346results about "Iron-lungs" patented technology

A wearable cardiopulmonary resuscitation assist device or system including: a wearable article to be worn by a cardiopulmonary resuscitation performer or a patient, for assisting administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the performer; at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; at least one feedback component for conveying feedback information based on the parameter to the performer for assisting the performer in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor and to send information based on the parameter to the at least one feedback component. Also a method for training or improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures using the device.

A system applies cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a recipient. An automated controller is provided together with a compression device which periodically applies a force to a recipient's thorax under control of the automated controller. A band is adapted to be placed around a portion of the torso of the recipient corresponding to the recipient's thorax. A driver mechanism shortens and lengthens the circumference of the band. By shortening the circumference of the band, radial forces are created acting on at least lateral and anterior portions of the thorax. A translating mechanism may be. provided for translating the radial forces to increase the concentration of anterior radial forces acting on the anterior portion of the thorax. The driver mechanism may comprise a tension device for applying a circumference tensile force to the band. The driver mechanism may comprise an electric motor, a pneumatic linear actuator, or a contracting mechanism defining certain portions of the circumference of the band. The contracting mechanism may comprise plural fluid-receiving cells linked together along the circumference of the band. The width of each of the fluid-receiving cells becomes smaller as each cell is filled with a fluid. This causes the contraction of the band and a resulting shortening of the circumference of the band.

Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions. The system may be provided with a tilt compensator comprising a tilt sensor mechanism outputting a tilt compensation signal indicative of the extent of tilt of the device, and may be further provided with an adjuster for adjusting the distance value in accordance with the tilt compensation signal. An ECG signal processor may be provided which removes the CPR-induced artifact from a measured ECG signal obtained during the administration of CPR.

The present invention provides a CPR sensor that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate having one or more sensor arrays, a power source, an output interface and a processor or analog circuit, all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate. The substrate can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array, the power source, and the processor or analog circuit. Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays measure one or more of the following compressions characteristics: compression depth, compression force, compression frequency and compression acceleration.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Systems and methods for applying enhanced guided active compression decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. Exemplary systems include a load cell, a handle, an adhesive pad. The handle and the adhesive pad are configured for magnetic coupling.

In one embodiment, a method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion comprises sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.

Systems and methods for enhancing circulation are described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a method for enhancing circulation. The method comprises attaching at least one compression device to at least a portion of a person's lower extremity. The person's chest is repetitively compressed so that the chest experiences a compression phase and a recoil phase or decompression. Also, the person's lower extremity is compressed using the compression device during at least some of the recoil phases.

The present invention comprises a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback device and a method for performing CPR. A chest compression detector device is provided that measures chest compression during the administration of CPR. The chest compression detector device comprises a signal transmitter operably positioned on the chest of the patient and adapted to broadcast a signal, and a signal receiver adapted to receive the signal. The chest compression detector device also comprises a processor, operably connected to the signal transmitter and the signal receiver. The processor repeatedly analyzes the signal received to determine from the signal a series of measurements of compression of the chest, and feedback is provided to the rescuer based on the series of measurements.

Embodiments of the present concept are directed to medical devices for use by a rescuer who is caring for a patient and includes a bottom device for use with a top device to measure the depth of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) chest compressions delivered to the chest of a patient. The top device is intended for placement on the chest of the patient and has a top mechanism that is moveable up and down as the chest compressions are delivered to the patient. The bottom device includes a generally elongate member having a handle at one end and a bottom mechanism near the opposite end. The elongate member is structured to be placed under the patient during delivery of CPR. The top mechanism and the bottom mechanism cooperate to generate a value for a net depth of the compressions of the patient chest with reference to each other.

An active respiratory therapeutic device for clearing breathing passages, loosening and breaking up mucus plugs and phlegm in a patient's sinuses, trachea, bronchial passages and lungs while a patient is breathing normally through the device is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a C shaped curved hollow housing having a closed end portion and an open threaded end portion. The open end portion forms at least part of an acoustic coupling chamber. A generally funnel shaped tapered mouthpiece tapers to a small end portion sized to be inserted into a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece forms another part of the acoustic coupling chamber. An acoustic signal generator housed within the hollow housing generates and directs acoustic vibrations into and through the coupling chamber. The mouthpiece preferably includes a valve permitting a patient breathing through the mouthpiece to inhale through a valve opening and exhale through a bypass passage around the valve while at the same time coupling the acoustic coupling chamber into the patient's airways.

The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Embodiments of the present concept are directed to CPR chest compression machines that include a sensor to detect a parameter about a patient, such as an indication of patient recovery, and include a processor that determines whether to cease series of successive compressions on the patient in response to the detected parameter.

A diaphragm assist device includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the diaphragm. The mat is made from a material responsive to application of an electromagnetic field so as to be movable into compressive relation with the diaphragm in response to application of the electromagnetic field thereto and movable out of the compressive relation to permit the diaphragm to relax when application of the electromagnetic field is discontinued. The device also includes an electromagnetic assembly adapted for surrounding the torso of the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat, and for alternately generating and discontinuing the electromagnetic field so that the mat alternately moves into and out of the compressive relation with the diaphragm. The device also includes a controller constructed and arranged to control an intensity level of the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic assembly.

This invention is an improved medical device for non-invasive pulsation, including counterpulsation or simultaneous pulsation, treatment of heart disease and circulatory disorder through external cardiac assistance. The device is a cuff which is affixed on a patient's lower body and extremities, and which constricts or expands by electromechanical activation, thereby augmenting blood pressure for treatment purposes. The cuff contains preferably fixed volume fluids such as gel, air, or water. The cuff envelops and is affixed to the patient's lower body and limbs. In an alternative embodiment, the cuff creates a fixed volume of air between the cuff and the patient such that the cuff creates a vacuum when expanding, thereby stimulating return of blood to the constricted region, permitting better and/or faster responses.

A method is provided for resuscitating a patient from cardiac arrest. This may be done by (a) performing chest compressions for a first period of time at a depth of between about 1.5 to about 3 inches, and (b) ceasing chest compressions for a second period of time. Steps (a) and (b) may be repeated at least two times in order to prevent reperfusion injury after cardiac arrest.

A device for performing chest compressions for CPR in coordination with applying electro-stimulus for additional resuscitative actions such as electro-ventilation, electro-counterpulsion, and defibrillation. The device includes a chest compression mechanism, electrodes and power supply for electro-stimulus, and a control system for applying electro-stimulus in coordination with the action of the chest compression mechanism.

A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.