption tests so to confirm that defibrillator10 meets with the power requirements set forth in Table 2 below; and button switch tests to confirm that each button on user interface47 is operating properly.

  TABLE 2
  Defibrillator Operating Conditions	Current Constraint

  Low-Power Mode	<2	mA
  Patient Monitoring Only	<20	mA
  Detection of Ventricular Fibrillation	<400	mA
  When any of the following operations are active	<900	mA
  i) Flash read/write
  ii) LCD
  iii) Voice message/Tone
  iv) Accessory Communications
  Charging of Capacitors	<3.0	A

• [0198]Diagnostics module142 may also be executed to check proper transmission of patient parameters or other programming information frombase station2 todefibrillator10. More specifically, in operation,base station2 receives new patient parameters overexternal interface136 fromcentral repository9, and transmits these patient parameters overdefibrillator interface134 to data loggingmemory block57 indefibrillator10.Diagnostics module142 may then be executed to issue a request for the patient parameters stored in datalogging memory block57 overdefibrillator interface134, to receive the patient parameters therefrom overdefibrillator interface134, and to compare the patient parameters, including a checksum, to the same patient parameters, which are stored inprogram memory131, so as to verify valid receipt of the patient parameters bydefibrillator10.
• In preferred embodiments of the invention, the results of the foregoing diagnostics may be transmitted back to[0199]defibrillator10 in order to warn the user of the defects via, e.g., an LCD or a speaker. In addition, the results of such diagnostics may also be transmitted to an external location viaexternal interface136 for analysis or the like.
• [0200]Base station2 also includesRAM130, out of whichcontroller137 executes program instructions stored inprogram memory131, and non-volatile memory133, which stores information received fromdefibrillator10 and from an external source. Non-volatile memory133 can comprise an NVRAM, battery backed-up RAM, EPROM, or the like, and has a storage capacity which is the same as or greater than that of data loggingmemory block57 ondefibrillator10. This is preferable, since non-volatile memory133 should be capable of storing any information downloaded tobase station2 fromdefibrillator10, including all or part of the information described above that is stored in datalogging memory block57, i.e., abnormal heart activity of the patient, the patient's ECG before, during and after application of defibrillation energy, etc. In this regard, upon connection ofdefibrillator10 todefibrillator interface134, in preferred embodiments of the invention,controller137requests defibrillator10 to upload data stored in datalogging memory block57 and, if the data has been uploaded successfully,controller137requests defibrillator10 to reset all recorded data in datalogging memory block57, and also to clear patient parameters stored therein to their default settings.
• As noted above, it is possible to reprogram[0201]defibrillator10 and/orbase station2 with information received from the external location. In fact, it is even possible to use information received fromdefibrillator10 to affect such reprogramming. More specifically, information relating to patients using the same type of defibrillator, i.e.,defibrillator10's type, is stored incentral repository9. This information can be analyzed in order to test algorithms used indefibrillator10. One such algorithm that may be tested is an algorithm used byECG analysis module87 above to detect irregular heart activity. Once this algorithm is tested based on analysis results from plural defibrillators, it is possible to pinpoint errors in the algorithm, and to correct these errors. Thereafter, the corrected algorithm can be transmitted back tobase station2, as well as to a plurality of other base stations. In this regard, central repository may identifybase station2 as corresponding todefibrillator10 based ondefibrillator10's ID number.Base station2 can then reprogramdefibrillator10 using the corrected algorithm. As a result the invention provides a means by which to improve its performance based on information collected thereby.
• The present invention has been described with respect to particular illustrative embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereto, and that various changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.[0202]

Claims (77)

What is claimed is:

1. A wearable defibrillator adapted to deliver defibrillation energy to a patient, the wearable defibrillator comprising:

at least one electrode having a conductive surface in contact with the patient's skin, the at least one electrode being adapted for long-term wear on the patient.

2. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one electrode comprises one or more of the following types of electrodes: a segmented electrode, a low-surface area electrode, a traditional defibrillation electrode, and a subcutaneous electrode.

3. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one electrode is wearable for a period of greater than one week.

4. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one electrode includes electrically-conductive hydrogel at a surface thereof with contacts to the patient's skin, the electrically-conductive hydrogel having a predetermined ion concentration.

5. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 4, wherein the electrically-conductive hydrogel includes a therapeutic agent which promotes skin health.

6. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one electrode includes a mesh at a surface thereof which contacts to the patient's skin.

7. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 1, wherein the at least one electrode is periodically movable to different positions on the patient.

8. A wearable defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient, the defibrillator comprising:

at least one electrode which attaches to the patient for transmitting the defibrillation energy to the patient and for receiving patient information from the patient;

a plurality of capacitors which are switchable so as to alter characteristics of the defibrillation energy; and

a controller which controls switching of the plurality of capacitors in accordance with the patient information received from the at least one electrode.

9. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the patient information comprises a thoracic impedance of the patient.

10. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 9, wherein the thoracic impedance is determined periodically by applying an AC signal through the at least one electrode, sampling data obtained from the at least one electrode in response to the AC signal, and analyzing the sampled data.

11. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 9, wherein the thoracic impedance is calculated each time the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient based on patient information received from the at least one electrode in response to the defibrillation energy.

12. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 9, wherein the controller controls switching of the capacitors in a case that the thoracic impedance of the patient is within a predetermined range.

13. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the patient information comprises an electrocardiogram of the patient.

14. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 13, wherein the controller controls switching of the capacitors in a case that the electrocardiogram indicates a cardiac arrhythmia and in a case that the patient is unconscious.

15. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the patient information comprises electrode-to-skin impedance, the electrode-to-skin impedance being used to determine connection of the at least one electrode to the patient.

16. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the patient information comprises artifact noise in the patient's body.

17. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, further comprising a memory which stores the patient parameter, the patient parameters comprising at least one of the patient's name; the language used for voice and corresponding text messages; a minimum audio level to which a patient responds a minimum tactile stimulation signal to which a patient responds, a maximum tactile stimulation signal for a patient, a pacing bradycardia rate, a pace current level, the patient's ID number, a ventricular tachycardia rate at which defibrillation energy is to be delivered to the patient, the patient's thoracic impedance range, a time and a date at which the defibrillator was issued to the patient, a name of a clinic at an external location, a name of a clinician at the external location, and an electrode-to-skin impedance range;

wherein the controller controls switching of the plurality of capacitors also in accordance with the patient parameters.

18. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the plurality of capacitors comprises five capacitors; and

wherein the five capacitors are switchable in configurations of 221, 2111 and 1111.

19. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the at least one electrode is capable of transmitting a tactile stimulation signal from at least one of the plurality of capacitors to the patient.

20. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 19, wherein the tactile stimulation signal is transmitted to the patient in a case that the patient information indicates that the patient has suffered a cardiac arrhythmia.

21. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 8, wherein the wearable defibrillator includes a floating ground.

22. A wearable defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient, the defibrillator comprising:

at least one electrode which attaches to the patient for transmitting the defibrillation energy to the patient; and

a signal generator for generating the defibrillation energy, wherein the defibrillation energy has a bi-phasic waveform with a peak amplitude that is below 23 amperes for a patient having a thoracic impedance which is at least 40 ohms.

23. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein the bi-phasic waveform includes two phases having substantially identical durations.

24. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein the bi-phasic waveform includes two phases in which a first phase has a duration which is greater than a duration of the second phase.

25. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 23, wherein the at least one electrode receives information from the patient which indicates a thoracic impedance of the patient; and

wherein the signal generator varies the peak amplitude of the defibrillation energy in accordance with the thoracic impedance of the patient.

26. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 25, wherein the signal generator comprises a plurality of capacitors which are switchable in order to affect the amplitude of the defibrillation energy.

27. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 26, further comprising a resistor in series with the plurality of capacitors.

28. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 23, wherein an average amplitude of the defibrillation energy is below 17 amperes for a patient having a thoracic impedance which is at least 40 ohms.

29. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 23, wherein the bi-phasic waveform is truncated and delivered within a predetermined time period.

30. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein each of electrode has a surface area which is less than 60 cm².

31. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein each electrode has a surface area which is less than 50 cm².

32. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein each electrode has a surface area which is less than 40 cm².

33. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 22, wherein each electrode has a surface area which is less than 30 cm².

34. A wearable defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient, the defibrillator comprising:

a signal generator for generating the defibrillation energy; and

a plurality of segmented electrodes each having a conductive area for transmitting the defibrillation energy to the patient, wherein the plurality of segmented electrodes are divided into groups of two or more electrodes, each of the groups of electrodes having at least one line connected to the signal generator, each line having a length sufficient for each group of electrodes to be placed on the patient a predetermined distance away from others of the groups of electrodes, the electrodes in at least one of the groups being spatially arranged to have an effective conductive area which is greater than a total combined conductive area of the electrodes in the group.

35. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, further comprising a plurality of non-electrically conductive pads;

wherein each of the groups of two or more electrodes is mounted on one of the plurality of non-electrically conductive pads such that each electrode in the group of electrodes is mounted a predetermined distance away from at least one other electrode in the group of electrodes.

36. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 35, wherein each electrode in the groups of electrodes includes electrically-conductive hydrogel at a surface thereof with contacts to the patient's skin, the electrically-conductive hydrogel having a predetermined ion concentration.

37. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 36, wherein each non-electrically conductive pad includes therapeutic hydrogel at a surface thereof which contacts to the patient's skin.

38. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 35, wherein each non-electrically conductive pad is flexible.

39. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein the groups of electrodes are arrangeable on different areas of the patient in predetermined geometric patterns such that the defibrillation energy transmitted from the plurality of electrodes covers a predetermined area of the patient's myocardium.

40. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 39, wherein the groups of electrodes in predetermined geometric patterns are movable relative to the patient such that the predetermined geometric patterns are substantially retained but are at different orientations relative to the patient.

41. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is shaped so that each electrode has a perimeter which is greater than a circumference corresponding to a radius of the electrode.

42. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein the signal generator includes a power supply which supplies power to the signal generator so as to enable the signal generator to generate the defibrillation energy; and

wherein each line corresponding to each group of electrodes is non-removably connected to the power supply.

43. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 42, wherein the power supply is sealed with a membrane.

44. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, further comprising:

a speaker for providing auditory messages to the patient; and

a controller for monitoring each of the segmented electrodes;

wherein the controller monitors a duration of use of each of the segmented electrodes and, when the controller determines that an electrode has been in use for greater than a predetermined period of time, the controller issues a signal to the speaker alerting the patient which electrode has been in use for greater than the predetermined period of time.

45. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is capable of transmitting defibrillation energy having a bi-phasic waveform.

46. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is capable of transmitting defibrillation energy having a truncated exponential waveform.

47. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein each of the plurality of segmented electrodes is capable of transmitting defibrillation energy having a mono-phasic waveform.

48. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein the segmented electrodes are separated from each other on the patient by between 0.5 and 3 times an effective diameter of each electrode.

49. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 34, wherein each of the segmented electrodes includes an adhesive on a surface thereof which contacts the patient's skin.

50. A wearable defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient, the defibrillator comprising:

an external interface, over which patient information is transmitted to an external location;

a patient interface, over which the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient, and over which the patient information is received;

a processor which analyzes the patient information received over the patient interface and which controls transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient based on at least a first portion of the patient information; and

a memory which stores at least a second portion of the patient information prior to transmission of the second portion of the patient information over the external interface.

51. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, wherein the external interface is capable of interfacing to a base station, the base station for receiving the second portion of the patient information from the memory and for transmitting defibrillator programming information to the defibrillator via the external interface, the processor using the defibrillator programming information to reprogram the wearable defibrillator.

52. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 51, further comprising a power supply which supplies power to the wearable defibrillator and which is capable of interfacing to the external interface.

53. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, wherein the at least the second portion of the patient information comprises a log, for a predetermined period, which includes at least one of abnormal heart activity of the patient, an electrocardiogram of the patient, and artifact noise in the patient.

54. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 53, further comprising a user interface by which the user interacts with the wearable defibrillator;

wherein the memory further stores a response of the wearable defibrillator to the abnormal heart activity and information concerning patient interaction with the wearable defibrillator.

55. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 54, further comprising an accelerometer which the processor monitors to determine motion of the patient;

wherein the memory further stores data from the accelerometer relating to motion of the patient.

56. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 55, wherein the processor detects defibrillator operational errors and stores the defibrillator operational errors in the memory;

wherein the external interface is capable of interfacing to both a base station and a power supply; and

wherein, in a case that the external interface is interfaced to the base station, the processor transmits, over the external interface, the abnormal heart activity of the patient, the electrocardiogram of the patient, the artifact noise in the patient, the response of the wearable defibrillator to the abnormal heart activity, the information concerning patient interaction with the wearable defibrillator, the data from the accelerometer relating to motion of the patient, and the defibrillator operational errors.

57. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, wherein the external interface comprises a non-contact interface over which the patient information is transmitted to a personal computer.

58. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 57, wherein the patient information comprises an electrocardiogram and impedance information for the patient.

59. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 57, wherein the non-contact interface comprises an infrared (“IR”) interface.

60. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 57, wherein the non-contact interface comprises a radio frequency (“RF”) interface.

61. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, wherein the memory comprises a flash EPROM; and

wherein the second portion of the patient information is stored in the flash EPROM as compressed data.

62. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 61, wherein the processor compresses data using a lossless compression technique..

63. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, wherein the patient interface comprises a plurality of sensing electrodes, the defibrillation energy has a bi-phasic waveform that is transmitted over each of the sensing electrodes, the first patient information comprises an electrocardiogram and thoracic impedance of the patient, and the second patient information comprises an operational history of the wearable defibrillator; and

wherein both the first patient information and the second patient information are stored in the memory and both the first patient information and the second patient information are transmitted over the external interface.

64. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, further comprising one or more indicators which provide the patient with indications relating to at least one of the patient information and operability of the wearable defibrillator.

65. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 64, wherein the one or more indicators comprises an auditory indicator which provides the patient with auditory prompts for using the wearable defibrillator.

66. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 65, wherein at least one of the auditory prompts is provided in a case that the processor analyzes the patient information and determines that abnormal heart activity has occurred in the patient.

67. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 66, further comprising a user interface for providing a response signal to the processor in response to user activation;

wherein the processor waits a predetermined period of time after the at least one of the auditory prompts has been provided to the patient and, in a case that the processor does not detect the response signal, the processor causes immediate transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient.

68. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 65, wherein the patient interface comprises one or more sensing electrodes which are attached to the patient;

wherein the patient information comprises electrode-to-skin impedance from the patient, the electrode-to-skin impedance from the patient being indicative of whether the one or more sensing electrodes is attached to the patient; and

wherein the processor causes the auditory indicator to provide an indication to the patient that the at least one electrode has become detached in a case that the electrode-to-skin impedance from the patient is below a predetermined level.

69. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 65, further comprising a power supply for supplying power to the wearable defibrillator;

wherein the processor monitors the power supply and causes the auditory indicator to provide an auditory message to the patient in a case that the power supply is below a predetermined level.

70. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 64, wherein the one or more indicators comprises a visual display and an auditory indicator which echos information displayed on the visual display.

71. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 50, further comprising a user interface for providing a response signal to the processor in response to user activation;

wherein the patient interface comprises at least one electrode which is capable of transmitting a tactile stimulation signal to the patient; and

wherein the processor waits a predetermined period of time after the tactile stimulation signal has been transmitted to the patient and, in a case that the processor does not detect the response signal, the processor causes transmission of the defibrillation energy to the patient.

72. A wearable defibrillator for delivering defibrillation energy to a patient, the defibrillator comprising:

a patient interface, over which patient information is received from the patient, and over which the defibrillation energy is transmitted to the patient; and

a processor which operates in a normal mode and a low-power consumption mode, wherein, during the normal mode, the processor receives the patient information and controls transmission of the defibrillation energy in accordance with the patient information.

73. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 72, wherein the processor enters the low-power consumption mode periodically for predetermined periods of time.

74. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 73, wherein the predetermined periods of time are variable based on the patient information.

75. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 74, further comprising a memory which stores a log of the patient information for a span of time;

wherein the processor varies the predetermined periods based on the log of patient information stored in the memory.

76. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 72, further comprising a user interface by which a user may place the processor in the normal mode manually.

77. A wearable defibrillator according toclaim 72, further comprising a plurality of hardware components for use in outputting the defibrillation energy and for communicating with the patient;

wherein the processor causes each of the plurality of hardware components to be selectively powered-up and powered-down at predetermined time intervals.

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