Medical device designed to check a user's responsiveness

Abstract

Portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71) comprising: at least one treatment electrode (5); at least one sensor (4); at least one controller (2) connected to the at least one treatment electrode (5) and the at least one sensor (4); at least one response mechanism (6) wirelessly connected to the at least one controller (2), and wherein the at least one response mechanism (6) is activated by a patient (1) who uses the portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61;71) is operable, characterized in that the at least one control (2) is configured: - in response to the detection of a patient condition requiring treatment via the at least one sensor (4), to provide a prompt issued by the portable defibrillator to the patient to elicit a response; - in response to the detection that the at least one response mechanism has not been activated, to provide treatment to the patient via the at least one treatment electrode; - in response to the detection that the patient has activated the at least one response mechanism, to prevent treatment of the patient via the at least one treatment electrode; and - to verify that it is the patient (1) who is wearing the portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61;71) was, who activated the at least one response mechanism (6) by the at least one control (2) being designed to receive an input signal from the patient's body during activation of the at least one response mechanism, and to confirm, at least partially on the basis of the received input signal, that the patient (1), who is wearing the portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71), has activated the at least one response mechanism (6).

Description

Field of the InventionThis invention relates to devices and methods used to verify the responsiveness of a person wearing a medical device such as a portable defibrillator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThere are many patients who are prone to cardiac arrhythmia and are at risk of sudden death. For example, patients suffering coronary artery occlusion and myocardial infarction are severely compromised by tachyarrhythmia for several weeks after coronary artery occlusion. Such patients are generally hospitalized, but can be released prematurely if a convenient means is present to protect them from life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. One such practical means involves the implantation of an automatic defibrillator. Patients may, however, also be discharged prior to such implantation if an external defibrillator, such as a portable defibrillator, is available in the event they suffer life threatening tachyarrhythmia.There are also patients who are at an undue risk due to the surgery required to implant an implantable defibrillator. In such patients, implantation would preferably be avoided so that the excessive risk may be avoided or otherwise alleviated.Wearable defibrillators are often used to help persons with cardiac conditions that make them susceptible to life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Such wearable defibrillators are typically designed to quickly treat a life threatening cardiac arrhythmia that is detected while a patient is wearing the device. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,928,690 A, 5,078,134 A, 5,741,306 A, 5,944,669 A, 6,065,154 A, 6,097,987 A, 6,253,099 A, 6,280,461 A and 6,681,003 A disclose wearable defibrillators. Wearable defibrillators are commonly used to help patients who either cannot risk implanting a defibrillator or expect such implantation. Occasionally, a patient wearing a wearable defibrillator may seem to suffer a life threatening cardiac arrhythmia, although this is not the case. In such circumstances, the portable defibrillator is often designed to generate an audible alarm which is designed to cease when the patient provides a required response, such as pressing one or more response keys. If a patient fails to press such buttons or otherwise provide a required response, the device may be configured to determine that the patient is conscious and is subject to a condition requiring treatment.Occasionally, a passerby or viewer may interfere with the device by inadvertently pressing the response buttons or otherwise providing a response to the wearable device, causing the device to present treatment to the patient. Such a disorder may have considerable consequences because it may delay treatment a patient needs. For example, such a disorder may damage the patient by an improperly delayed treatment and in some cases result in death of the patient.There is a need for wearable defibrillators and other medical devices to verify that a user providing a response is the patient and not a viewer by preventing someone except the patient from responding when the patient is exposed to an incident that may require treatment. Such verification is preferably made during a treatable cardiac rhythm perturbation event.The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the aforementioned problems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is a portable defibrillator as set out in claim 1.A portable defibrillator is provided that includes one or more controllers, one or more treatment electrodes, one or more sensors, and one or more response mechanisms. The one or more controllers are connected to the one or more sensors and / or the one or more treatment electrodes. The one or more response mechanisms are connected to the one or more controllers and are actuatable by a patient wearing the wearable defibrillator. The one or more controllers are configured to receive input from the one or more response mechanisms and determine, based at least in part on the input, whether the patient wearing the wearable defibrillator has actuated the one or more response mechanisms.According to an embodiment, the one or more response mechanisms may include one or more detectors, one or more transducers, or any combination thereof. According to further embodiments, the one or more response mechanisms may include at least one key connected to one or more detectors, one or more transducers, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the one or more transducers are biometric transducers and the one or more detectors are biometric sensors. In one embodiment, the one or more transducers of the one or more response mechanisms may be configured to transmit a marker signal, and the one or more detectors of the one or more response mechanisms may be configured to receive the marker signal and transmit at least a portion of the received marker signal to the one or more controllers.In another embodiment, the portable defibrillator may further include one or more waste signal generators connected to the one or more controllers, the one or more sensors, and / or the one or more treatment electrodes. The one or more waste signal generators may be configured to transmit a waste signal over at least a portion of the patient's body. Preferably, the one or more response mechanisms include one or more detectors configured to receive the decay signal when the patient actuates the response mechanism.In another embodiment, the one or more response mechanisms may include at least one detector configured to detect the capacitance of a person operating the response mechanism and the one or more controllers configured to determine a capacitance value from the input. Preferably, the one or more controllers are configured to compare the sensed capacitance value to a range of patient capacitance values to determine whether the patient has actuated the response mechanism.According to an embodiment, the one or more sensors may be configured to receive an ECG signal from the patient, and the one or more response mechanisms may include at least one detector configured to receive an ECG signal from a person operating the one or more response mechanisms. Preferably, the one or more controllers are configured to compare the ECG signal received from the one or more sensors and the ECG signal received from the one or more detectors to determine whether the patient has actuated the one or more response mechanisms based at least in part on the input. In one embodiment, the one or more controllers may be configured to compare the ECG signals received from the one or more sensors and the one or more detectors using morphology comparisons, frequency comparisons, and / or R-wave synchronizations.In further embodiments, the wearable defibrillator may further include at least one accessory connected to the one or more controllers. The one or more accessory items preferably include at least one ring, at least one badge, at least one bracelet, or any combination thereof. According to one embodiment, the one or more accessory objects comprise at least one identification mark configured to transmit an identification signal. The one or more response mechanisms may further include at least one detector configured to receive the identification signal.Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of certain present preferred embodiments thereof and certain present preferred methods of operating the same.Brief Description of the Drawings.The present preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and certain present preferred methods of operating the same are also illustrated therein. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator that uses a marker signal to verify user responsiveness. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a present preferred embodiment of a controller having a display and a speaker. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a second present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator that uses a decay signal to verify user responsiveness. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first present preferred method for providing treatment to a patient wearing the second present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a third present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator that uses ECG signals to verify user responsiveness. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a second present preferred method for providing treatment to a patient wearing the third present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the second present preferred method for providing treatment to a patient wearing the third present preferred embodiment of a wearable defibrillator when a non-patient provides a response to a request sent by the third present preferred embodiment of a wearable defibrillator. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a fourth present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator that uses a touch sensor to verify user responsiveness. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a third present preferred method for providing treatment to a patient wearing the fourth present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a fifth present preferred embodiment of a portable defibrillator that uses one or more accessory items that transmit an identification tag to a monitoring device to verify user responsiveness.Detailed Description of the Present Preferred EmbodimentsA patient 1 wearing a wearable defibrillator 31 configured to be worn as a vest is illustrated in FIG. 1. The portable defibrillator 31 has sensing electrodes 4 which are connected to a controller 2 via a wiring 3. Treatment electrodes 5 are also connected to the controller 2. The controller 2 has at least one response key 6. The response key 6 is configured to transmit a unique marker signal 11 into the body of a person touching the key 6. The marker signal 11 is preferably transmitted throughout the body of the person touching the key 6.The marker signal 11 may be analog or digital and should have electrical characteristics that are safe for the person pressing the answer button 6, and preferably the patient 1. The marker signal 11 is preferably an electronically generated low amplitude signal which will not damage the patient 1. The marker signal 11 may comprise encoded information unique to either the patient 1 or the portable defibrillator 31 worn by the patient 1.The detection electrodes 4 are configured to detect the marker signal 11 together with the ECG cardiac signals 12 or further biometric signals of the patient 1. The controller 2 is configured to receive the mark signal 11 and an input from one or more of the sensors configured to receive the mark signal 11 and decode the mark signal 11 and an input from the one or more sensors 4. The sensors 4 can furthermore be configured to record the ECG signals or other biometric signals.The controller 2 is configured to verify that the marker signal 11 is transmitted into the patient 1. It should be understood that the verification of the marker signal 11 may enable the controller 2 to ensure that any person who can actuate the response button 6 cannot prevent the defibrillator from providing treatment unless the person is the patient 1.A present preferred embodiment of a circuit which may be used in the controller 2 is illustrated in Figure 2. The present preferred embodiment of the circuit may be used in the portable defibrillator embodiment shown in Figure 1. The circuit comprises a marker signal generator 16 connected to the answer key 6. A microcontroller 7 is connected to the marker signal generator 16, a signal processing circuit 8, a defibrillator processing circuit 9, and a patient notification circuit 10. The response key 6 can have a biometric converter 17 or further converters which are configured to emit the marking signal 11 which is generated by the marking signal generator 16 into the body of a person who touches the key 6.The signal processing circuit 8 is configured to receive the marker signal 11 transmitted from the transducer 17 into the body of the patient 1. In the event that the marking signal 11 is not received by the body of the patient 1, the microcontroller 7 is configured such that treatment is provided to the patient 1 from the treatment electrodes 5. In case the signal processing circuit 8 receives the marker signal 11 transmitted from the biometric transducer 17, the microcontroller 7 is configured to execute a treatment algorithm or treatment program which is / is stored in the microcontroller 7, is operatively connected to the microcontroller 7 or is programmed into the defibrillator processing circuit 9.The treatment algorithm may require that the controller 2 verifies that the sensed condition of the patient 1 indicates that treatment is needed, that the answer key 6 has been pressed, and that the marker signal 11 has been received to verify that the person pressing the answer key 6 is the patient 1. In the event that a patient 1 does not actuate the response button 6 or a further actuator, the defibrillator processing circuit 9 is configured such that it causes the treatment electrodes 5 to be actuated in order to provide treatment for the patient 1. In the event that the patient 1 actuates the response key 6, the defibrillator processing circuit 9 or the microcontroller 7 is configured such that the treatment electrodes 5 do not provide treatment for the patient 1, since the patient 1 must be aware to actuate the response key 6.In the event that a non-patient presses the response button 6 in response to alarms, instructions, or other prompts directed to the patient 1, the controller 2 may be configured to send additional instructions that are forwarded to the patient or viewer as an audible output, visual output, or both. For example, if a non-patient improperly presses the answer key 6, the controller 2 may be configured to ensure that instructions are directed to the non-patient informing the non-patient that treatment of the patient will soon commence, or that the non-patient should not press the answer key 6 and that the non-patient should remove and not contact the patient 1. Of course, the controller 2 may also be configured to invoke further instructions or prompts transmitted to a non-patient, a patient, or both.The microcontroller 7 may be further configured to provide audible instructions, visual instructions, or a combination of both audible and visual instructions to a patient 1 or others located proximate the patient 1. The microcontroller 7 may be connected to an audio speaker or a display, which is arranged on or in a housing of the controller 2 or arranged in another device, which is worn by the patient 1 or is connected to the controller 2. The controller 2 may be configured to direct instructions or prompts to the patient 1. For example, visual instructions may be displayed on the display, such as an LCD display or another display connected to the controller 2. The instructions may further be audibly provided to the patient 1 as an output transmitted from the speaker or another audible output device.It should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may include a response key 6 that does not include mechanical actuation or functionality. For example, an alternative embodiment may include an actuator mounted to the controller housing or an actuator integrally formed with the controller housing 2. For example, a portion of the control housing may include a marker identifying the location of a biometric transducer 17 integrally formed with the portion of the control housing such that a patient knows where to place a finger or other portion of the patient's body to respond to alarms or other prompts used to prompt the patient to verify that the patient is awake and does not need treatment.A wearable defibrillator may be further configured to use a decay signal 14 to determine that the patient 1 responds to prompts or instructions to verify that the patient is conscious and does not require treatment. An embodiment of such a portable defibrillator is illustrated in Figure 3 which shows a portable defibrillator 41 using a decay signal 14. A block diagram illustrating the operation of the second present preferred embodiment of defibrillator 41 is shown in Figure 4. One or more therapy electrodes 5 or treatment electrodes are configured to emit a unique waste marking signal 14 into the body of the patient 1. One or more of the sensors 4 of the defibrillator 41 are configured to sense the decay signal 14. Preferably, the decay signal 14 has electrical features that enable the one or more sensors 4 to further capture further biometric signals, such as ECG signals or other signals. The controller 2 is configured to detect the presence of the decay signal 14.The controller 2 may be further configured to detect whether a sensor 4 has fallen off the body. For example, the controller 2 may be configured to determine that a sensor 4 has been separated from the body of the patient 1 when the debris marker signal 14 is not detected by one of the sensors 4 but is detected by other sensors 4. If the controller 2 determines that such a condition exists, the controller 2 may be configured to issue one or more prompts or instructions to the patient 1 to reattach the remote sensor 4. Such an instruction or prompt may also be provided on a display connected to the controller 2 or a speaker connected to the controller 2.The controller 2 comprises a microcontroller 7 connected to a decay signal generator 17, the sensors 4, a patient notification circuit 10, a defibrillator circuit 9 and a signal processing circuit 8. In some embodiments of the portable defibrillator, signal processing circuitry 8, patient notification circuitry 10, and microcontroller 7 may be disposed within the housing of controller 2.The decay signal generator 17 is connected to the sensors 4. In other embodiments, the waste signal generator 17 may be connected to a separate device carried by the patient 1, such as the treatment electrodes 5The response key 6 comprises a biometric detector 18 or a further biometric sensor which is configured to receive the waste signal 14 from the body of the person who contacts the response key. The signal processing circuit 8 is configured to determine whether the decay signal 14 has been received from the biometric sensor 18.The controller 2 is configured to determine whether the response key 6 has been operated and, if so, whether the decay signal 14 has been received from the biometric sensor 18. In the case that both the fall signal 14 has been received and the response key 6 has been operated, the controller 2 is configured to determine that the patient 1 has operated the response key 6. It should be appreciated that such a determination may be used to verify that a patient 1 responds to prompts or instructions displayed or played by reporting devices, such as a monitor or speaker connected to the controller 2.A third embodiment of a portable defibrillator 51 is shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7. The response key 6 of the portable defibrillator 51 has an ECG detector 19 which is designed to record the ECG signal 12 of the patient 1 wearing the defibrillator. The ECG detector 19 may be attached to the answer key 6 such that at least a portion of the detector 19 extends across the exterior surface of the answer key 6, may be attached to the exterior surface of the answer key 6, or may be otherwise connected to the answer key 6. Preferably, the ECG detector 19 is an ECG electrode, which is similar in its configuration to ECG sensors 4 which are attached to the defibrillator 51.The controller 2 of the defibrillator 51 may be configured to confirm that the patient 1 is operating the answer button 6 by correlating an ECG signal 20 received from the ECG detector 19 with the ECG signals 20, 21 received from the ECG sensors 4 worn by the patient 1. The controller 2 may be configured to compare the ECG signals received from the ECG detector 19 with the ECG signals received from the ECG sensors 4 worn by the patient 1 in various ways. For example, the controller 2 may be configured to use morphological comparisons, frequency comparison, R-wave synchronization, or any combination thereof to compare the ECG signals 20, 21 and determine whether the ECG signals 20, 21 received from the ECG detector 19 verify that the person pressing the response button 6 is the patient 1.It should be understood that if a person other than the patient operates the answer key 6, a corresponding ECG signal should not be detected by the controller 2. As shown in Figure 7, if a non-patient actuates the answer key 6, the ECG signal received from the ECG detector 19 will be an ECG signal that does not match the patient ECG signal received from the sensors 4. It should also be understood that if a person other than the patient 1 does not have a common ground reference with the circuit of defibrillator 51, a disturbed signal or no signal at all can be received from controller 2. The signal processing circuit 8 or microcontroller 7 may be configured to detect that the signal received from the ECG detector 19 does not match the signals received from the sensors 4. The controller 2 may be further configured to disregard any operation of the response key 6 for which the controller 2 determines that it has been performed by a person other than the patient 1. The controller 2 may be further configured to provide prompts or instructions to a non-patient who has operated a response key to inform the non-patient that he or she should not respond to the prompts, to request a further input to verify that the person who operates the response key is not the patient, or to inform the non-patient that treatment for the patient 1 is about to be performed and that he or she should accordingly remove from the patient 1.Another embodiment of a portable defibrillator shown in Figures 8 and 9 shows a portable defibrillator 61 configured to verify that a patient 1 is operating a response button 6 or operating another response mechanism by detecting a capacitance value of the person or object operating the response button. The capacitance value can be used to verify whether the patient 1 or another person has actuated the response mechanism. For example, the measured capacitance value may be compared to a patient-related value or range of values stored in the controller to verify that the patient has actuated the response mechanism. The stored capacity value or range of capacity values may be stored in the controller 2 during the defibrillator commissioning procedure or may be stored and saved by the controller 2 during an initial use of the defibrillator by the patient 1 and reused by the controller 2 until a new value or range of values is saved in the controller 2 to replace the old value or range of values.The controller 2 of the portable defibrillator 61 has a response key 6 which includes a capacitive detector 22 or other capacitive sensor. The capacitive detector 22 is preferably a capacitive electrode. The capacitive detector 22 is connected to a touch sensor 15 or other circuit configured to detect changes in capacitance 23 due to patient-specific physical interaction with the response key 6 and the capacitive detector 22. As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 2 may be configured to determine when the response button 6 has been operated by the patient 1 by comparing the capacitance value detected by the capacitance detector 22 with a capacitance value or capacitance value range stored in the controller 2 or a memory connected to the controller 2. The controller 2 is configured to determine that the patient 1 has not operated the answer key 6 if the capacitance value is not within the stored value range or does not correspond to the stored value. The controller 2 may be configured to disregard an actuation of the response button 6 when it is determined that the patient 1 did not actuate the response button 6, and may be further configured to provide one or more prompts or instructions to the non-patient who may have actuated the response button 6.Further, accessories may also be used to verify that a patient is providing input to a wearable defibrillator. The embodiment of the portable defibrillator 71 shown in Figure 10 includes, for example, one or more accessories that transmit an identification tag 26 to the defibrillator controller 2. The accessory items may be a finger ring 24, bracelet 25, neck strap, loop, earring, badge, nameplate, or any other accessory that may be worn by a user, or any combination thereof.The controller 2 may include one or more receivers or other detectors configured to receive the identification tag transmitted from the one or more accessory items. The controller 2 may be further configured to determine when an accessory object is proximate to the housing of the controller 2 or a monitor or other display connected to the controller 2. For example, a magnetic proximity detector 27 or other proximity sensor configured to sense one or more of the accessory items may be provided on or connected to the controller 2.The controller 2 may be configured to use the presence of the accessory item to verify that the patient is operating a response mechanism such as a response button 6. The controller 2 may be further configured to verify that all actuations of the response mechanism are performed by a patient during a treatment sequence performed or controlled by the controller 2. For example, the controller 2 may be configured to ignore actuation of a response mechanism or transmit additional patient prompts, alarms, or instructions via a display or speaker connected to the controller 2 if a corresponding identification accessory is not detected or is not detected within a predetermined distance from the controller 2 or a receiver.The location of the response mechanism, such as one or more response buttons 6, may be sized and configured to avoid accidental actuation or response from someone other than the patient. The response mechanism can have, for example, one or more buttons which are arranged on the housing of the controller 2 at a hidden or hidden location. An example of such a hidden location may be a recessed portion of the controller's housing. Another example of such a hidden location may be placing one or more response keys 6 under a latch or cover that is / is movably connected to the controller 2 housing or a display connected to the controller 2. As yet another example, the response mechanism may be a device having one or more actuators wirelessly connected to the controller 2. Such a device may be within the pocket of an article of apparel worn by a patient or located elsewhere that a typical passerby would likely not see or find.It should be appreciated that multiple answer keys 6, answer switches or other answer mechanism may / may be connected to the controller 2. Preferably, two or more answer keys are used such that simultaneous actuation of the two or more keys is required to actuate the answer mechanism. Such a configuration may reduce false positive detection.Of course, actuation of a response mechanism may further comprise actuating one or more response keys in a particular sequence. For example, the controller 2 or a response mechanism may be configured such that actuation of a response mechanism occurs when a patient presses different keys in a particular sequence or moves one or more response switches or other keys to different positions. For example, if an embodiment has a response mechanism that includes a switch, the response mechanism may be configured such that movement of the switch from a first position to a second position and then back to the first position within a certain time interval is necessary to actuate the response mechanism.It should be appreciated that one or more additional sensors may be used to avoid inadvertent actuation or response from a non-patient. Such additional sensors may include a biometric sensor such as a fingerprint, voice, or face detection sensor. The controller 2 may be configured to require input from the additional sensor that correlates with patient data stored in the controller 2 or in a memory connected to the controller 2 to verify that a patient is operating a response mechanism or otherwise providing input to the controller 2.Of course, the controller 2 may be further configured to use further verification methods to provide additional input confirming that a patient is providing input to the controller 2. For example, a feedback loop may further be used, which includes a current path to the controller 2 or a current path to a display device connected to the controller 2 to verify that a patient provides input to the controller 2.One or more additional sensors may further comprise a motion, position or oximetry detector located at another region of the patient's body and connected to the controller 2. The controller 2 may be configured to receive input from such a sensor to assist the controller 2 in determining the condition of the patient 1.Embodiments of a portable defibrillator may further include a controller 2 configured to receive a code or password from a patient 1. The password or code may be provided to the controller 2 by using one or more keys, keyboard, or other data input device connected to the controller 2 or located on the controller 2. The controller 2 may be configured to request input of the password or code at any time during the course of alarms or other prompts or instructions to prevent someone other than the patient from inadvertently giving a response if the patient 1 is conscious. Of course, a code may further comprise pressing one or more answer keys, one or more answer switches, or other answer actuators in a particular sequence.Of course, the controller 2 may be further configured to verify that the response mechanism is operating properly to avoid or mitigate errors due to defective or damaged response mechanisms. According to an embodiment, the controller 2 may be configured to check the response mechanism for correct functionality on a regular basis or to monitor the response mechanism in order to predict a fault of the response mechanism. For example, the controller 2 may be configured to perform a response test each time the defibrillator is powered on. The controller 2 may be configured to, in the event that the controller 2 does not receive input from the responder mechanism or detects actuation of the responder mechanism during a test of the responder mechanism, provide one or more audible or visual prompts to the patient 1 informing the patient 1 that the responder mechanism is defective or needs to be repaired. The controller 2 may be further configured to use a substitute responsiveness test method if one is available or inform the patient 1 that it would be necessary to remove the power source from the controller 2 to prevent treatment. The controller 2 may be further configured to disable the defibrillator after it determines that the response mechanism is not functioning properly.If the controller 2 is configured to monitor actions of the responder mechanism to predict failure of the responder mechanism, the controller 2 may be configured to execute a prediction algorithm configured to predict future failure of the responder mechanism. If a failure is predicted, the controller 2 may be configured to alert the patient 1, disable the defibrillator, or both.It should be understood that changes may be made to the present preferred embodiments discussed above. For example, embodiments of the wearable defibrillator may be sized and configured to be worn as a strap, belt, vest, or other wearable device. As another example, a response mechanism may include one or more response buttons, response switches, other response actuators, or any combination thereof. As yet another example, the portable defibrillator controller 2 may be connected to different portable defibrillator components via one or more direct or indirect wireless connections, direct or indirect wired connections, or any combination thereof. As yet another example, the treatment electrodes may comprise various types of treatment electrodes known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, pulse electrodes disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,078,134.Although certain present preferred embodiments of the portable defibrillator and certain embodiments of the methods of using the same have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and utilized within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71) comprising: at least one treatment electrode (5); at least one sensor (4); at least one controller (2) connected to the at least one treatment electrode (5) and the at least one sensor (4); at least one response mechanism (6) wirelessly connected to the at least one controller (2), and wherein the at least one response mechanism (6) is derived from a patient (1) receiving the portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71 ) is actuatable, characterized in that the at least one controller (2) is configured: - in response to the at least one sensor (4) detecting a state of the patient that requires treatment, providing a request issued by the portable defibrillator, said request being directed to the patient in order to unlock a response to the patient, - in response to the detection that the at least one response mechanism has not been actuated, a treatment is provided to the patient by means of the at least one treatment electrode; - in response to the patient having actuated the at least one response mechanism, a treatment of the patient by means of the at least one treatment electrode is prevented; and - to verify that the patient (1) who has actuated the portable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71 ) that actuated the at least one response mechanism (6) by configuring the at least one controller (2) to receive an input signal from the patient's body during actuation of the at least one response mechanism and to confirm, based at least in part on the received input signal, that the patient (1) wearing the wearable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71) actuated the at least one response mechanism (6).The wearable defibrillator of claim 1, wherein the wearable defibrillator is configured to be worn as a strap, a belt, and / or a vest.The wearable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one response mechanism comprises one or more actuators and is configured to be housed within a pocket of an item of clothing worn by the patient.The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one response mechanism comprises at least one button.The portable defibrillator of claim 4, wherein the at least one response mechanism comprises a touch sensor connected to a capacitive detector.The wearable defibrillator of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one accessory configured to be worn by the patient and having at least one identification tag configured to communicate an identification signal when the at least one response mechanism is actuated by the patient.The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the prompt is an audible prompt and / or a visual prompt.The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one display and / or at least one loudspeaker operatively connected to the at least one controller.The portable defibrillator of claim 8, wherein the at least one display and / or the at least one loudspeaker is / are arranged on or in a housing of the at least one controller.Portable defibrillator according to claim 8, wherein the at least one display and / or the at least one loudspeaker is / are arranged in a further device, which is worn by the patients (1) or is connected to the controller (2).The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one sensing electrode.The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one treatment electrode and / or the at least one sensing electrode is wirelessly connected to the at least one controller.The portable defibrillator of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one additional sensor connected to the at least one controller and being a motion, position, or oximetry detector.The wearable defibrillator of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to, in response to detecting a condition of the patient requiring treatment and detecting that it was not the patient (1) wearing the wearable defibrillator (31; 41; 51; 61; 71) who actuated the at least one response mechanism (6), send additional instructions or prompts that are issued as audible output, visual output, or both.The wearable defibrillator of claim 14, wherein the at least one additional prompt indicates that treatment is soon provided to the patient wearing the wearable defibrillator via the at least one treatment electrode.

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