Abstract:
A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to a patient to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the at least one vital sign from the pod to the base, the defibrillator module delivering a defibrillation shock to the patient based on the at least one vital sign.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to International Application No. PCT/US2004/012421, filed Apr. 22, 2004, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/531,151 filed Dec. 17, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/464,860 filed Apr. 22, 2003, the teachings of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The field relates to medical devices, and in particular, to defibrillation/monitor systems having a detachable pod with leads.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Each day thousands of Americans are victims of cardiac emergencies. Cardiac emergencies typically strike without warning, oftentimes striking people with no history of heart disease. The most common cardiac emergency is sudden cardiac arrest (“SCA”). It is estimated more than 1000 people per day are victims of SCA in the United States alone.  
         [0004]     SCA occurs when the heart stops pumping blood. Usually SCA is due to abnormal electrical activity in the heart, resulting in an abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia). One such abnormal rhythm, ventricular fibrillation (VF), is caused by abnormal and very fast electrical activity in the heart. During VF the heart cannot pump blood effectively. Because blood may no longer be pumping effectively during VF, the chances of surviving decreases with time after the onset of the emergency. Brain damage can occur after the brain is deprived of oxygen for four to six minutes.  
         [0005]     Applying an electric shock to the patient&#39;s heart through the use of a defibrillator treats VF. The shock clears the heart of the abnormal electrical activity (in a process called “defibrillation”) by depolarizing a critical mass of myocardial cells to allow spontaneous organized myocardial depolarization to resume.  
         [0006]     Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical condition that may be treated with external defibrillation. External defibrillation includes applying electrodes to the patient&#39;s chest and delivering an electric shock to the patient to depolarize the patient&#39;s heart and restore normal sinus rhythm. The chance a patient&#39;s heart can be successfully defibrillated increases significantly if a defibrillation pulse is applied quickly.  
         [0007]     In a scenario where a paramedic is responding to an emergency call with a non-specific patient condition, for example, there has been a car accident. The paramedic will typically carry his or her own defibrillator/monitor, a gurney, and drug box, and other supplies considered essential. If, perhaps, the car has driven off an embankment, the paramedic will have a long distance to run with all this equipment. This slows the response time to a call where someone may be bleeding to death. Smaller lighter equipment is always demanded by paramedics to save them time and effort, and allow them to get to the scene earlier. For just this reason, some paramedics will opt to carry only an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) to the scene, and move the patient into the ambulance as quickly as possible, where other, more advanced monitoring equipment is available. In some countries, this approach has been incorporated into standard operating protocols, where the ambulance carries both ALS (advanced life support) equipment (which typically would include a multi-parameter monitor and defibrillator) and an AED. This approach, while effectively giving the user the choice of equipment to carry, forces the paramedic to learn two different defibrillators. The approach also forces the paramedics to possibly transfer the patient from one machine to the other once in the ambulance. It also adds costs to the ambulance service and potentially causes lost data between the two defibrillators for critical minutes, which may negatively impact the ability of EP Lab (Electro-Physiology Lab) doctors to determine the original cardiac condition.  
         [0008]     Previous attempts to address the issue of product weight have done so by creating a manual defibrillator that separates from a patient monitor, or an AED, which separates from a single-channel patient monitor, or a manual defibrillator/pacemaker that separates from a 12-lead ECG monitor. These products suffer from limitations by the present standards, such as: limited capture of patient data, limited ability to monitor all necessary patient vital signs, and possible unreliability due to the nature of the electrical contacts between the two devices (e.g., dirt, mud, and damage to the case which could affect alignment of electrical contacts, thus preventing full functionality of the devices when mated).  
         [0009]     In a scenario where a patient on a gurney is being transported through narrow doorways and down stairwells to an ambulance, or the situation where a patient is in an ambulance moving on a road at high speed with patient cables and IV (intravenous) lines running between the patient and other equipment within the ambulance. If the monitoring/therapeutic device is large or the route to the ambulance is particularly difficult, the paramedic might elect to carry the device separately from the gurney to prevent the device falling off the gurney or onto the patient. However, the paramedic is now restricted in his or her ability to detach the device from the gurney due to the number and length of patient cables between the device and the patient. Similar restrictions occur once the patient is loaded into a patient transport vehicle or when the patient is transferred from the ambulance to the emergency department. The number of cables and their similarity in color or dissimilarity in length can all contribute to delays in treating or transferring the patient and can restrict the paramedics mobility when treating the patient in a confined space. Additionally, delays may be created with cables having become tangled, or even cut, from their previous uses.  
         [0010]     The prior art has tried to solve this problem by providing a wireless module that transmits data to a patient monitor, such as the MobiMed offered for Sale by Ortivus. However, this device does not include a defibrillator and does not have the capability to provide any therapeutic functions such as pacing, defibrillation or synchronous cardioversion without attaching another monitor/defibrillator to the patient, which further increases the complexity and ambulance provider cost. Additionally, the Ortivus patient module does not offer replaceable batteries so functionality is severely limited if a reliable source of battery charging is not available, or if the transport time is excessively long. Additionally, the Ortivus device does not offer a display to allow visual monitoring of the waveforms or vital signs if the other module is out of range or obscured.  
         [0011]     Another problem arises when hospital personnel want to charge the batteries of the defibrillator/monitor, but don&#39;t want to have to place the unit in a docking station in order to charge the batteries. There also arises the issue of patient confidentiality, such as recently raised by the Federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, when identical looking patient monitors are accidentally swapped by users.  
         [0012]     Another problem may occur in a situation where two or more sets of paired wireless devices are used in the same general area. This type of problem could occur in a number of different (medical or non-medical) applications. For example, medical device A is comprised of two parts, a patient data acquisition module (AA) and a display module (AD). The two parts communicate with each other via one of many wireless methods. Medical device B is comprised of two similar parts patient data acquisition module (BA) and display module (BD). In the event of a mass casualty incident, where medical personnel are attending to more than one patient, two or more patients may be laying close to each other. Suppose patient X is being attended to by the user of device A, and a different user who is using device B is attending to patient Y. Patient X&#39;s vital signs are being acquired by acquisition module AA and transmitted to display module AD. Patient Y&#39;s vital signs are being acquired by acquisition module BA and transmitted to display module BD. A problem would arise when, in the state of confusion typically existing in a mass casualty incident, the two display modules become switched. In this case, the user of display module AD would be viewing the vital signs transmitted from Patient X while attending to Patient Y. This could result in inappropriate administration of drugs or other therapy with potentially serious consequences. The acquisition modules would-still be paired to the appropriate display modules, and would still be functioning properly, but the user would be viewing the wrong patient&#39;s vital signs.  
         [0013]     Other problems with wireless communications include the fact wireless communications methods cannot be visually assessed by the user prior to failure, such as a broken or damaged cable can. Wireless communications may not be permitted in certain areas, such as an aircraft environment, in military use, or elsewhere. Some wireless communications means have delays between sending a message and getting a response which are too long for therapeutic and other needs. There is a risk of the user not being able to find a cable when, for instance, a critical therapy has to be administered where the wireless link cannot support it.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0014]     A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to a patient to collect at least one patient vital sign, the pod operable at a distance from the base, and (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the at least one vital sign from the pod to the base, the defibrillator module delivering a defibrillation shock to the patient based on the at least one vital sign.  
         [0015]     A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module adapted to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to the patient to collect patient vital signs, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the patient vital signs from the pod to the base, the base having a monitor area to visually display the patient vital signs, (d) the communications link is a direct electrical connection between the pod and the base, (e) the communications link is a wireless communications link, and (f) a direct electrical connection between the pod and the base serves as an alternate communications link to the wireless communications link, (f) the communications link is a cable tethered to and housed within the base, (g) the tethered cable is retractable into the base when not in use, (h) a first end of the cable is coupled to a base interface connector located within a connector cavity of the base and a second end of the cable is connected to the base, (i) the first end of the tethered cable can be removed from the cavity to provide the direct electrical connection between the base and pod when the pod is not attached to the base, (j) the patient vital signs monitored by the pod include one or more of multi-lead ECG data, non-invasive blood pressure data, pulse oximeter data, capnography data and respiratory data, invasive blood pressure readings, and patient temperature data, (k) the base monitor area visually displays one or more of multi-lead ECG data, non-invasive blood pressure data, pulse oximeter data, capnography data, invasive blood pressure readings, and patient temperature data, (l) the pod includes a monitor area to visually display patient data, (m) the pod monitor area visually displays one or more of multi-lead ECG data, non-invasive blood pressure data, pulse oximeter data, capnography data, invasive blood pressure readings, and patient temperature data, (n) the defibrillator module synchronizes defibrillation shocks to the patient&#39;s intrinsic rhythm based on the patient vital signs, and (O) the base includes a data interpretation module which analyzes the patient vitals signs to form interpretive statements on the patient&#39;s cardiac or respiratory condition.  
         [0016]     An external cardiac therapy system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient leads attachable to a patient to collect patient data, (b) a base containing a cardiac therapy module adapted to deliver an electrical cardiac therapy to the patient, the base having a latching assembly to mount the pod in a releasable manner, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to transfer the patient data from the pod to the base, the base having a display area to visually display the patient data, (d) the latching assembly has a recess to receive the pod, (e) the recess can releasably hold one or more pods, and (f) the recess releasably mounts two of the pods.  
         [0017]     An external cardiac therapy system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient leads attachable to a patient to collect patient data, (b) a base containing a cardiac therapy module adapted to deliver an electrical cardiac therapy to the patient, the base having a recess within which to mount the pod in a releasable manner, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to transfer the patient data from the pod to the base, the base having a display area to visually display the patient data, (d) the recess can releasably hold a power supply for the base, (e) the recess is adapted to mount different sizes of pods with at least one pod being secured to a latching assembly, (f) the latching assembly has a pair of guide ribs in the recess to receive the pod and control the pod&#39;s motion in both the horizontal and vertical direction, (g) the guide ribs align the pod during insertion into the recess to ensure an electrical connection between a base interface connector and a pod interface connector that together provide the communications link, (h) the guide ribs of the latching assembly align a pod interface connector with a base interface connector to establish the direct electrical connection, (i) the base includes inserts to attach at least one of defibrillation paddles, a carrying bag, and a pod mounting bracket that holds the pod, (j) the base provides power to charge a battery that powers the pod, (k) the base provides charging power to the pod wirelessly, and (l) the cardiac therapy module synchronizes the electrical cardiac therapy to the patient&#39;s intrinsic rhythm based on the patient data.  
         [0018]     A modular cardiac therapy system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a cardiac therapy module adapted to deliver an electrical cardiac therapy to a patient, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to the patient to collect patient vital signs, the pod operable at a distance from the base, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the patient vital signs from the pod to the base, the base having a monitor area to visually display the patient vital signs, and (d) a docking station to house the base in a releasable manner, the base operable when housed by the docking station or at a distance from the docking station.  
         [0019]     A modular cardiac therapy system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a cardiac therapy module adapted to deliver an electrical cardiac therapy to a patient, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to the patient to collect patient data, the pod operable at a distance from the base, the cardiac therapy module in the base delivering an electrical cardiac therapy to the patent based on the patient data, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the patient vital signs from the pod to the base; (d) a docking station to house the base in a releasable manner, the base operable at a distance from the docking station, (e) the docking station houses the pod in a releasable manner, (f) the base mounts the pod in a releasable manner, (g) the docking station provides power to recharge batteries within the base and power the base, (h) the docking station provides power to recharge a battery within the pod, (i) the docking station comprises a restraining plate to secure the base thereto, (j) the restraining plate is coupled to a backing plate configured for being secured to a mounting surface, (k) the restraining plate is rotatable towards the backing plating for compact storage when not in use, (l) the docking station further comprises a blade extending vertically from the restraining plate into a recess defined in a lower surface of the base to secure the base to the restraining plate, and (m) a lever rotates the blade inside the recess to secure the base to the plate and enable electrical connection between the base and the docking station.  
         [0020]     A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module adapted to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, the base containing a removable battery to source the power for the defibrillation shock, (b) a pod having a patient parameter module with patient lead cables attachable to the patient to collect patient vital signs, the pod operable at a distance from the base, the pod containing a removable battery to source the power to collect patient vital signs, the pod battery and the base battery being interchangeable between the base and the pod, (c) a communications link between the pod and the base to carry the patient vital signs from the pod to the base, the base having a monitor area to visually display the patient vital signs, (d) the base contains two removable batteries, and each base battery being interchangeable with the pod battery, (e) the base is connected to a printer to print out the patient data, and (f) the base includes printer to print out the patient data. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a pictorial representation of an external defibrillator having a patient module with a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a pictorial representation of a latching assembly on a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial representation of a mating assembly on a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial representation of a mating assembly having a tethered connector in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4 ′ is a pictorial representation of a tethered connector as shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a pictorial representation of a defibrillator/monitor base in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a pictorial representation of an alternate use for a defibrillator/monitor base in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5B  is a front profile view of a defibrillator/monitor base providing an alternate power supply option in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5C  is a view of a defibrillator/monitor providing an alternate power supply option in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a pictorial representation of storage assembly for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6 ′ is a pictorial representation of storage assembly for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7  is a pictorial representation of a multiple patient module storage and attachment assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a pictorial representation of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a pictorial representation of a docking station and defibrillator/monitor as shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a side profile view of a docking station as shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8C  is another side profile view of a docking station as shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 8D  is a top profile view of a docking station as shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a side rear profile view of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a front pictorial of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor and patient module in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a front profile view of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 12  is a front profile view of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 12A  is a side profile view of a docking station of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 13  is a side profile schematic of a defibrillator/monitor and a patient module according to a patient module wireless battery charging embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 14  is a side profile schematic of a defibrillator/monitor and a patient module according to a patient module wireless battery charging embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 15  is an upper level pictorial representation of a patient module in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 16  is an upper level pictorial representation of a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 17  is a schematic view of a patient module in an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0048]      FIG. 18  is a schematic view of a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0049]     The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0050]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a pictorial representation of an external defibrillator having a patient module with a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. External defibrillator  10  is comprised of two components the patient module (pod)  12  and the defibrillator/monitor (base)  14 , which communicate patient data (e.g., vital signs) wirelessly and share common replaceable battery technology. Pod  12  generally rests within base  14 , generally in the back of base  14  as will be discussed in more detail below. The user, during an emergency, has the option of carrying base  14  with pod  12  attached or simply carrying pod  12  to the emergency site. Since pod  12  is smaller and lighter than base  14 , generally it will be easier for the user to simply carry pod  12 . By carrying pod  12 , the user is free to carry more ALS equipment and not be slowed by the heavier and more awkward base  14 .  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , pod  12  connects to patient via several leads  19  in order to measure the patient&#39;s vital signs. The pod communicates the patient&#39;s vital signs either wirelessly or via an electrical connection to defibrillator monitor  14 . The patient data or vital signs collected may include 3, 4, and 5 lead ECG readings, 12 lead ECG readings, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), pulse oximeter data, capnography and other respiratory data, invasive blood pressure, body temperature, CO 2  levels, and additional patient monitoring functions. Additionally, pod  12  may include a small display (not shown) replicating some or all of the information such as waveforms, numerical data, and vital signs being transmitted to base  14 .  
         [0052]     Base  14  includes a therapy module and therapy cables. The therapy module has the capability to provide therapeutic functions such as pacing, defibrillation or synchronous cardioversion without attaching another monitor/defibrillator to the patient. The therapy cables typically include patient paddles or electrodes that attach between the patient and the base  14  in order to deliver the therapy to the patient. Since pod  12  connects to the patient and transmits vital signs to the base  14 , then base  14  need not also have patient monitoring cables. Accordingly, paramedic mobility and ease of use are greatly increased. The defibrillator in the base  14  may be configurable in either an ALS mode or an AED mode. The ALS mode includes a multi-parameter monitoring capability and all of the defibrillator therapy delivery capability. Additionally the base unit may be just as an AED.  
         [0053]     Pod  12  includes some means by which it can be attached to base  14  for the purpose of carrying base  14  to an emergency scene. With reference to  FIG. 2 , a pictorial representation of a latching assembly on a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Latching assembly  16  is used to attach pod  12  to base  15 . Latching assembly  16  is provided with guide ribs  18  and  18 ′, which provide control motion in both the horizontal and vertical direction, aligning base-to-pod interface connector  20  with a similar connector (not shown) on pod  12 . Latch  22  actuates automatically when pod  12  is placed within slot  17 . When pod  12  is lowered within slot  17 , latch  22  will align with a matching cavity on pod  12  to hold pod  12  within slot  17 . When the user wants to remove pod  12  from slot  17 , they simply press button  24 , which pushes the spring-loaded latch  22  back within rear wall  26  of slot  17 . Pod  12  is released and the user simply pulls pod  12  from slot  17 . It is further contemplated pod  12  could be spring released by springs placed at the base of ribs  18  and  18 ′ or perhaps a spring placed within base-to-pod connector  20 . It is also further contemplated base-to-pod connector could be most any type of connector such as a USB port, an AC power connector, an RS-232 connector or any other type of connector known to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, it is contemplated pods of different sizes could be used within slot  17 . For example, a large pod would be guided in place with ribs  18  and  18 ′ and held with latch  22 . If a smaller pod were being used, then the smaller pod would be guided in place with rib  18  so pod  12  aligns with base-to-pod connector  20  and held in place with latch  22 .  
         [0054]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a pictorial representation of a mating assembly on a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Mating assembly  30  comprises recess or slot  32  which can house two types of pods  33 ′ and  33 ″. Since both pods  33 ′ and  33 ″ have the same dimension in the horizontal, both pods  33 ′ and  33 ″ are capable of fitting within slot  32 . When large pod  33 ′ is fit within slot  32  it takes up generally all the available room within slot  32 . When small pod  33 ″ is placed within slot  32  only the room within upper portion  34  is taken up. Both pod  33 ′ and  33 ″ are held in place by attachment to base-to-pod connector  29 . It is contemplated, however, a latch assembly similar to that of  FIG. 2  could be utilized to ensure pods  33 ′ and  33 ″ remain within slot  32  without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0055]     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 4 ′, a pictorial representation of a mating assembly having a tethered connector in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, a pod similar to 12 rests within slot  40  and connects to base-to-pod connector  42 , which allows base  39  and a pod to communicate with each other. Base-to-pod connector  42  rests freely within connector cavity  44 , which allows connector cable  46  to retractably exit and enter base  39  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4 ′. Tethered cable  46  allows a pod to mate with and rest within base  39  or mate with base  39  when not docked within slot  40 . It is sometimes preferred that base  39  communicate with a pod through tethered cable  46  since communications through a direct connection is generally faster as is discussed in more detail below. This is especially the case in the present embodiment as base  39  is equipped with a USB bus, which provides quick communication of information between a pod and base  39 . Base  39  is also able to automatically detect when tethered cable  46  is plugged in so direct communications can be established immediately. A direct communication between a pod and base  39  can be established. This automatic establishment of direct communication between a pod and base  39  includes when a pod is docked within base  39  and a connection is made between a pod and base  39  through connector  42 .  
         [0056]     Generally base  39  and a pod communicate wirelessly to assist in preventing the tangling of cables, which can occur between a patient and base  39 , particularly when transporting patients. Tethered cable  46  provides a back-up system for use when the wireless link between pod  12  and base  14  fails for whatever reason or when precise signal synchronization demands a wired connection. Tethered cable  46  also provides the added advantage in that the user cannot lose cable  46  because it is tethered to base  39 . Similar to the discussion above, wireless links can impose a delay in communication between a pod and base  39  longer than may be experienced with a cable. When communications between base  39  and a pod require a faster response time (such as application of synchronous cardioversion or pacing where information from a pod must be transmitted to base  39 ), the user is advised of the need to plug cable  46  into the pod. The user is provided a user interface message to inform them of the need to attach cable  46 .  
         [0057]     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 5 A, a pictorial representation of an alternate use for a defibrillator/monitor base  51  in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As discussed above, typically a pod  12  is placed within a base using components such as a latching assembly and mating assembly when the pod is not in use or when base  51  is carried to an emergency site, as shown in  FIG. 5 . As an alternate use of a base  51 , the embodiment of  FIG. 5A  allows for an AC power supply  50  to be placed within the base and to provide power to base  51 . Power supply  50  would transfer power to base  51  through a base-to-pod connector (not visible) similar to connector  20 . Upon power supply  50  being plugged into a wall outlet via power cord  54 , power LED  52  provides an indication to the user notifying them power supply  50  is powering  51  and/or charging the base&#39;s battery. Power supply  50  is typically used when for example; a pod is being used on a patient such as on a gurney or next to the patient to provide constant power and reduce battery depletion. Power supply  50  could also be used when the user desires to substantially power base  39  through line power. Thus an alternate pod mounting device would have to be provided as will be discussed in more detail below.  
         [0058]     With reference to  FIG. 5B , a front profile view of a defibrillator/monitor providing an alternate power supply option in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 5B  shows a modular integrated defibrillator/monitor  14  with multiple power supply options. However, unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the present embodiments are able to house pod  12  and provide for an alternate power supply. In  FIG. 5B , base  53  typically is powered by dual batteries  56 . In the alternative, base  53  could be powered by A/C power module  58 . In this embodiment, batteries  56  are replaced with A/C power module  58 . Module  58  is then connected to A/C power to power base  53  without having to remove the pod. In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5C , base  49  has a removable bottom section  59  able to accommodate A/C power module  57 . Therefore, base  49  is able to accommodate a pod and an alternate power supply.  
         [0059]     With reference to  FIGS. 6 , and  6 ′, a pictorial representation of storage assembly for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.  FIG. 6  shows base  61  with brass inserts  60  mounted on the side of base  60 . Brass inserts  60  can be used as clips to attach hand paddles  62 , or side-mounted carrying bags, or a bracket  64  to side mount pod  65 . Bracket  64  allows defibrillator  10  the ability to carry various types of defibrillator support equipment. Further, as stated above, the user has the ability to mount a pod outside of its docking assembly so a power supply  50  can be within the docking assembly and the base can be powered from line power as described above. This alternate mounting assembly provides the advantages of providing easily accessible connectors for troubleshooting and easier access for connection and disconnection of various leads and connectors.  
         [0060]     With reference to  FIG. 7 , a pictorial representation of a multiple patient module storage and attachment assembly in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Pods can come in different sizes generally representing the capability of the pod. For example, smaller pod  74 ′ would provide only the basic features for an external defibrillator, while medium pod  74  would provide several additional features. In the present embodiment, pods  74  and  74 ′ can be docked together in mounting recess or slot  72  contemporaneously. In one embodiment, pod  74  could be latched within mounting slot  72  communicating with base  71  through connector  73 . Similarly, pod  74 ′ can be placed within mounting slot  72  contemporaneously with pod  74  and latched in a communicating relationship with base  71  through connector  73 ′. In another embodiment, pods  74  and  74 ′ could be placed within mounting slot  72  without the need for two base-to-pod connectors  73 . In the embodiment, pod  74  and  74 ′ latch together and communicate through connectors  70 . Then both pods  74  and  74 ′ are placed within mounting slot  72  and latched in a communicating relationship with base  71  through connector  73 . This embodiment not only limits the amount of connectors needed on base  71 , but also allows the user to choose the amount of functions the pod can perform. For example, if the user simply needed to perform an ECG, then the user could choose to carry small pod  74 ′. However, if the emergency situation required additional functions such as monitoring blood pressure in a non-invasive method or a pulse oximeter, then the user would choose to carry medium pod  74 ′. In addition, if the emergency situation required all of the available pod functions, then pod  74 ′ could be latched together with pod  74  to provide a large pod having all necessary functions.  
         [0061]     With reference to  FIGS. 8, 8A ,  8 B,  8 C, and  8 D a pictorial representation of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Docking station  80  performs two main roles. It restrains base  85  under semi-violent maneuvers (2-5G&#39;s) and provides DC power to charge the batteries (not shown) and operate base  85 . Docking station  80  is comprised of restraining plate  81  held to a wall by backing plate  83 . It is contemplated restraining plate  81  could be attached to any surface such as a horizontal shelf of a vertical wall without departing from the spirit of the invention. Restraining plate  81  provides a ring  82  housing a self-aligning propeller or blade  84  as best seen in  FIG. 8D . When the user desires to dock base  85  as shown in  FIG. 8A , it is placed on restraining plate  81  where recess  86  fits over ring  82  and blade  84  fits within opening  88  in plate  90 . When base  85  is properly placed on restraining plate  81 , the user slides lever  92  from unlocked position  94  to locked position  96 . Blade  84  has a quarter turn twist which pulls base  85  to restraining plate  81  when the user slides lever  92  from unlock position  94  to locked position  96 . As lever  92  moves towards locked position  96  electrical power connection  98  will mate with power connection  100  as base  85  is pulled closer to restraining plate  81 . When connectors  98  and  100  make a good electrical contact, indicator  102  illuminates informing the user a good electrical connection has been made between base  85  and docking station  80 . It is of note that no power is applied to connector  100  until a closed circuit connection is made with connector  98 . Therefore, if base  85  is not docked at docking station  80 , then there is no power applied at connector  100 . It is contemplated when lever  92  is in locked position  96 , a short electrical pulse is sent to connector  100  to verify it is in electrical contact with connector  98 .  
         [0062]     When base  85  is locked to restriction plate  82  docking station  80  provides power to base  85 . When in locked position  96 , docking station  80  restricts the base&#39;s up and down, side to side movement to prevent damage to base  85 . It is contemplated docking station  80  could also dock a pod. It is further contemplated docking station  80  could also provide communications from base  85  to a network, such as is described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/378,001 filed Feb. 28, 2003 titled “Medical Device Status Information System”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Finally, when the user has removed base  85 , restriction plate  81  quickly rotates out of the way for compact storage along axis  104  as more clearly shown in  FIG. 8B .  
         [0063]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , a side rear profile view of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Docking station  110  is comprised of sliding plate  112 , rollers  114 , ribs  116 , and latch  118 . In use, base  111  is modified with guides  120  held in place by screw, bolts or the like, which slide under ribs  116  when base  111  is placed upon and slid on sliding plate  112 . Rollers assist in sliding base  111  along sliding plate  112 . When base  111  is fully within docking station  110 , latch  118  engages a notch on the underside of base  111 , which prevents base  111  from exiting sliding plate  112 . When guides  120  are within ribs  116 , base  111  is unable to move from side to side. Thus latch  118  in combination with guides  120  and ribs  116  prevent any substantial movement of base  111 . Further, when base  111  is fully within docking station  110 , connector  122  mates with another connector (not shown) at the rear of docking station  110 , which provides power to run base  111  and charge the base&#39;s battery as well. When the user chooses to remove base  111  from docking station  110 , they would simply press spring loaded button  124 , which releases latch  118  and allows for easy removal of base  111 .  
         [0064]     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a front pictorial of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor and patient module in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, docking station  130  houses pod  133  and base  131 . It is contemplated docking station  130  could be similar to the structure of docking stations  80  or  110  adjusting of course the size of the docking station to accommodate pod  133  and base  131 . In this embodiment, both pod  133  and base  131  are held securely in docking station  130  and both pod  133  and base  131  are provided with power to charge each respective battery and power each respective device. It is further contemplated pod  133  could be an alternate in the event the pod within base  131  failed. Therefore, in the event of a pod failure, the user would simply return to docking station  130  and retrieve pod  133  place it within the base&#39;s docking station (or connect to base  131  through a tethered cord) where base  131  would automatically identify pod  133  and dynamically pair up with pod  133 .  
         [0065]     With reference to  FIG. 11 , a front profile view of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to the docking station of  FIG. 8 , the present docking station  140  has a locking handle  142  a propeller or blade  144 , and restraining plate  146 . A base would rest on restraining plate  146 , the user would then slid handle  142  into the locking position, thus rotating propeller  144  to hold base  14  to restraining plate  146 . Docking station  140  is held to a wall by screws, bolts, or the like through retaining holes  148 . When the user removes the base by taking locking handle  142  to the unlock position and lifting the base, restraining plate  146  is moved upward along axis  150  until it rests against back plate  154 . The user then moves locking handle  142  into the locking position, which causes propeller  144  to engage aperture  152  and thus retain restraining plate  146  to back plate  154  thus keeping docking station  130  out of the way for others who may be walking by.  
         [0066]     With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 12 A, front and side profile views of a docking station for a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Docking station  160  is attached to a wall by screw, bolts, or the like through retaining holes  162 . Base  14  is placed upon tray  164  and then the user would turn locking knob  166  to the locking position. By turning locking knob  166  base  14  is pulled back towards the wall until hook  168  on base  14  engages hook  170  on support  173 . Battery  171  provides power to the base and can recharge the battery if the base carries a rechargeable battery. This allows docking station  160  to be used in an area when line power is inaccessible. When the base is removed from docking station  160 , support  173  is lifted toward wall mount  175  for storage.  
         [0067]     With reference to  FIG. 13 , a side profile schematic of a defibrillator/monitor and a patient module according to a patient module wireless battery-charging embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the present embodiment, base  181  is able to charge pod battery  188  wirelessly from line power  180  through primary coil  182  located in base  181  and secondary coil  184  located in pod  183 . Bridge rectifier  186  acts to convert A/C line power  180  to a D/C voltage which charges battery  188  of pod  183 . This concept can even be extended to cover a docking station wirelessly charging a base unit as is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. patent application titled “Apparatus and Method for Maintaining a Defibrillator Battery Charge and Optionally Communicating” Ser. No. 10/423,805 filed on Apr. 15, 2003.  
         [0068]     With reference to  FIG. 14 , another side profile schematic of a defibrillator/monitor and a patient module according to a patient module wireless battery charging embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, proper alignment of a first plate  192  connected to line power  190  within base  14  and a second plate  194  within pod  193  provides for capacitive coupling. As before, bridge rectifier  196  acts to convert A/C line power  190  to a D/C voltage which charges battery  198  of pod  193 .  
         [0069]     With reference to  FIG. 15 , an upper level pictorial representation of a patient module in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Generally, pod  212  uses replaceable or rechargeable batteries  216  for power and comprises any combination of the following features: 3, 4, and 5 lead ECG inputs  218 , 12 lead ECG inputs  220 , non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) input  222 , pulse oximeter input  224 , capnography input (not shown), invasive blood pressure input  226 , temperature input  228 , CO 2  input  230 , additional patient monitoring functions, wireless (RF) transceiver  232  to transmit any or all real time patient data to base  214 . Additionally, pod  212  may include a small display (not shown) replicating some or all of the information such as waveforms, numerical data, and vital signs being transmitted to base  214 . Additionally, pod  212  includes some means by which it can be attached to base  214  for the purpose of carrying base  214  to an emergency scene as is discussed in detail above.  
         [0070]     With reference to  FIG. 16 , an upper level pictorial representation of a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Base  214  uses a replaceable or rechargeable battery  250  for power. Batteries  216  and  250  are generally similar in battery chemistry, electrical, and mechanical features to permit the interchangeability between batteries  216  and  250 . Additionally, base  214  comprises a display  252  sufficient to show current and historical patient data, a transceiver (not shown) to send acquired patient data onto a receiving station or third party data receiver (discussed in more detail below), a module  256  to synchronize shocks and pacing pulses to the patient&#39;s intrinsic rhythm from data acquired by a pod  212 , an error checking and de-multiplexing module  254  receiving and processing data received from pod  212 , and a data interpretation module  258  which analyzes data acquired by pod  212  and makes certain interpretive statements on the patient&#39;s cardiac or respiratory condition, displays vital sign trends, and provides additional functions found in ALS monitoring products.  
         [0071]     With reference to  FIG. 17 , a schematic view of a patient monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As discussed above, pod  212  can be powered from a removable/rechargeable battery  260 . Power module  262  processes the incoming power into appropriate power levels for each of the internal components. Power module  262  routes the pod&#39;s power supply through main power and data bus  264  to system controller module  266 , patient parameter module  268 , and user interface module  270 . As discussed above, pod  212  can be used wirelessly, however, pod  212  can be directly connected through a tethered cable  46  or through attachment to a connector  20  to utilize the speed of data bus  264 .  
         [0072]     System controller module  266  controls interaction of all the pod&#39;s modules through data bus  264  and interaction with base  214  through wired or wireless (e.g., IrDA, RF, etc.) communication link  272  or through data bus  264  if pod  212  is connected to base  214 . Patient parameter module  268  monitors functions such as invasive blood pressure, patient&#39;s temperature, and inputs from the pod leads. Module  268  further collects inputs from EtCO2 module  274 , NIBP module  276 , and SpO2 module  278  through OEM module  280 . Patient parameter module  268  takes all of these inputs and processes them for display and routes only a limited number of inputs to Small LCD display module  282  through user interface module  270 . User Interface module  270  allows the user to primarily interact with pod  212 ; however, it is contemplated that user could use the module  270  to interact with base  214  as well.  
         [0073]     With reference to  FIG. 18 , a schematic view of a defibrillator/monitor in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Base  214  is powered by a removable/rechargeable battery  284 , which provides power to power module  286 . Alternatively, base  214  could be powered by A/C line power  288 . Power module  286  processes the incoming power into appropriate powered levels for each of the internal components. Power module  286  also routes the bases power supply through main power and data bus  290  to interconnect module  292 , system controller module  294 , therapy module  296 , and user interface module  298 . Interconnect module  292  is utilized to detect how pod  212  is connected to base  214  (wirelessly, docked, or tethered cable). Similar to system controller module  266  (in  FIG. 17 ), system controller module  294  controls all interaction of all of the base&#39;s modules through data bus  290  and interaction with pod  212  through wired or wireless connection communication link  272  or through data bus  290  if pod  212  is connected to base  214 . Therapy module  296  synchronizes shocks and pacing pulses to the patient&#39;s intrinsic rhythm from data acquired from pod  212 . Module  296  administers shocks from voltages via the defibrillation cap  300  and, in turn, administers pacing pulses to a patient. User interface module  298  allows the user to primarily interact with base  214 ; however, it is contemplated that user could use the module  298  to interact with pod  212  as well. LCD module  302  allows the user to view a patient&#39;s monitored parameters. Finally, the user has the option to print out patient information on a printer  304  (e.g., a 100 mm strip chart printer).  
         [0074]     One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow.