Patent ID: 6567697
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for forcing cardiac output during hemodynamically compromising malfunction in a patient, comprising the steps of:(a) attaching a plurality of electrodes to external portions of a patient's body proximate the patient's thoracic region so that the electrodes may deliver electrical pulses which will be transmitted through portions of the patient's upper body; (b) detecting the presence of hemodynamically compromising malfunction in the patient; (c) delivering electrical current pulses through the patient's body, via said electrodes after detecting a hemodynamically compromising malfunction, at a rate between about 60 and 200 pulses per minute, said electrical current pulses having a voltage of between 25 and 2000 volts, to force contraction of patient muscle and facilitate a minimum level of cardiac output until cessation of the hemodynamically compromising malfunction or until other medical intervention is provided.