Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7164945?ie=ISO-8859-1&dq=6519629
Timestamp: 2015-01-29 17:11:52
Document Index: 307346117

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 54', 'art 54', 'art 54', 'art 54', 'art 54', 'art 54', 'art 4']

Patent US7164945 - Defibrillators - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsDefibrillators are provided that include a graphical user interface to assist a caregiver in administering resuscitation....http://www.google.com/patents/US7164945?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7164945 - DefibrillatorsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7164945 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/952,834Publication dateJan 16, 2007Filing dateSep 14, 2001Priority dateSep 14, 2001Fee statusPaidAlso published asEP1425066A2, EP1425066A4, EP2286872A1, US7792577, US8000787, US20030055458, US20030083699, US20060200203, US20110015688, WO2003024521A2, WO2003024521A3Publication number09952834, 952834, US 7164945 B2, US 7164945B2, US-B2-7164945, US7164945 B2, US7164945B2InventorsWard Hamilton, Frederick W. FallerOriginal AssigneeZoll Medical CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (18), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (1), Classifications (8), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDefibrillatorsUS 7164945 B2Abstract Defibrillators are provided that include a graphical user interface to assist a caregiver in administering resuscitation.
a defibrillator control box connected to the electrodes;
electronics configured to acquire data from the electrodes, and electronics configured to illuminate at least some of the light sources in a sequence based at least in part on the data acquired from the electrodes.
2. The defibrillator of claim 1 wherein the defibrillator control box comprises electronics configured to provide audio prompts to the caregiver, wherein the audio prompts are associated with the series of graphics and are given sequentially to guide the caregiver through the sequence of steps, and wherein at least some of the audio prompts are timed to occur based on the data acquired from the electrodes.
3. The defibrillator of claim 2 further comprising electronics configured so that at least some of the audio prompts are timed to occur based on the time elapsed from the time at which a shock was last delivered to the patient.
further comprising buttons, associated with at least some of the graphics, and electronics which, when the buttons are pressed, provide audio prompts related to the associated graphic to be output by the defibrillator.
5. A system for prompting a caregiver in a resuscitation sequence for a patient who may be suffering from cardiac arrest, comprising
electrodes constructed to acquire data, indicative of the heart rhythm of the patient and indicative of whether the electrodes are properly placed on the patient,
a defibrillator control box capable of being activated and delivering a shock to the patient through the electrodes, the control box being connected to the electrodes, and being constructed to analyze data received from the electrodes and to measure the time elapsed since the defibrillator control box was activated by the caregiver or since the last shock was delivered to the patient; and
a user interface constructed to display information concerning the appropriate step of the resuscitation sequence to be performed by the caregiver at a particular time, based on the data received from the electrodes and the elapsed time.
6. The defibrillator of claim 1, 4, or 5
wherein the graphics include a picture that includes at least a portion of a user's hand depressing a treatment button to prompt the caregiver to press the treatment button to cause the defibrillator to administer a defibrillating shock.
7. The defibrillator of claim 6 wherein the picture includes a heart symbol indicating the location of the treatment button.
8. The defibrillator of claim 7 wherein the picture includes at least a portion of a hand and finger on or adjacent to the heart symbol indicating that the symbol is intended to be pressed.
9. The defibrillator of claim 1, 4, or 5
wherein the defibrillator further comprises a cover portion, and at least some of the graphics are provided on the cover portion of the defibrillator control box.
10. The defibrillator of claim 9 wherein at least some of the graphics are provided on the outside of the cover portion of the defibrillator.
11. The defibrillator of claim 10 wherein the graphics on the cover portion include a picture indicating that the cover should be removed from the defibrillator.
12. The defibrillator of claim 10 wherein the cover portion includes a space provided for local emergency information.
13. The defibrillator of claim 12 wherein the cover portion includes a window behind which a card bearing local emergency information can be placed.
14. The defibrillator of claim 1, 4, or 5 wherein at least some of the graphics comprise backlit, translucent images.
15. The defibrillator of claim 1, 4, or 5
wherein the graphics include one or more pictures indicating that the caregiver should place a passive airway support under the shoulders of the patient.
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to defibrillators, and more particularly to automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).
BACKGROUND Resuscitation treatments for patients suffering from cardiac arrest generally include clearing and opening the patient's airway, providing rescue breathing for the patient, and applying chest compressions to provide blood flow to the victim's heart, brain and other vital organs. If the patient has a shockable heart rhythm, resuscitation also may include defibrillation therapy.
There are many different kinds of abnormal heart rhythms, some of which can be treated by defibrillation therapy (�shockable rhythms�) and some which cannot (non-shockable rhythms�). For example, most ECG rhythms that produce significant cardiac output are considered non-shockable (examples include normal sinus rhythms, certain bradycardias, and sinus tachycardias). There are also several abnormal ECG rhythms that do not result in significant cardiac output but are still considered non-shockable, since defibrillation treatment is usually ineffective under these conditions. Examples of these non-shockable rhythms include asystole, electromechanical disassociation and other pulseless electrical activity. Although a patient cannot remain alive with these non-viable, non-shockable rhythms, applying shocks will not help convert the rhythm. The primary examples of shockable rhythms, for which the caregiver should perform defibrillation, include ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular flutter.
After using a defibrillator to apply one or more shocks to a patient who has a shockable ECG rhythm, the patient may nevertheless remain unconscious, in a shockable or non-shockable, perfusing or non-perfusing rhythm. If a non-perfusing rhythm is present, the caregiver may then resort to performing CPR for a period of time in order to provide continuing blood flow and oxygen to the patient's heart, brain and other vital organs. If a shockable rhythm continues to exist or develops during the delivery of CPR, further defibrillation attempts may be undertaken following this period of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As long as the patient remains unconscious and without effective circulation, the caregiver can alternate between use of the defibrillator (for analyzing the electrical rhythm and possibly applying a shock) and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR generally involves a repeating pattern of five or fifteen chest compressions followed by a pause during which two rescue breaths are given.
Both types of defibrillators typically provide an auditory �stand clear� warning before beginning ECG analysis and/or the application of each shock. The caregiver is then expected to stand clear of the patient (i.e. stop any physical contact with the patient) and may be required to press a button to deliver the shock. The controls for automatic external defibrillators are typically located on a resuscitation control box.
SUMMARY The invention provides a graphical user interface for use with an AED. The graphical user interface includes a set of graphics that clearly indicate the steps that should be performed by a trained caregiver administering resuscitation to a victim of cardiac arrest. The graphics, which may be accompanied by audio prompts and/or other visually displayed messages, provide visual reminders that will assist and encourage trained caregivers who might not otherwise feel competent to perform cardiac resuscitation including the use of an AED. In the case of caregivers who are confident of their training and skills, the visual prompts may aid the caregiver in more quickly and efficiently performing the required steps in the resuscitation sequence.
Moreover, because �a picture is worth a thousand words�, the graphical interface reminds the caregiver of how the steps in the AHA's resuscitation protocols should be performed. For example, rather than simply prompting the caregiver to �check airway�, the graphical interface reminds the caregiver that this means that the caregiver should perform the head-tilt chin lift maneuver. To provide the same information using audio or textual prompts alone could inundate the care giver with detailed information that could confuse the caregiver. The graphical interface allows the caregiver to use his or her visual senses in order to remember what to do at each step during the rescue. The pictures may, also, be helpful when the rescue is being performed in a noisy environment when voice prompts may be hard to hear.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an AED with its cover on.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, an automated external defibrillator 10 includes a removable cover 12 and a control box 14. The defibrillator 10 is shown with cover 12 removed in FIG. 2. An electrode assembly 16 (or a pair of separate electrodes) is connected to the control box 14 by a cable 18. Electrode assembly 16 is stored under cover 12 when the defibrillator is not in use.
The cover 12 includes a cover decal 20 (FIGS. 1 and 3) including a logo 22 and a series of graphics 24, 26 and 28. Logo 22 may provide information concerning the manufacturer of the device and that the device is a defibrillator (e.g., �Zoll AED�, as shown in FIG. 3, indicating that the device is a Semi-automatic External Defibrillator available from Zoll Medical). Graphics 24, 26 and 28 lead the caregiver through the initial stages of a cardiac resuscitation sequence as outlined in the AHA's AED treatment algorithm for Emergency Cardiac Care pending arrival of emergency medical personnel. (See �Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Supplement to Circulation,� Volume 102, Number 8, Aug. 22, 2000, pp. 1�67.) Thus, graphic 24, showing the caregiver and patient, indicates that the caregiver should first check the patient for responsiveness, e.g., by shaking the patient gently and asking if the patient is okay. Next, graphic 26, showing a telephone and an emergency vehicle, indicates that the caregiver should call for emergency assistance prior to administering resuscitation. Finally, graphic 28 indicates that after these steps have been performed the caregiver should remove the lid 12 of the defibrillator, remove the electrode assembly 16 stored under the lid, and turn the power on by depressing button 15. The graphics are arranged in clockwise order, with the first step in the upper left, since this is the order most caregivers would intuitively follow. However, in this case the order in which the caregiver performs the steps is not critical, and thus for simplicity no other indication of the order of steps is provided.
The control box includes a control box decal 40, shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Decal 40, like decal 20, includes a series of graphics 42�49 (FIG. 4). In this case, the graphics are configured to lead the caregiver through the entire resuscitation sequence, as will be explained below with reference to FIG. 5. Decal 40 also includes a center graphic 50, which includes representations of a hand 52 and a heart 54 (FIG. 4). Center graphic 50 overlies a treatment button which, when depressed, causes the defibrillator to deliver a defibrillating shock to the electrode assembly 16.
The light source for each of the graphics 42�49 is preferably an adjacent LED (LEDs 56, FIG. 2). The heart 54 may be translucent and backlit by a light source in the control box (not shown). Alternatively, the heart 54 may include an adjacent LED (not shown) and/or the hand 52 may include an LED 57 as shown.
The illumination and subsequent turning off of the LEDs adjacent to graphics 42�45 is based on the amount of time that has elapsed since the caregiver turned the power on by depressing button 15. The elapsed time is measured by the programmable electronics and used to illuminate each of the LEDs associated with graphics 42�45 in turn. A time lapse of about 2 to 15 seconds is allowed between each illumination, to allow the caregiver an appropriate amount of time to perform each step. These time intervals vary from a few seconds for graphic 42 (check responsiveness) to 10 or more seconds for graphic 44 (open airway, check for breathing).
The illumination and turning off of the LEDs adjacent to graphics 47�49, and of the light behind heart 54, is based on ECG data that is acquired by electrode assembly 16 and analyzed by the programmable electronics, as will be discussed below with reference to FIG. 5.
Thus, when a person collapses and a caregiver suspects that the person is in cardiac arrest (100), the caregiver first gets the defibrillator and turns the power on (102). If the unit passes its internal self tests, and is ready for use, this will be indicated by indicator 17, as discussed above. Next, the defibrillator prompts the caregiver with an introductory audio message, e.g., �Stay calm. Listen carefully.� (Audio prompt 104.)
Shortly thereafter, the defibrillator will prompt the caregiver with an audio message indicating that the caregiver should check the patient for responsiveness (audio prompt 106). Simultaneously, the LED adjacent graphic 42 will light up, directing the caregiver to look at this graphic. Graphic 42 will indicate to the caregiver that she should shout �are you OK?� and shake the person (step 108) in order to determine whether the patient is unconscious or not.
If the defibrillator determines that the patient's heart rhythm is not shockable, the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as �No shock advised� (audio prompt 128). The LEDs next to graphics 48 and 49 will then light up, and the defibrillator will give an audio prompt indicating that the caregiver should again open the patient's airway, check for breathing and a pulse, and, if no pulse is detected by the caregiver, then commence giving CPR (audio prompt 130, step 132). Graphics 48 and 49 will remind the caregiver of the appropriate steps to perform when giving CPR.
Alternatively, if the defibrillator determines that the patient's heart rhythm is shockable, the defibrillator will give an audio prompt such as �Shock advised. Stand clear of patient. Press treatment button.� (Audio prompt 134.) At the same time, the heart 54 and/or hand 52 will light up, indicating to the caregiver the location of the treatment button. At this point, the caregiver will stand clear (and warn others, if present, to stand clear) and will press the heart 54, depressing the treatment button and administering a defibrillating shock (or a series of shocks, as determined by the defibrillator electronics) to the patient (step 136).
After step 136 has been performed, the defibrillator will automatically reanalyze the patient's heart rhythm, during which audio prompt 126 will again be given and graphic 47 will again be illuminated. The analyze and shock sequence described above will be repeated up to three times if a shockable rhythm is repeatedly detected or until the defibrillator is turned off or the electrodes are removed. After the third shock has been delivered, the device will illuminate LEDs 48 and 49 and issue the audio prompts 130/132. The device will keep LEDs 48 and 49 illuminated for a period of approximately one minute indicating that if CPR is performed, it should be continued for the entire minute. �Continue CPR� audio prompts may be repeated every 15�20 seconds during this period to instruct the user to continue performing chest compressions and rescue breathing.
If electrode contact is lost at any time (as determined by the impedance data received from the electrode assembly), this will result in an appropriate audio prompt, such as �check electrodes� and illumination of the LED adjacent graphic 46.
For example, the graphics on the center decal can be accompanied by any desired light source. For instance, if desired, all of the graphics can be translucent, and can be backlit. Alternatively, the graphics can be provided in the form of electronic display images, rather than on a decal.
While it is generally preferred that audio prompts and visual (light source) prompts be used, these features may be omitted if desired.
Moreover, while the electrodes have been illustrated in the form of an integral electrode assembly, separate electrodes may be used.
In preferred implementations, generally all of the graphically illustrated steps are shown at the same time, e.g., as illustrated by the decal described above. This arrangement allows the caregiver to see the steps that will be performed next and thus anticipate the next step and begin it early if possible. However, alternatively, the graphics can be displayed one at a time, e.g., by using a screen that displays one graphic at a time or backlit graphics that are unreadable when not back lit. This arrangement may in some cases avoid overwhelming novice or lay rescuers, because it does not present the caregiver with too much information all at the same time.
�Illuminated�, �light up�, and similar terms are used herein to refer to both a steady light and a blinking light. A blinking light may be used, if desired, to more clearly draw the user's attention to the associated graphic.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4360345Jul 14, 1980Nov 23, 1982American Heart Association, Inc.Health education systemUS4583524Nov 21, 1984Apr 22, 1986Hutchins Donald CCardiopulmonary resuscitation promptingUS4588383Apr 30, 1984May 13, 1986The New Directions Group, Inc.Interactive synthetic speech CPR trainer/prompter and method of useUS4711585Feb 24, 1986Dec 8, 1987Fresquez Meredith LCueing aid for prenatal breathing controlUS4797104Aug 3, 1987Jan 10, 1989Asmund S. LaerdalSystem and method of testing a person in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitationUS4863385 *Jan 5, 1987Sep 5, 1989Pierce Richard SCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sequencerUS5239988Nov 29, 1991Aug 31, 1993John L. SwansonCardio-pulmonary resuscitation aidUS5563631 *Oct 19, 1994Oct 8, 1996Canon Kabushiki KaishaPortable information apparatusUS5593426 *Dec 7, 1994Jan 14, 1997Heartstream, Inc.Defibrillator system using multiple external defibrillators and a communications networkUS5797969Jan 9, 1997Aug 25, 1998Survivalink CorporationOne button lid activated automatic external defibrillatorUS5913685 *Jun 24, 1996Jun 22, 1999Hutchins; Donald C.CPR computer aidingUS6072470 *Aug 5, 1997Jun 6, 2000Sony CorporationRemote control apparatusUS6334070 *Nov 19, 1999Dec 25, 2001Medtronic Physio-Control Manufacturing Corp.Visual and aural user interface for an automated external defibrillatorUS6356785 *Oct 21, 1998Mar 12, 2002Cecily Anne SnyderExternal defibrillator with CPR prompts and ACLS prompts and methods of useUS6370018 *Aug 18, 2000Apr 9, 2002William B. Miller, Jr.Portable computer keyboardUS6405082 *Jan 24, 2000Jun 11, 2002Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Method and apparatus for distinguishing between therapy modes in a defibrillatorUS6697671 *Oct 4, 2001Feb 24, 2004Medtronic Physio-Control Manufacturing C{overscore (o)}rp.Visual and aural user interface for an automated external defibrillatorWO2000030712A1Nov 19, 1999Jun 2, 2000Medtronic Physio Control ManufVisual and aural user interface for an automated external defibrillator* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Part 4: the automated external defibrillator: key link in the chain of survival. The American Heart Association in Collaboration with the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation." Aug. 22, 2000, Circulation, vol. 102, NR. 8 Suppl., pp. I60-I76.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS20100121392 *Jan 15, 2010May 13, 2010Medtronic Physio-Control ManufacturingPulse detection method and apparatus using patient impedance* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification607/5International ClassificationA61N1/39, A61N1/08, A61N1/18, A61B5/0402Cooperative ClassificationA61N1/39, A61N1/3993European ClassificationA61N1/39Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 16, 2010FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Mar 22, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION, MASSACHUSETTSFree format text: OWNERSHIP AND MERGER;ASSIGNOR:ZMD CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:015127/0153Effective date: 20031120Jan 29, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: ZMD CORPORATION, DELAWAREFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAMILTON, WARD;FALLER, FREDERICK W.;REEL/FRAME:012534/0660Effective date: 20011023RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services