Automated external defibrillator

Abstract

Provide more effective instructions to rescuers. [Solution] An automated external defibrillator 1 performs electrocardiogram analysis and discharge processing on a subject, comprising: a detection unit 134 that detects whether or not a rescuer is in contact with the subject; and a display control unit 141 that changes the flashing cycle or lighting color of display units 102, 103, and 110 provided on the automated external defibrillator 1 according to the detection result by the detection unit 134.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automated external defibrillator.

[0002] In Non-Patent Document 1, it is stipulated that after electrocardiogram analysis and discharge treatment by an automated external defibrillator (AED), chest compressions and artificial respiration on the subject should be continued during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Hereinafter, the automated external defibrillator is also referred to as "AED". Also, hereinafter, the cardiopulmonary resuscitation period is also referred to as the "CPR period".

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <By the way, during the CPR period, there is an AED that notifies the continuation instruction of chest compressions by voice and the blinking of a lamp. However, since the blinking of the lamp continues at the same cycle regardless of whether the rescuer performs chest compressions or not, there is room for more effective instruction to the rescuer.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automated external defibrillator that can give more effective instructions to a rescuer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An automated external defibrillator according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an automated external defibrillator that performs electrocardiogram analysis and discharge treatment on a subject, A detection unit that detects whether or not the rescuer made contact with the subject, The system includes a display control unit that changes the flashing cycle or illumination color of a display unit provided in the automated external defibrillator according to the detection result from the detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, more effective instructions can be given to rescuers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of an AED according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AED shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the general operation of the AED shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a table illustrating a specific example of the control of the illumination of the departure notification lamp during the departure period, as shown in Figure 2 by the display control unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a table illustrating a specific example of the control of the illumination of the chest compression notification lamp during the CPR period by the display control unit shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The automated external defibrillator relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, the description of components having the same reference numeral as those already described in the description of the embodiments will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensions of the components shown in these drawings may differ from the actual dimensions of the components for the sake of clarity.

[0010] [AED Configuration] Here, we will describe an AED1, which is an example of an automated external defibrillator according to this disclosure. Figure 1 is an external view of the AED1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the AED1 comprises an AED body 10, a battery pack 11, a cover 12, a cable 13, and a pair of electrode pads 14 and 15.

[0011] The battery pack 11 supplies power to the AED unit 10 to operate it. The battery pack 11 is also connected to the back side of the AED unit 10 in a removable manner, for example.

[0012] The lid 12 is structured to cover the AED body 10. When the lid 12 changes from a closed state to an open state, the main power supply of the AED 1 turns ON and the AED 1 starts up. Conversely, when the lid 12 changes from an open state to a closed state, the main power supply of the AED 1 turns OFF. Note that the AED 1 is not limited to a configuration that switches the main power supply ON / OFF in accordance with the opening and closing of the lid 12; for example, a power button for switching the main power supply ON / OFF may be provided on the AED body 10.

[0013] Each of the electrode pads 14 and 15 contains a viscous gel. When the AED1 is not in use, the electrode pads 14 and 15 are stored in a bag with release paper attached to each gel. The bag containing the electrode pads 14 and 15 is attached, for example, to the inside of the lid 12. A rescuer using the AED1 removes the bag from the lid 12 and takes the electrode pads 14 and 15 out of the bag. The rescuer then peels the electrode pads 14 and 15 from the release paper and attaches the gel portion to the patient's skin.

[0014] Cable 13 electrically connects the AED unit 10 to the electrode pads 14 and 15. The AED unit 10 performs electrocardiogram analysis and electric shock (hereinafter referred to as "discharge processing") on the subject when the electrode pads 14 and 15 are attached to the subject.

[0015] [AED Unit Configuration] Next, the configuration of the AED main body 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the AED 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the AED main body 10 includes a sound output unit 101, a chest compression notification lamp (an example of a display unit) 102, and a detachment notification lamp (an example of a display unit) 103. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the AED main body 10 further includes a storage unit 104, a high-voltage unit 105, an electrocardiogram analysis unit 106, and a control unit 107. The storage unit 104 stores programs and the like for controlling various operations of the AED 1.

[0016] When the AED 1 is activated, the control unit 107 reads out and executes the programs and the like stored in the storage unit 104 to control various operations of the AED 1. More specifically, the control unit 107 functions as an output control unit 131, an electrode pad control unit 132, a power supply control unit 133, and a detection unit 134. The output control unit 131 includes a display control unit 141 and a sound control unit 142.

[0017] The display control unit 141 controls the lighting or flashing of the chest compression notification lamp 102 and the detachment notification lamp 103.

[0018] The sound control unit 142 reads out sound data such as voice guidance and warning sounds for the rescuer from the storage unit 104 and outputs the read sound data to the sound output unit 101. The sound output unit 101 is, for example, a speaker, and when receiving the sound data output from the sound control unit 142, outputs voice guidance and warning sounds based on the sound data.

[0019] The electrode pad control unit 132 controls the electrode pads 14 and 15 and the electrocardiogram analysis unit 106 so that the electrocardiogram analysis unit 106 performs electrocardiogram analysis. That is, the electrocardiogram analysis unit 106 performs electrocardiogram analysis of the subject through the electrode pads 14 and 15 by being controlled by the electrode pad control unit 132.

[0020] After the electrocardiogram analysis by the electrode pad control unit 132, the power control unit 133 controls so that the discharge process to the subject is performed. Specifically, the power control unit 133 charges the internal capacitor of the high-voltage unit 105 with the battery cell 11A included in the battery pack 11, and controls the battery cell 11A and the internal capacitor so as to discharge from the electrode pads 14 and 15.

[0021] The detection unit 134 detects the presence or absence of contact of a rescuer with the subject. For example, the detection unit 134 acquires the impedance between the pair of electrode pads 14 and 15, and detects the presence or absence of contact of a rescuer with the subject based on the change in impedance.

[0022] [Details of Notification by Output Control Unit] (Outline of Operation) FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation flow of the AED 1 shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, first, it is assumed that the main power supply of the AED 1 is switched ON (step S11), and the electrode pads 14 and 15 are attached to the subject (step S12). In this case, the electrode pad control unit 132 controls the electrocardiogram analysis unit 106 to execute electrocardiogram analysis, and the electrocardiogram analysis is started. That is, the detachment period is started (step S13). [[ID=??]] [[ID=??]]

[0023] [[ID=??]] When the detachment period is started, the sound control unit 142 causes the sound output unit 101 to output a voice guidance D1 such as "Please move away from the body" (step S14). <m

[0024] It seems there are some tags with "??" in the original that might be incorrect or need further clarification. If you can provide the correct tags, I can make the translation more accurate.Then, during the separation period from the start of electrocardiogram analysis until the discharge process described later begins, the display control unit 141 controls the blinking or illumination of the separation notification lamp 103 (hereinafter simply referred to as "illumination control") in order to visually notify the rescuer of separation from the subject (step S15). At this time, the display control unit 141 changes the blinking cycle of the separation notification lamp 103, for example, according to the detection result by the detection unit 134, i.e., whether or not the rescuer has made contact with the subject. This illumination control of the separation notification lamp 103 (step S15) is performed continuously from the start to the end of the separation period, i.e., from the start of electrocardiogram analysis (step S13) until the discharge process described later begins (step S18). Details of the illumination control of the separation notification lamp 103 during the separation period will be described later.

[0025] Next, once the electrocardiogram analysis is complete, the power control unit 133 determines, based on the results of the electrocardiogram analysis, whether or not a discharge procedure is necessary for the subject (step S16). Here, let's assume that the power control unit 133 determines that a discharge procedure is necessary. In this case, the display control unit 141 outputs, for example, an audio guidance D2 saying "An electric shock will be administered" from the sound output unit 101 (step S17).

[0026] Next, the electrode pad control unit 132 controls the system to perform a discharge procedure on the subject (step S18). Once the discharge procedure is performed on the subject, the CPR period begins (step S19). If it is determined in step S16 that a discharge procedure is unnecessary, the CPR period begins without performing the discharge procedure (step S18). Once the CPR period begins, the sound control unit 142 in the output control unit 131 outputs a voice guidance D3, for example, "Begin chest compressions and artificial respiration," from the sound output unit 101 (step S20).

[0027] Then, the display control unit 141 in the output control unit 131 controls the flashing or illumination of the chest compression notification lamp 102 (hereinafter simply referred to as "illumination control") in order to visually notify the rescuer that chest compressions are being performed on the subject during the CPR period (step S21). At this time, the display control unit 141 changes the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102, for example, according to the detection result by the detection unit 134, i.e., whether or not the rescuer is in contact with the subject. This illumination control of the chest compression notification lamp 102 (step S21) is performed continuously from the start of the CPR period (step S19) until the end of the CPR period (step S22), which will be described later. Details of the illumination control of the chest compression notification lamp 102 during the CPR period will be described later.

[0028] Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the CPR period, the CPR period ends (step S22). The withdrawal period then starts again, and the operations from step S13 onwards are repeated.

[0029] (Control of illumination of the departure notification lamp during the departure period) Figure 4 is a table illustrating a specific example of the control of the illumination of the departure notification lamp 103 during the departure period by the display control unit 141 shown in Figure 2 (step S15 shown in Figure 3). Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the display control unit 141 controls the blinking cycle of the departure notification lamp 103 during the departure period so that, for example, the blinking cycle of the departure notification lamp 103 becomes shorter when contact with the subject is detected than when contact with the subject is not detected.

[0030] Specifically, if no contact with the subject is detected during the withdrawal period, the withdrawal notification lamp 103 is controlled so that, for example, the on-time and off-time are each 160ms, and the flashing cycle is 320ms. Conversely, if contact with the subject is detected during the withdrawal period, the withdrawal notification lamp 103 is controlled so that, for example, the on-time and off-time are each 60ms, and the flashing cycle is 120ms. Hereinafter, this control that shortens the flashing cycle will be referred to as "accelerated flashing control."

[0031] Thus, when contact with the subject is detected during the separation period, the flashing cycle of the separation notification lamp 103 is shortened to approximately one-third compared to when contact with the subject is not detected. This makes the separation notification lamp 103 more conspicuous and visually easier to notice, thereby more effectively prompting the rescuer to separate from the subject.

[0032] The display control unit 141 is not limited to a configuration that controls the blinking cycle of the departure notification lamp 103 to be different depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not. For example, the display control unit 141 may be configured to change the illumination color of the departure notification lamp 103 depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not.

[0033] (Control of the illumination of the chest compression notification lamp during CPR) Figure 5 is a table illustrating a specific example of the control of the illumination of the chest compression notification lamp 102 during the CPR period by the display control unit 141 shown in Figure 2 (step S21 shown in Figure 3). Referring to Figures 2 and 5, if the detection unit 134 does not detect contact of the rescuer with the subject during the CPR period, it is possible that chest compressions are not being performed on the subject. For this reason, the display control unit 141 controls the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 to be shorter when, for example, contact with the subject is not detected than when contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period.

[0034] Specifically, if contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period, the chest compression notification lamp 102 is controlled so that, for example, the on-time and off-time are each 300ms, and the flashing cycle is 600ms.

[0035] The flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 when contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period is set based on the chest compression cycle defined in Non-Patent Literature 1. In other words, the flashing of the chest compression notification lamp 102 serves to indicate the timing for performing chest compressions. The on time, off time, and flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 when contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period can be set by the user.

[0036] In contrast, if no contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period, the chest compression notification lamp 102 is subjected to accelerated flashing control so that, for example, the on-time and off-time are each 100ms, and the flashing period is 200ms.

[0037] Thus, when no contact with the subject is detected during the CPR period, the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 is shortened to approximately one-third compared to when contact with the subject is detected. This makes the chest compression notification lamp 102 more conspicuous and visually easier to notice, thereby more effectively encouraging rescuers to perform chest compressions on the subject.

[0038] Here, the instruction to leave the rescuer during the separation period is more urgent and needs to be more conspicuous than the instruction to perform chest compressions during the CPR period. For this reason, the flashing period when accelerated flashing control of the separation notification lamp 103 is enabled (120ms in the example shown in Figure 4) is set to be shorter than the flashing period when accelerated flashing control of the chest compression notification lamp 102 is enabled (200ms in the example shown in Figure 5).

[0039] The display control unit 141 is not limited to a configuration that controls the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 to be different depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not. For example, the display control unit 141 may be configured to change the illumination color of the chest compression notification lamp 102 depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not.

[0040] (Notification via display) Referring again to Figure 1, the AED unit 10 may have a display (an example of a display unit) 110 at a position indicated by a dashed line. In this case, the display control unit 141 shown in Figure 2 will display text such as "Stay away from the body" on the display 110 during the withdrawal period. The display control unit 141 will also display text such as "Begin chest compressions and artificial respiration" on the display 110 during the CPR period.

[0041] Furthermore, assume that the detection unit 134 detects the subject's body movements during the withdrawal period. In this case, the display control unit 141 can change the display mode of the display 110 compared to when the subject's body movements are not detected. For example, in addition to displaying text, the display control unit 141 can change at least one of the following: change the background color of the display 110, change the pattern of the background of the display 110, or change the color of the text, or it can make the background or text of the display 110 blink.

[0042] This makes the display 110 more conspicuous and visually easier to notice if a rescuer is in contact with the subject during the separation period, thereby more effectively encouraging the rescuer to separate from the subject.

[0043] Furthermore, let's assume that no body movement of the subject is detected by the detection unit 134 during the CPR period. In this case, the display control unit 141 can change the display mode of the display 110 compared to when body movement of the subject is detected. For example, in addition to displaying text, the display control unit 141 can change at least one of the following: change the background color of the display 110, change the pattern of the background of the display 110, or change the color of the text, or it can make the background or text of the display 110 blink.

[0044] This makes the display 110 more visible and visually easier to notice if the rescuer is not in contact with the patient during the CPR period, i.e., if chest compressions are not being performed, thereby more effectively encouraging the rescuer to perform chest compressions on the patient.

[0045] As described above, in the AED1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the detection unit 134 detects whether or not the rescuer is in contact with the person being examined. In addition, the display control unit 141 changes the flashing cycle or illumination color of the display units such as the chest compression notification lamp 102, the withdrawal notification lamp 103, and the display 110 provided in the AED1 according to the detection result by the detection unit 134.

[0046] In this way, by changing the flashing cycle and illumination color of the display depending on whether or not the rescuer has made contact with the person being examined, more effective instructions can be given to the rescuer.

[0047] In addition, in AED1, the display control unit 141 controls the display units, such as the disconnection notification lamp 103 and the display 110, to blink or light up during the disconnection period from the start of electrocardiogram analysis on the subject until the discharge process begins. Furthermore, the display control unit 141 controls the blinking cycle or lighting color of the display units to differ depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not during the disconnection period.

[0048] With this configuration, if the rescuer is in contact with the subject during the separation period, the flashing cycle and illumination color of the display unit, such as the separation notification lamp 103 and the display 110, will change, thereby more effectively prompting the rescuer to separate from the subject.

[0049] In addition, in AED1, the display control unit 141 controls the disconnection notification lamp 103 to blink during the disconnection period. Furthermore, the display control unit 141 controls the blinking cycle of the disconnection notification lamp 103 to be shorter when contact with the subject is detected during the disconnection period than when contact with the subject is not detected.

[0050] In this way, if the rescuer is in contact with the subject during the separation period, shortening the flashing cycle of the separation notification lamp 103 makes it more noticeable, making it easier for the rescuer to realize that they should separate from the subject.

[0051] In addition, in AED1, the display control unit 141 controls the display units, such as the chest compression notification lamp 102 and the display 110, to blink or light up during the CPR period after the discharge process has been performed on the subject. Furthermore, the display control unit 141 controls the blinking cycle or lighting color of the display units to differ depending on whether contact with the subject is detected or not during the CPR period.

[0052] With this configuration, if the rescuer is not in contact with the patient during the CPR period, i.e., if chest compressions are not being performed, the flashing cycle and illumination color of the display units such as the chest compression notification lamp 102 and the display 110 will change, thereby more effectively prompting the rescuer to perform chest compressions.

[0053] In addition, in AED1, the display control unit 141 controls the flashing of the chest compression notification lamp 102 during the CPR period. Furthermore, the display control unit 141 controls the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 to be shorter when contact with the patient is not detected compared to when contact with the patient is detected during the CPR period.

[0054] Thus, if the rescuer is not in contact with the patient during the CPR period, i.e., if chest compressions are not being performed, shortening the flashing cycle of the chest compression notification lamp 102 makes it more noticeable, making it easier for the rescuer to realize that chest compressions should be performed.

[0055] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of this application should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of these embodiments. These embodiments are examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of this application should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1: AED (Automated External Defibrillator), 10: AED main unit, 11: Battery pack, 11A: Battery cell, 12: Cover, 13: Cable, 14, 15: Electrode pads, 101: Sound output unit, 102: Chest compression notification lamp, 103: Release notification lamp, 104: Memory unit, 105: High-voltage unit, 106: ECG analysis unit, 107: Control unit, 110: Display, 131: Output control unit, 132: Electrode pad control unit, 133: Power supply control unit, 134: Detection unit, 141: Display control unit, 142: Sound control unit

Claims

1. An automated external defibrillator that performs electrocardiogram analysis and discharge processing on a subject, A detection unit that detects whether or not the rescuer made contact with the subject, An automated external defibrillator comprising: a display control unit that changes the flashing cycle or illumination color of a display unit provided in the automated external defibrillator according to the detection result of the detection unit.

2. The display control unit, During the withdrawal period from the start of electrocardiogram analysis for the subject until the start of the discharge process, control is performed to make the display unit blink or light up. The automated external defibrillator according to claim 1, wherein during the withdrawal period, the flashing cycle or illumination color of the display unit is controlled to be different depending on whether contact is detected or not.

3. The display unit is a lamp provided in the automated external defibrillator, The display control unit, During the aforementioned disconnection period, control is performed to make the lamp blink. The automated external defibrillator according to claim 2, wherein during the withdrawal period, the flashing cycle of the lamp is controlled to be shorter when contact is detected than when contact is not detected.

4. The display control unit, During the cardiopulmonary resuscitation period after the discharge treatment has been performed on the subject, control is performed to make the display unit blink or light up. The automated external defibrillator according to claim 1, wherein the flashing cycle or illumination color of the display unit is controlled to differ depending on whether contact is detected or not during the cardiopulmonary resuscitation period.

5. The display unit is a lamp provided in the automated external defibrillator, The display control unit, During the cardiopulmonary resuscitation period, control is performed to make the lamp flash. The automated external defibrillator according to claim 4, wherein during the cardiopulmonary resuscitation period, the flashing cycle of the lamp is controlled to be shorter when contact is not detected than when contact is detected.

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