Automated External Defibrillator

Abstract

To provide an automatic external defibrillator capable of applying an electric shock by a dual application method with a simple and short operation. [Solution] The automated external defibrillator comprises an electrode unit including a first electrode attached to the patient's right anterior chest, a second electrode attached to the patient's left anterior chest, a third electrode attached to the patient's left flank, and a fourth electrode attached to the patient's left back, and a voltage application unit that applies a high-voltage pulse between at least two electrodes selected from the first to fourth electrodes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to automated external defibrillators. [Background technology]

[0002] By administering an electric shock to a patient in a state of cardiac arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, the survival rate of the patient can be improved. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are widely used as a means for administering an electric shock (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] An automated external defibrillator includes a main body and two electrodes connected to the main body. The automated external defibrillator performs defibrillation of the heart by applying an electric shock to the heart through electrodes attached by a rescuer to the right anterior chest and the left flank of the patient.

[0004] If this measure does not restore the heart rate to normal, it is known that the survival rate can be improved by further applying an electric shock to the heart through electrodes attached to the left anterior chest and the left back of the patient. This method of applying an electric shock between the right anterior chest and the left flank of the patient and then between the left anterior chest and the left back is hereinafter referred to as the double application method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-543781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In order to apply an electric shock using the dual application method using a conventional automated external defibrillator with two electrodes, it is necessary to (1) apply an electric shock by attaching electrodes to the right anterior chest and left flank of the patient, (2) remove the electrodes from the patient, attach electrodes to the left anterior chest and left back of the patient, and apply an electric shock, and (3) repeat (1) and (2) until the heart rate returns to normal. In this way, if there are many steps required to apply an electric shock, the work becomes complicated and it takes a long time to apply the electric shock. Since it is important to apply an electric shock as quickly as possible to a patient in a state of cardiac arrest, it is desirable to have a simple procedure that takes a short time.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide an automatic external defibrillator that is capable of applying an electric shock using a dual application method with a simple, short operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an automated external defibrillator comprising: An automatic external defibrillator comprising an electrode section to be attached to a patient and a voltage application section to apply a high voltage pulse, the electrode section comprising a fabric to be attached to the patient and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the fabric, the first electrode being one of the fabrics when the fabric is attached to the patient. Patient's right anterior chest The second electrode is disposed on the portion of the fabric that is located on the patient's body when the fabric is placed on the patient. Patient's left anterior chest The third electrode is placed on the part of the fabric that is located over the heart, and the third electrode is placed on the part of the fabric that is located over the heart when the fabric is attached to the patient. Patient's left flank The fourth electrode is located on the part of the fabric that is located on the patient's body when the fabric is placed on the patient. Patient's left back It is located in the part above the heart. Voltage application section With the fabric worn on the patient, high voltage pulses are applied between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the fourth electrode, thereby applying high voltage pulses between the patient's right anterior chest and left flank, and between the left anterior chest and left back. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The electrode unit of the automatic external defibrillator according to the present invention includes four electrodes. Furthermore, when the electrode unit is attached to a patient, the four electrodes are respectively positioned at the sites to which an electric shock should be applied. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to apply an electric shock in a dual application method with a simple and short operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an automated external defibrillator according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing the physical configuration of an automatic external defibrillator according to the first to sixth embodiments, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a selection switch inside the automatic external defibrillator. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A shows the waveform of a unipolar high-voltage pulse, and FIG. 1B shows the waveform of a bipolar high-voltage pulse output by the high-voltage generating unit of the automatic external defibrillator according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are a front view and a side view, respectively, of a strip-shaped electrode portion according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the electrode parts according to the first to sixth embodiments in (A) an expanded state and (B) a twisted state. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an unused state of the electrode portion according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Figure 7] 3A, 3B, and 3C are front, rear, and side views showing a state in which the band-shaped electrode portion according to the first embodiment is attached to a patient. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of an electric shock application process of the automated external defibrillator according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are side views of a band-shaped electrode portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A is a front view showing the state where the triangular band-shaped electrode part of embodiment 3 is attached to a patient, (B) is a rear view showing the state where the electrode part is attached to a patient, and (C) is an overall front view. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are a front view and a rear view, respectively, of a garment-like electrode unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11A shows an example of a band-shaped electrode part for children and adults, (B) shows an example of a triangular scarf-shaped electrode part for children and adults, and (C) shows an example of a garment-shaped electrode part for children and adults, relating to embodiment 5. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are front and rear views showing a state in which the band-shaped electrode portion according to the sixth embodiment is attached to a patient. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An automated external defibrillator (hereinafter referred to as AED) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) 1, the AED 1 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 100, a band-shaped electrode unit 200, and a cable 300. The AED 1 is an example of an automatic external defibrillator.

[0013] The main body 100 includes a display unit 110 that displays information, an operation unit 120 that accepts operations by the rescuer, and an audio output unit 130 that outputs the information as sound.

[0014] The display unit 110 displays, for example, biological information such as an electrocardiogram and pulse rate of the patient P, a method for operating the AED 1, a method for attaching the band electrode unit 200 to the patient P, etc. The display unit 110 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0015] The operation unit 120 includes a power switch, an operation button for receiving an instruction to apply an electric shock, and the like.

[0016] The audio output unit 130 includes, for example, a speaker.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the main body 100 further includes a control unit 140 that calculates information and controls each device, a high voltage generation unit 150 that generates a high voltage pulse, a selection switch 151, a bio-information acquisition unit 160 that acquires the patient's bio-information, a power supply unit 170 that supplies power to each device, and a memory unit 180 that stores information.

[0018] The control unit 140 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and executes a control program stored in the storage unit 180, and executes, for example, the electric shock application process described below.

[0019] The control unit 140 also analyzes the patient's biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit 160, and displays an electrocardiogram, heart rate, etc. on the display unit 110. The control unit 140 receives an instruction to apply an electric shock accepted by the operation unit 120 from the rescuer, and controls the high-voltage generation unit 150 to generate a high-voltage pulse. The control unit 140 controls the selection switch 151 to select an electrode to which the high-voltage pulse is to be applied.

[0020] The high voltage generating unit 150 generates a high voltage pulse between the positive output terminal + and the negative output terminal - according to the control of the control unit 140. Any known circuit can be used as the circuit configuration of the high voltage generating unit 150. For example, the circuit configuration described in the specification or drawings initially attached to the application of JP2022-182010A and International Application PCT / JP2023 / 030715 is effective.

[0021] The high voltage pulse generated by the high voltage generating unit 150 has, for example, a voltage value of 1000 to 3000 V, a current value of 15 to 30 A, a pulse width of 2 to 20 ms, and an energy value of 150 to 360 J. In this embodiment, the high voltage pulse generated by the high voltage generating unit 150 is two consecutive unipolar high voltage pulses PL1 and PL2 as shown in FIG.

[0022] The selection switch 151 shown in FIG. 2(A) includes switches SW1 and SW2 as shown in FIG. 2(B), and connects the positive output terminal + and the negative output terminal - of the high voltage generating unit 150 to different ones of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 according to the control of the control unit 140.

[0023] The switches SW1 and SW2 work together, and when the switch SW1 connects the positive output terminal + and the first electrode 201, the switch SW2 connects the negative output terminal - and the third electrode 203. When the switch SW1 connects the positive output terminal + and the third electrode 203, the switch SW2 connects the negative output terminal - and the first electrode 201. When the switch SW1 connects the positive output terminal + and the second electrode 202, the switch SW2 connects the negative output terminal - and the fourth electrode 204, and when the switch SW1 connects the positive output terminal + and the fourth electrode 204, the switch SW2 connects the negative output terminal - and the second electrode 202.

[0024] By such a switching operation, the selection switch 151 converts the two consecutive unipolar high-voltage pulses PL1, PL2 shown in Fig. 3(A) generated by the high-voltage generation unit 150 into two consecutive bipolar high-voltage pulses PL1, PL2 shown in Fig. 3(B) and applies them between the electrodes, i.e., between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203, or between the second electrode 202 and the fourth electrode 204. The control unit 140, the high-voltage generation unit 150, and the selection switch 151 are an example of a voltage application unit.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 2(A), the biological information acquiring unit 160 is electrically connected to the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 attached to the patient via a cable 300. The biological information acquiring unit 160 acquires biological information of the patient P from the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 under the control of the control unit 140. The biological information includes a biological voltage, a biological current, and the like. The biological information acquiring unit 160 transmits the acquired biological information to the control unit 140.

[0026] The power supply unit 170 supplies power required for operation to the display unit 110, the operation unit 120, the audio output unit 130, the control unit 140, the high voltage generation unit 150, the biological information acquisition unit 160, and the storage unit 180. The power supply unit 170 includes, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, an AC / DC converter, etc.

[0027] The storage unit 180 includes a non-volatile auxiliary storage device and a volatile main storage device, and is connected to the control unit 140. The auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 180 stores programs and data. The programs are operation programs of the control unit 140, for example, operation programs for executing an electric shock application process described later. The control unit 140 executes the programs to control the display unit 110, the operation unit 120, the audio output unit 130, the high voltage generating unit 150, the selection switch 151, the biological information acquiring unit 160, and the power supply unit 170. The data is, for example, guidance on how to use the AED1 to be displayed on the display unit 110, and audio guidance to be emitted from the audio output unit. The main storage device of the storage unit 180 temporarily stores programs and data according to commands from the control unit 140. The storage unit 180 includes, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and the like.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1, 4(A)(B), and 7(A)(B)(C), the strip-shaped electrode portion 200 is generally strip-shaped and includes a strip-shaped fabric 205 and, arranged thereon, a first electrode 201, a second electrode 202, a third electrode 203, a fourth electrode 204, and fasteners 601 to 604.

[0029] The strip-shaped fabric 205 is made of, for example, synthetic fibers. The strip-shaped fabric 205 has fasteners 601 and 602 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The fasteners 601 and 602 are mutually detachable and include, for example, buttons or hook-and-loop fasteners. The fasteners 601 and 602 are engaged with each other to form the strip-shaped electrode unit 200 into a ring shape. The lengths of the short and long sides of the strip-shaped fabric 205 are lengths that allow the strip-shaped electrode unit 200 to be worn on a human body when formed into a ring shape, and take into consideration differences in the physique of patients, for example, the short side = 10 to 20 cm and the long side = 140 to 180 cm.

[0030] The first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 are arranged in a line on one surface of the band-shaped fabric 205 and are fixed to the band-shaped fabric 205 by, for example, adhesion or the like. The first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 and the cable 300 are electrically connected to each other via a conductor extending inside the band-shaped fabric 205. The first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 are made of a flexible conductive layer such as copper foil or aluminum foil. This allows the first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 to be flexibly attached to the body surface of the patient P. Furthermore, the first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 can be folded when stored, or twisted into a cord shape as described below.

[0031] 7(A), (B), and (C), when the fastener 601 and the fastener 602 are placed and attached on the right shoulder, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 are positioned so that the first electrode 201 is located approximately on the right front chest, the second electrode 202 is located approximately on the left front chest over the heart, the third electrode 203 is located approximately on the left flank, and the fourth electrode 204 is located approximately on the left back over the heart. However, the electrodes are positioned with a margin of spacing in consideration of differences in the physique of the patient P.

[0032] In this specification, the terms "right anterior chest" where the first electrode 201 is attached, "left anterior chest" and "above the heart" where the second electrode 202 is placed, "left flank" where the third electrode 203 is placed, and "left back" and "above the heart" where the fourth electrode 204 is placed do not mean strict positions. They each indicate approximate positions intended by the rescuer to place the electrodes. For example, "right anterior chest" broadly includes the part located to the right of the heart (usually located on the left chest), including the right shoulder and right chest. Also, "left anterior chest" does not mean "above the heart" in the strict sense, but includes the area near the heart. "Left flank" broadly includes the part located below the heart on the left half of the body, including the left abdomen, left flank, and lower left back. "Left back" does not mean "above the heart" in the strict sense, but includes the area near the heart. The first electrode 201 is an example of a first electrode, the second electrode 202 is an example of a second electrode, the third electrode 203 is an example of a third electrode, the fourth electrode 204 is an example of a fourth electrode, and the strip-shaped electrode portion 200 is an example of an electrode portion.

[0033] 4(B), a conductive adhesive layer 206 and a film 207 covering the conductive adhesive layer 206 are disposed on the surfaces of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 that are attached to the patient P. When using the AED 1, the film 207 is peeled off and the conductive adhesive layer 206 is attached to the patient P, thereby preventing the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 from shifting position or peeling off after attachment.

[0034] The strip-shaped electrode section 200 can be twisted when the AED 1 is not in use, and can be unfolded and spread out when the AED 1 is in use. As shown in Fig. 5(A), the strip-shaped electrode section 200 has fasteners 603 and 604 at both ends in the longitudinal direction. To twist the strip-shaped electrode section 200, the fasteners 603 and 604 are rotated in opposite directions around an axis S connecting the fasteners 603 and 604. This causes the strip-shaped electrode section 200 to become twisted as shown in Fig. 5(B).

[0035] After forming the band-shaped electrode portion 200 into a twisted string, as shown in Fig. 6(A), the fasteners 603 and 604 of the band-shaped electrode portion 200 are engaged with the fasteners 605 and 606 provided on both sides of the main body 100, respectively, so that the band-shaped electrode portion 200 can be used as a strap for the main body 100. When using the AED1, the fasteners 603 and 604 of the band-shaped electrode portion 200 are removed from the fasteners 605 and 606 of the main body 100, the band-shaped electrode portion 200 is unfolded, and the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 are attached to the patient P.

[0036] The cable 300 electrically connects the selection switch 151 and the biological information acquisition unit 160 of the main body 100 to the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 of the strip-shaped electrode unit 200. The cable 300 may be fixed to the main body 100 and the strip-shaped electrode unit 200, or may be detachable from the main body 100 and / or the strip-shaped electrode unit 200. If detachable, the end of the cable 300 is provided with a terminal provided on the main body 100 and a terminal that engages with a terminal provided on the strip-shaped electrode unit 200.

[0037] Next, the operation of the AED 1 having the above configuration will be described. Here, it is assumed that the main body 100 is formed in a portable size and is carried around with the band-shaped electrode section 200 as a strap, as shown in FIG.

[0038] In order to use the AED 1 in this state, the rescuer disengages the fasteners 603 and 604 of the band-shaped electrode section 200 from the fasteners 605 and 606 of the main body 100, and removes the band-shaped electrode section 200. The rescuer unfolds the removed band-shaped electrode section 200. Next, the rescuer attaches the band-shaped electrode section 200 to the patient P. Specifically, first, as shown in Figs. 7(A), (B), and (C), the band-shaped electrode section 200 is wrapped around the patient P so that the first electrode 201 is located on the right front chest of the patient P, the second electrode 202 is located on the left front chest, the third electrode 203 is located on the left flank, and the fourth electrode 204 is located on the left back, and the approximate positions are adjusted. Next, the film 207 on the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 is peeled off, and the conductive adhesive layer 206 is attached to the patient P. At this time, by engaging the fasteners 601 and 602 of the strip-shaped electrode portion 200 with each other, the ease of wearing can be improved.

[0039] Meanwhile, the user turns on the power of the main body 100. In response to the power-on, the control unit 140 displays operation guidance on the display unit 110, and also outputs operation guidance from the audio output unit .

[0040] When the power is turned on, the control unit 140 starts the electric shock application process shown in FIG.

[0041] First, the control unit 140 controls the biological information acquiring unit 160 to acquire the biological voltage, biological current, etc. of the patient P from the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 attached to the patient P. The control unit 140 analyzes the biological voltage, biological current, etc. acquired by the biological information acquiring unit 160, obtains electrocardiogram information, heart rate, etc., and displays the electrocardiogram, heart rate, etc. on the display unit 110 (step S1). The control unit 140 may also display the standard waveform of the electrocardiogram, the heart rate, etc.

[0042] The rescuer determines whether defibrillation is necessary, i.e., whether an electric shock needs to be administered, based on the displayed information such as the electrocardiogram and heart rate. If the rescuer determines that defibrillation is necessary, the rescuer operates the operation unit 120 to instruct the control unit 140 to administer an electric shock.

[0043] In response to an instruction to apply an electric shock (step S2: application), the control unit 140 controls the high voltage generating unit 150 to generate a high voltage pulse. The control unit 140 also controls the selection switch 151 so that the switch SW1 of the selection switch 151 selects the first electrode 201 and the switch SW2 selects the third electrode 203. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the high voltage generating unit 150 outputs the first high voltage pulse PL1, a positive polarity high voltage pulse (voltage of the first electrode 201>voltage of the third electrode 203) is applied to the patient P between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203 (step S3). When the application of the first high voltage pulse PL1 is completed, the control unit 140 controls the selection switch 151 so that the switch SW1 selects the third electrode 203 and the switch SW2 selects the first electrode 201. As a result, when the high voltage generating unit 150 outputs the second high voltage pulse PL2, a negative polarity high voltage pulse (voltage of the third electrode 203 > voltage of the first electrode 201) is applied to the patient P between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203 (step S3).

[0044] This causes a pulsed current to flow from the right anterior chest to the left flank, and then from the left flank to the right anterior chest, applying a bipolar electric shock to the heart.

[0045] Returning to Fig. 8, after applying the electric shock in step S3, the control unit 140 controls the biological information acquisition unit 160 to acquire the biological voltage, biological current, etc. of the patient P from the band electrode unit 200. The control unit 140 analyzes the biological voltage, biological current, etc., obtains electrocardiogram information, heart rate, etc., and displays them on the display unit 110 (step S4).

[0046] The rescuer determines whether further defibrillation is necessary, i.e., whether an additional electric shock is necessary (effective) or not, based on the displayed information such as the electrocardiogram and heart rate. If the rescuer determines that it is necessary, he or she operates the operation unit 120 to instruct the application of an electric shock.

[0047] In response to the instruction to apply an electric shock (step S5: application), the control unit 140 controls the high voltage generating unit 150 to generate a high voltage pulse. The control unit 140 also controls the selection switch 151 so that the switch SW1 of the selection switch 151 selects the second electrode 202 and the switch SW2 selects the fourth electrode 204. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the high voltage generating unit 150 outputs the first high voltage pulse PL1, a positive polarity high voltage pulse (voltage of the second electrode 202>voltage of the fourth electrode 204) is applied to the patient P between the second electrode 202 and the fourth electrode 204 (step S6). When the application of the first high voltage pulse PL1 is completed, the control unit 140 controls the selection switch 151 so that the switch SW1 selects the fourth electrode 204 and the switch SW2 selects the second electrode 202. As a result, when the high voltage generating unit 150 outputs the second high voltage pulse PL2, a negative polarity high voltage pulse (voltage of the fourth electrode 204 > voltage of the second electrode 202) is applied to the patient P between the second electrode 202 and the fourth electrode 204 (step S6).

[0048] This causes a pulsed current to flow from the left anterior chest to the left back, and then from the left back to the left anterior chest, applying a bipolar electric shock to the heart.

[0049] Returning to Fig. 8, after applying the electric shock in step S6, the control unit 140 controls the biological information acquisition unit 160 to acquire the biological voltage, biological current, etc. of the patient P from the band electrode unit 200. The control unit 140 analyzes the biological voltage, biological current, etc., obtains electrocardiogram information, heart rate, etc., and displays them on the display unit 110 (step S7).

[0050] The rescuer determines whether further defibrillation is necessary, i.e., whether an additional electric shock is necessary, based on the displayed information such as the electrocardiogram and heart rate. If the rescuer determines that further defibrillation is necessary, the rescuer operates the operation unit 120 to instruct the control unit 140 to administer an electric shock.

[0051] In response to the instruction to apply an electric shock (step S8: apply), the control unit 140 returns the process to step S3 and performs control so as to apply a high-voltage pulse between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203. Thereafter, the same operations as described above are repeated.

[0052] On the other hand, if the rescuer determines that it is not necessary to administer an electric shock, the rescuer operates the end button. This operation is detected in steps S2, S5, and S8, and the controller 140 ends the electric shock administration process.

[0053] Thereafter, the rescuer removes the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 from the patient P, and moves to the next treatment.

[0054] In this way, according to this embodiment, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 can be attached to appropriate positions of the patient P with a relatively simple process. Furthermore, it is possible to apply an electric shock by repeatedly applying two consecutive bipolar high-voltage pulses between the right front chest and the left flank, and then applying two consecutive bipolar high-voltage pulses between the left front chest and the left back, that is, to apply an electric shock by a dual application method. Therefore, the survival rate of the patient P can be improved compared to the conventional method.

[0055] In particular, since the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 are arranged in advance in an appropriate order on the belt-shaped fabric 205, attachment of the electrodes to the patient P is simple and does not require much time, and furthermore, the electrodes can be attached in appropriate positions.

[0056] In addition, since the conductive adhesive layer 206 is disposed on the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204, the impedance can be reduced by bringing the first electrodes 201 to the fourth electrodes 204 into close contact with the body surface of the patient P. Furthermore, after the band-shaped electrode portion 200 is attached to the patient P, there is little risk that the first electrodes 201 to the fourth electrodes 204 will shift or peel off.

[0057] After using the AED1, the strip-shaped electrode section 200 can be restored by replacing or disinfecting the conductive adhesive layer 206 of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and attaching the film 207. Thereafter, the strip-shaped electrode section 200 can be twisted around the axis S to form a twisted string, and the fasteners 603, 604 at both ends can be engaged with the fasteners 605, 606 of the main body 100, allowing it to be used as a strap for carrying the AED1.

[0058] By forming the band-shaped electrode unit 200 in a twisted cord shape, the overall size of the band-shaped electrode unit 200 can be made compact. At the same time, by forming the band-shaped electrode unit 200 into a strap, the portability of the AED 1 is improved and it becomes easier to prevent the AED 1 from being lost. In particular, when engaging with an ultra-compact and lightweight AED 1, the twisted cord-shaped band-shaped electrode unit 200 is suitable for a strap.

[0059] Moreover, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 include a conductive adhesive layer 206. Therefore, even if the skin of the patient P is intermittently wet due to rainfall, bleeding, or the like, the band-shaped electrode portion 200 can be attached to the patient P while preventing the attachment position from shifting or peeling off. Furthermore, if there is a laceration, gunshot wound, or the like in the contact area between the patient P and the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 can also act as a hemostatic tool.

[0060] (Embodiment 2) In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the surfaces of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 are flat as shown in FIG. 4(B), but as shown in FIG. 9(A), the conductive needle-shaped body 208 may be disposed on all or any of the surfaces of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204. The material and shape of the conductive needle-shaped body 208 are not limited as long as it is conductive and has a hardness and shape that allows it to be pierced into the skin of the patient P. When the conductive needle-shaped body 208 is attached to the patient P, all or a part of it pierces the skin of the patient P, and the band-shaped electrode section 200 is fixed to the patient P. This allows the band-shaped electrode section 200 to be attached to the patient P while preventing it from shifting from the attached position or peeling off, especially even when the skin of the patient P is intermittently wet due to rainfall, bleeding, or the like. Furthermore, if there is a laceration, a gunshot wound, or the like in the area of ​​contact between the patient P and the first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204, the first to fourth electrodes 201 to 204 can also function as a hemostatic tool.

[0061] In addition, the bioimpedance is lower subcutaneously than on the skin. Therefore, by inserting all or a part of the conductive needle-shaped body 208 into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient P and applying an electric shock to the subcutaneous tissue of the patient P via the conductive needle-shaped body 208, the bioimpedance can be reduced compared to the case where a pulse voltage is applied to the skin of the patient P.

[0062] Furthermore, if the patient P is clothed, and the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 are attached to the patient P over the patient's clothing, the impedance becomes too large. However, with the band-shaped electrode section 200 including the conductive needle-shaped body 208, a sufficient electric shock can be applied to the patient P by inserting the tip of the conductive needle-shaped body 208 subcutaneously of the patient P, even if the patient P is clothed.

[0063] The first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 may each include only one conductive needle-shaped body 208, or may include multiple conductive needle-shaped bodies. Also, only some of the electrodes may be provided with a needle-shaped body. Also, as shown in Fig. 9(B), one surface of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 may be provided with a conductive needle-shaped body 208 and a conductive adhesive layer 206. The conductive needle-shaped body 208 is an example of a needle-shaped body.

[0064] (Embodiment 3) The band-shaped electrode section 200 in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments has an overall band-like shape, but is not limited to this shape. When the electrodes are attached to the patient P, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 can be placed on the right anterior chest, the left anterior chest, the left flank, and the left back of the patient P, respectively, so long as the electrodes can be placed on the right anterior chest, the left anterior chest, the left flank, and the left back of the patient P, respectively. For example, the band-shaped electrode section 200 may have an overall triangular band-like shape, as shown in Figs. 10(A), (B), and (C).

[0065] The triangular sling-shaped electrode section 400 shown in Fig. 10(A), (B), and (C) includes the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and a triangular sling-shaped cloth 401 on which they are arranged. As shown in Fig. 10(C) in an expanded view, the overall shape of the triangular sling-shaped electrode section 400 is, for example, a shape in which one of the vertex peripheries of a triangle overlaps with one of the vertex peripheries of another triangle congruent with the triangle. The triangular sling-shaped electrode section 400 may be provided with fasteners 607 around the vertex parts of one triangle and fasteners 608 around the vertex parts of the other triangle, so that they can be engaged and disengaged with each other. The triangular sling-shaped cloth 401 is formed, for example, from synthetic fibers. However, the shape of the triangular sling-shaped electrode section 400 is not limited as long as it is triangular when worn on the patient P.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10(A)(B), the first electrode 201, the second electrode 202, and the third electrode 203 are arranged on the lining of one triangle of the triangular cloth 401, and the fourth electrode 204 is arranged on the lining of the other triangle. Also, as shown in Fig. 10(A), the first electrode 201, the second electrode 202, and the third electrode 203 are fixed at positions located on the right front chest, the left front chest, and the left abdomen of the patient P when the triangular cloth 400 is worn on the patient P. Also, as shown in Fig. 10(B), the fourth electrode 204 is fixed at a position located on the left back of the patient P when the triangular cloth 400 is worn on the patient P. However, the attachment positions are set with a margin in consideration of differences in physique.

[0067] By attaching the triangular bandage-shaped electrode part 400 to the patient P, the rescuer can position the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 at approximately appropriate positions on the patient P. The electrodes can be easily positioned by finely adjusting the positions of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and attaching them to the patient P. The triangular bandage-shaped electrode part 400 is an example of an electrode part.

[0068] (Embodiment 4) Furthermore, the strip-shaped electrode portion 200 may be entirely in the form of a garment, as shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B).

[0069] The garment-like electrode unit 500 shown in Figs. 11(A) and (B) comprises a first electrode 201 to a fourth electrode 204 and a garment-like fabric 501 on which these are arranged. The garment-like fabric 501 is, for example, in the shape of a vest or a poncho. It is desirable that the front or sides of the garment-like fabric 501 are open so that it is easy for the patient P to wear it. When the front or sides are open, a fastener 609 and a fastener 610 that can be engaged and detached with each other may be provided around the front or sides. The garment-like fabric 501 is formed from, for example, synthetic fiber. However, the shape is not limited.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 11(A)(B), the first electrode 201, the second electrode 202, and the third electrode 203 are arranged on the lining of the front body of the garment-like fabric 501, and the fourth electrode 204 is arranged on the lining of the back body of the garment-like fabric 501. As shown in Fig. 11(A), the first electrode 201, the second electrode 202, and the third electrode 203 are fixed at positions located above the right front chest, the left front chest, and the left abdomen of the patient P when the garment-like electrode unit 500 is worn on the patient P. As shown in Fig. 11(B), the fourth electrode 204 is fixed at a position located above the left back of the patient P when the garment-like electrode unit 500 is worn on the patient P. However, the attachment positions are set with a margin in consideration of differences in physique.

[0071] By attaching the clothing-like electrode unit 500 to the patient P, the rescuer can position the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 at approximately appropriate positions on the patient P. The electrodes can be easily positioned by finely adjusting the positions of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and attaching them to the patient P. The clothing-like electrode unit 500 is an example of an electrode unit.

[0072] (Embodiment 5) The attachment positions of the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 vary depending on the physical differences of the patient P. In particular, the physical differences are significant between the patient P who is a child and the patient P who is an adult.

[0073] 12(A), the AED 1 is provided with a band-shaped electrode unit for children 220 and a band-shaped electrode unit for adults 221, and a rescuer may use them by switching between them. The band-shaped electrode unit for children 220 and the band-shaped electrode unit for adults 221 each include a first electrode 201 to a fourth electrode 204.

[0074] A rescuer can select either the child band-like electrode part 220 or the adult band-like electrode part 221 according to the physique of the patient P and attach it to the patient P. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(B), the AED 1 may be provided with a child triangular sling-like electrode part 420 and an adult triangular sling-like electrode part 421. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(C), the AED 1 may be provided with a child clothing-like electrode part 520 and an adult clothing-like electrode part 521. The child band-like electrode part 220, the child triangular sling-like electrode part 420, and the child clothing-like electrode part 520 are examples of child electrodes, and the adult band-like electrode part 221, the adult triangular sling-like electrode part 421, and the adult clothing-like electrode part 521 are examples of adult electrodes.

[0075] (Embodiment 6) The number of pulses, polarity, waveform (pulse width, pulse height), energy value, etc. of the high voltage pulse generated by the high voltage generating unit 150 can be changed as appropriate. For example, in step S3, bipolar high voltage pulses may be applied n (n≧2) times between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203, and in step S6, bipolar high voltage pulses may be applied m (m≧2) times between the second electrode 202 and the fourth electrode 204, for example. In addition, when applying bipolar high voltage pulses, the order of application of positive high voltage pulses and negative high voltage pulses does not matter. In addition, the high voltage pulse applied in step S3 and the high voltage pulse applied in step S6 may be different. For example, in step S3, a bipolar pulse may be applied between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203, and in step S6, a unipolar pulse may be applied, etc.

[0076] Although an example in which the high voltage generating unit 150 generates two consecutive unipolar pulses has been described, this is not limited thereto. For example, the high voltage generating unit 150 may output a bipolar high voltage pulse such as a known BTE waveform, RLB waveform, ActiBiphasic waveform, etc. In this case, the bipolar high voltage pulse can be applied to the heart without switching the switches SW1 and SW2 in step S3 and without switching the switches SW1 and SW2 in step S6.

[0077] In the above description, step S5 instructs to apply a high voltage pulse in step S6, but steps S3 and S6 may be combined into a set, and steps S3 and S6 may be automatically performed in sequence when application is instructed in step S2. Note that step S6 may be performed before step S3.

[0078] Furthermore, high-voltage pulses are applied between the first electrode 201 and the third electrode 203, and between the second electrode 202 and the fourth electrode 204, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least two of the four electrodes may be appropriately selected to apply high-voltage pulses so that a current flows through the heart, and the combination of electrodes may be appropriately changed to apply high-voltage pulses to the heart in different modes.

[0079] In the above embodiment, four electrodes are arranged on the band-shaped electrode section 200, the triangular strap-shaped electrode section 400, and the garment-like electrode section 500, but four or more electrodes may be arranged. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 13(A)(B), five electrodes may be arranged on the right anterior chest, the left anterior chest, the left flank, the left back, and the right back of the patient P. In this case, in addition to the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204, a fifth electrode 209 is arranged on the band-shaped electrode section 200, the triangular strap-shaped electrode section 400, and / or the garment-like electrode section 500. At least two electrodes are appropriately selected from these five electrodes so that a current flows through the heart, and a high-voltage pulse may be applied to the heart in different modes by appropriately changing the combination of electrodes.

[0080] Further, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and the band-shaped fabric 205 are bonded to each other, but this is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 and the band-shaped fabric 205 may be fixed to each other by sewing.

[0081] Also, although the band-like electrode portion 200 is in the form of a twisted string, the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 and the garment-like electrode portion 500 may also be in the form of a twisted string. When the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 and the garment-like electrode portion 500 are in the form of a twisted string, a fastener is provided around one of the vertices of the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 and the garment-like electrode portion 500, and another fastener is provided around the vertex of the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 and the garment-like electrode portion 500 that faces the fastener. The fasteners are rotated in opposite directions around the axis that connects the fasteners. This causes the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 and the garment-like electrode portion 500 to become twisted string-like.

[0082] In addition, the band-like electrode portion 200, the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400, and the garment-like electrode portion 500 are in the form of twisted cords, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(B), a space for storing the band-like electrode portion 200 may be provided in the main body 100, and the band-like electrode portion 200 in a folded state may be stored in the space when not in use. In addition, the AED 1 and the band-like electrode portion 200 in a folded state may be stored in the storage case 2.

[0083] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the band-shaped fabric 205 is entirely band-shaped and has fasteners 601 and 602 on both longitudinal end faces, respectively, but is not limited to this. For example, the band-shaped fabric 205 may not have fasteners 601 and 602, and may entirely have a seamless continuous ring shape.

[0084] In the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, the material of the belt-like fabric 205, the triangular scarf-like fabric 401, and the garment-like fabric 501 is synthetic fiber, but the material is not limited as long as it is flexible, has strength enough not to tear when worn on a patient, and can insulate the applied voltage. In addition, the belt-like fabric 205, the triangular scarf-like fabric 401, and the garment-like fabric 501 may have an adhesive layer on the surface that comes into contact with the patient P. By providing the adhesive layer, the belt-like electrode unit 200, the triangular scarf-like electrode unit 400, and the garment-like electrode unit 500 can be worn on the patient P while preventing the wearing position from shifting or peeling off even when the patient P's skin is intermittently wet due to rainfall, bleeding, or the like. Furthermore, if there is a laceration, gunshot wound, or the like in the area of ​​contact between the patient P and the strap-like material 205, the triangular bandage-like material 401, or the clothing-like material 501, the strap-like material 205, the triangular bandage-like material 401, and the clothing-like material 501 can also act as a hemostatic device.

[0085] Although the AED1 applies an electric shock to the patient P after waiting for an instruction to apply an electric shock from the rescuer, this is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the AED1 may determine whether or not the biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit 160 satisfies a preset high-voltage pulse application criterion, and if it is determined that the biological information satisfies the criterion, may automatically apply an electric shock to the patient P without receiving an instruction to apply an electric shock from the rescuer. The high-voltage pulse application criterion is, for example, preset in the storage unit 180. In addition, any known criterion may be adopted as the high-voltage pulse application criterion. For example, if the control unit 140 determines that the heartbeat of the patient P is similar to the heartbeat that requires defibrillation, it may apply an electric shock to the patient P without receiving an instruction to apply an electric shock from the rescuer.

[0086] More specifically, the storage unit 180 prestores electrocardiogram information indicating a heartbeat that requires defibrillation, and threshold information indicating a matching rate between the electrocardiogram information of the patient P and the electrocardiogram information indicating the heartbeat that requires defibrillation. The control unit 140 analyzes the bioelectric voltage, bioelectric current, etc. of the patient P acquired by the bioinformation acquisition unit 160, and obtains electrocardiogram information, heart rate, etc. The control unit 140 obtains a matching rate between the electrocardiogram information of the patient P and the electrocardiogram information stored in the storage unit 180. The control unit 140 compares the obtained matching rate with the matching rate indicated by the threshold information. If the obtained matching rate exceeds the matching rate indicated by the threshold information, the control unit 140 determines that the heartbeat of the patient P is similar to the heartbeat that requires defibrillation.

[0087] The first electrode 201 to the fourth electrode 204 provided in the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 400 in the above embodiment 3, the garment-like electrode portion 500 in the above embodiment 4, the band-like electrode portion 220 for child, the band-like electrode portion 221 for adult, the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 420 for child, the triangular scarf-like electrode portion 421 for adult, the garment-like electrode portion 520 for child, and the garment-like electrode portion 521 for adult may each have a conductive adhesive layer 206, or each may have a conductive needle-like body 208, or each may have a conductive adhesive layer 206 and a conductive needle-like body 208. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1: AED (automated external defibrillator), 2: storage case, 100: main body, 110: display unit, 120: operation unit, 130: audio output unit, 140: control unit, 150: high voltage generation unit, 151: selection switch, 160: biometric information acquisition unit, 170: power supply unit, 180: memory unit, 200: strip-shaped electrode unit, 201: first electrode, 202: second electrode, 203: third electrode, 204: fourth electrode, 205: strip-shaped fabric, 206: conductive adhesive layer, 207: film, 208: conductive needle-shaped body, 209: fifth electrode, 220: strip-shaped electrode unit for children, 221: strip-shaped electrode unit for adults, 30 0: cable, 400: triangular electrode part, 401: triangular fabric, 420: triangular electrode part for children, 421: triangular electrode part for adults, 500: clothing-like electrode part, 501: clothing-like fabric, 520: clothing-like electrode part for children, 521: clothing-like electrode part for adults, 601: fastener, 602: fastener, 603: fastener, 604: fastener, 605: fastener, 606: fastener, 607: fastener, 608: fastener, 609: fastener, 610: fastener, P: patient, S: axis, SW1: switch, SW2: switch, PL1: high voltage pulse, PL2: high voltage pulse.

Claims

1. An automatic external defibrillator comprising an electrode unit attached to a patient and a voltage application unit that applies a high-voltage pulse to the patient via the electrode unit, The electrode unit includes a fabric to be worn by a patient and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the fabric, the first electrode is disposed on a portion of the fabric that is located on the right anterior chest of the patient when the fabric is worn on the patient; the second electrode is disposed on a portion of the fabric that is located over the patient's heart on the left anterior chest when the fabric is worn on the patient; the third electrode is disposed on a portion of the fabric that is located on the patient's left flank when the fabric is worn on the patient; the fourth electrode is disposed on a portion of the fabric that is located over the patient's heart on the left back when the fabric is worn on the patient; the voltage application unit applies a high voltage pulse between one of between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the fourth electrode while the fabric is still worn by the patient, and subsequently applies a high voltage pulse between the other of between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the fourth electrode. Automated external defibrillator.

2. The automated external defibrillator includes a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information of a patient, the biological information acquisition unit acquires biological information of the patient via the first to fourth electrodes attached to the patient; 2. The automated external defibrillator of claim 1.

3. The automated external defibrillator includes a display unit for displaying information, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of a patient, and the display unit displays the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit; Next, the voltage application unit applies a high voltage pulse between one of the first electrode and the third electrode and the second electrode and the fourth electrode, Next, the voltage application unit applies a high voltage pulse between the other of between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the fourth electrode, Next, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of the patient, and the display unit displays the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit.

3. The automated external defibrillator of claim 2.

4. The automated external defibrillator includes a display unit for displaying information, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of a patient, and the display unit displays the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit; Next, the voltage application unit applies a high voltage pulse between one of the first electrode and the third electrode and the second electrode and the fourth electrode, Next, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of the patient, and the display unit displays the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit; Next, in response to an instruction, the voltage application unit applies a high voltage pulse between the other of between the first electrode and the third electrode and between the second electrode and the fourth electrode, Next, the biometric information acquisition unit acquires biometric information of the patient, and the display unit displays the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit.

3. The automated external defibrillator of claim 2.

5. The automated external defibrillator repeats application of a high voltage pulse between the first electrode and the third electrode and application of a high voltage pulse between the second electrode and the fourth electrode while the fabric remains attached to the patient.

5. An automatic external defibrillator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The automated external defibrillator has two of the electrode units, One of the electrodes is a child electrode used when the patient is a child, The other electrode part is an adult electrode part used when the patient is an adult.

5. An automatic external defibrillator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The fabric is in the form of a belt, a belt having fasteners at both ends in the longitudinal direction that can be freely engaged or disengaged, a triangular band, or a garment.

2. The automated external defibrillator of claim 1.

8. An electrode unit including a first electrode attached to the right anterior chest of a patient, a second electrode attached to the left anterior chest of the patient, a third electrode attached to the left flank of the patient, and a fourth electrode attached to the left back of the patient, and a voltage application unit that applies a high voltage pulse between at least two electrodes selected from the first to fourth electrodes, The electrode portion is twisted like a twisted cord. Automated external defibrillator.

9. The electrode portion is in the form of a belt, a belt having fasteners at both ends in the longitudinal direction that can be freely engaged or disengaged, a triangular band, or a garment.

9. The automated external defibrillator of claim 8.

10. The electrode unit comprises a fabric to be worn by a patient and first to fourth electrodes arranged on the fabric.

10. An automated external defibrillator according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The automated external defibrillator has two of the electrode units, One of the electrodes is a child electrode used when the patient is a child, The other electrode part is an adult electrode part used when the patient is an adult.

10. An automated external defibrillator according to claim 8 or 9.

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