Cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device

Abstract

To provide a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) support device that can estimate a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during CPR using an automated external defibrillator. [Solution] A cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device that is built into an automated external defibrillator or used in combination with an automated external defibrillator, and is equipped with an estimation means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device Place .

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an Automated External Defibrillator (hereinafter abbreviated as AED), which is a device used for the initial response to cardiac arrest, has been widely spread. An AED analyzes an electrocardiogram (hereinafter abbreviated as ECG) signal and attempts to restart the heartbeat by giving a defibrillation shock when it is determined to be ventricular fibrillation (hereinafter abbreviated as VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (hereinafter abbreviated as PVT).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an AED having a function of determining shock adaptability based on an ECG signal and automatically selecting defibrillation energy amounts for adults and children. According to the AED disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform appropriate defibrillation according to the age and build of a patient and contribute to an improvement in the survival rate. However, the causes of cardiac arrest are not limited to VF and PVT (or VT), and non-shock-adaptable etiologies also exist as causes of cardiac arrest. Since conventional AEDs determine the appropriateness of defibrillation based only on an ECG signal, there is an inherent problem that they cannot appropriately respond to non-shock-adaptable cardiac arrest.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) support device that can estimate a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during CPR. companions This will be the main issue. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device that is built into an automated external defibrillator or used in combination with an automated external defibrillator, and includes estimation means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

[0007] In the cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device described above, the device may be provided with an acquisition means for acquiring necessary information from the person being resuscitated to estimate the cause of the other cardiopulmonary arrest, and the estimation means may estimate the cause of the other cardiopulmonary arrest based on the information acquired by the acquisition means. Furthermore, in this form of cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device, the device may be provided with storage information for storing reference information related to the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, and the estimation means may estimate the cause of the other cardiopulmonary arrest by comparing the necessary information acquired by the acquisition means with the reference information stored in the reference information storage means.

[0008] In the cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device described above, the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest estimated by the estimation means may include at least one of cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax (PTX). Furthermore, in this embodiment of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device, the necessary information may include at least one of the following: (i) right ventricular flatness, (ii) jugular vein pulsation, (iii) inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio, (iv) inferior vena cava diameter, and (v) absence of lung sliding.

[0009] The cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device described above may further include an output means that outputs the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest estimated by the estimation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device PlaceTherefore, during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, it is possible to estimate causes of cardiac arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, thereby improving the survival rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of an automated external defibrillator. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of an automated external defibrillator according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings and other drawings. It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the following description.

[0016] <<Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Support Device>> The cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) support device according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the support device of one embodiment) is a CPR support device that is built into an automated external defibrillator (AED) or used in combination with an automated external defibrillator. The support device of one embodiment may also be referred to as an integrated CPR support device with an automated external defibrillator, an integrated CPR support device with an automated external defibrillator, an automated external defibrillator with a built-in CPR support device, etc. In this specification, "built into an automated external defibrillator" includes a configuration in which the support device of one embodiment is stored in the storage container of the automated external defibrillator. Furthermore, in this specification, "used in combination with an automated external defibrillator" includes not only a configuration in which it is used by connecting to the automated external defibrillator with a wire, but also a configuration in which it is used by connecting to the automated external defibrillator with a wireless connection.

[0017] Here, the support device of one embodiment includes estimation means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. According to the support device of one embodiment, during cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an automated external defibrillator, even if the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest is a cause other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, that is, even if the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest is a cause for which shock is not applicable, the cause can be estimated (predicted), thereby improving the survival rate. In this specification, "cardiac arrest" also includes "suspected cardiopulmonary arrest." Therefore, "another cause of cardiopulmonary arrest" includes "another suspected cause of cardiopulmonary arrest."

[0018] One embodiment of the support device includes an estimation means. The estimation means estimates a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Hereinafter, "another cause" means "a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia."

[0019] One example of an estimation method is to estimate an "alternative cause" based on information obtained from the person being resuscitated. Hereinafter, the information obtained from the person being resuscitated (which may also be called the injured person) may be referred to as "necessary information." The support device in one embodiment is equipped with an acquisition means for obtaining the necessary information required to estimate an "alternative cause" from the person being resuscitated, and the estimation means estimates an "alternative cause" based on the acquired necessary information. One example of an estimation means is a computer that can estimate an "alternative cause" based on the necessary information.

[0020] One example of a support device includes a reference information storage means that stores reference information, and one example of an estimation means compares the necessary information acquired by the acquisition means with the reference information stored in the reference information storage means to estimate "another cause". Examples of storage means for storing reference information include ROM and the like.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an assistance device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the assistance device 100 has a control means (control unit 101), a reference information storage means (reference information storage unit 104), an acquisition means (acquisition unit 103), and an estimation means (estimation unit 102). In the same figure, the estimation unit 102 refers to the necessary information acquired by the acquisition unit 103 and the reference information stored in the reference information storage unit 104, and estimates "another cause". As an example, the "another cause" estimated by the estimation means 102 is transmitted to the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 outputs information related to the "another cause" from the output unit 105. Also, as an example, the control unit 101 transmits information related to the "another cause" to the outside from the transmission unit 106.

[0022] There is no limitation to the "another cause" estimated by the estimation means, and it includes all causes of cardiac arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Specifically, non-shock-adaptable causes (etiologies), for example, pulseless electrical activity, cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax (PTX), hypoxemia, decreased circulating blood volume, and coronary artery thrombosis can be exemplified. Also, non-shock-adaptable etiologies newly recognized due to the progress of medical knowledge are included.

[0023] In the assistance device according to an embodiment, the estimation means estimates at least one of cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax (PTX). In the assistance device according to an embodiment, the estimation means estimates two or more of cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax (PTX), and other causes.

[0024] In the assistance device according to an embodiment, the estimation means estimates "another cause" based on the necessary information that can be acquired using an ultrasonic scanner. The "another cause" in this form includes not only the non-shock-adaptable causes (etiologies) exemplified above, but also various other causes (etiologies) for which "another cause" can be estimated using an ultrasonic scanner.

[0025] Next, an example of the estimation means will be specifically described by taking the case where the "another cause" is cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax (PTX) as an example.

[0026] (Example 1) In the first example, the estimation means estimates "another cause" from the right ventricular flatness based on the necessary information obtained from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the acquisition means. Examples of acquisition means for obtaining the necessary information required to identify (calculate) the right ventricular flatness include line scanners and ultrasound scanners (ultrasound devices). An example of an ultrasound scanner is a wireless or portable (mobile) type. Examples of ultrasound scanner probes include linear probes, convex probes, sector probes, etc. An example of an ultrasound scanner has an adhesive pad that can be attached to the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Other means can also be used to obtain the necessary information required to identify the right ventricular flatness.

[0027] In the first example, the estimation method involves using a line scanner, ultrasound scanner, etc., to obtain necessary information from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and then estimating whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or another cause based on the right ventricular flatness (right ventricular flatness value). Right ventricular flatness can be defined as the ratio of the short-axis diameter to the long-axis diameter of the right ventricle, but it may also be substituted with the ratio of the lumen area of ​​the right ventricle to the lumen area of ​​the left ventricle, or the ellipticity of the right ventricle, etc.

[0028] Cardiac tamponade, one of the "other causes," is a condition in which fluid (such as blood or exudate) rapidly accumulates in the pericardial cavity, hindering the expansion of the heart. Therefore, in one embodiment of the support device in the first example, the estimation means compares the right ventricular flatness based on the necessary information obtained from the person being resuscitated by the acquisition means with reference information, which is the right ventricular flatness when there is no cardiac tamponade (or the right ventricular flatness when there is cardiac tamponade), to estimate whether the person being resuscitated has cardiac tamponade.

[0029] Pulmonary embolism, one of the "other causes," is a condition in which a blood clot or other blockage occurs in the pulmonary artery, abruptly blocking pulmonary blood flow. This rapid increase in pulmonary artery pressure leads to an increase in right ventricular pressure, causing the interventricular septum to shift towards the left ventricle. Therefore, the support device in one embodiment of the first example estimates whether the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation has a pulmonary embolism by comparing the right ventricular flattening based on necessary information obtained from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the acquisition means with reference information, which is the right ventricular flattening when there is no pulmonary embolism (or the right ventricular flattening when there is a pulmonary embolism).

[0030] The support device in this form is equipped with a reference information storage means, which stores reference information. Examples of stored information include information related to "another cause". One example of reference information is statistical values ​​based on multiple normal cases. Another example of reference information is values ​​obtained from literature or clinical databases. Examples of reference information stored in the reference information storage means in the first example include right ventricular flatness when there is no cardiac tamponade, and / or right ventricular flatness when there is no pulmonary embolism. In this specification, "right ventricular flatness when there is no cardiac tamponade" refers to right ventricular flatness in a normal state, for example, a pre-known right ventricular flatness obtained from a healthy person without cardiac tamponade, and "right ventricular flatness when there is no pulmonary embolism" refers to right ventricular flatness in a normal state, for example, a pre-known right ventricular flatness obtained from a healthy person without pulmonary embolism. "Right ventricular flatness when there is no cardiac tamponade" and "Right ventricular flatness when there is no pulmonary embolism" may be reinterpreted as "Right ventricular flatness when there is cardiac tamponade" and "Right ventricular flatness when there is pulmonary embolism," respectively.

[0031] Another method of estimation in the first example involves estimating "another cause" through image comparison. Specifically, the system compares right ventricular images obtained from a person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an acquisition means with right ventricular images taken when cardiac tamponade is not present, in order to estimate whether the person undergoing CPR has cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or another cause. The support device in this configuration is equipped with a reference information storage means, which stores right ventricular images taken when cardiac tamponade is not present (or when cardiac tamponade is present), and / or right ventricular images taken when pulmonary embolism is not present (or when pulmonary embolism is present).

[0032] (Second example) In the second example, the estimation means estimates "another cause" based on the jugular vein pulse obtained from the person being resuscitated by the acquisition means. Examples of acquisition means for obtaining the jugular vein pulse include the ultrasound scanner (ultrasound device) described in the first example. It is also possible to obtain the carotid artery pulse using means other than an ultrasound scanner.

[0033] In the second example, the estimation method uses ultrasound or other means to estimate whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade or another cause, based on the jugular vein pulsation obtained from the person being resuscitated.

[0034] Examples of jugular vein pulsations acquired by the acquisition means include jugular vein distension and jugular vein waveforms. Jugular vein distension can be acquired, for example, using B-mode ultrasound, and jugular vein waveforms can be acquired, for example, using M-mode ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound. Cardiac tamponade, one of the "other causes," has specific characteristics such as jugular vein distension and the disappearance of the y-valley in the jugular vein waveform, and based on these, it is possible to estimate whether it is cardiac tamponade. Therefore, the estimation means in the second example estimates whether it is cardiac tamponade based on whether jugular vein distension was acquired by the acquisition means and whether there is a disappearance of the y-valley in the jugular vein waveform.

[0035] Another estimation means in the second example compares the jugular vein waveform acquired by the acquisition means with the reference information stored in the reference information storage means, specifically, the jugular vein waveform when there is no cardiac tamponade (or the jugular vein waveform when there is cardiac tamponade) to estimate whether it is cardiac tamponade.

[0036] Furthermore, even when the "other cause" is pulmonary embolism, the jugular vein pulsation exhibits certain characteristics. Specifically, in pulmonary embolism, jugular vein distension and enhancement of alpha waves in the jugular vein wavelength may occur. Therefore, in the second example, the estimation method, as an example, uses necessary information obtained using common acquisition methods to estimate whether it is cardiac tamponade, and also to supplementarily estimate whether it is pulmonary embolism.

[0037] The second example described here, when combined with the first example, allows for a more accurate estimation of "another cause" by the estimation means. Specifically, based on the right heart flatness and jugular vein pulsation obtained by the acquisition means, the estimation means estimates whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism. In this combination, if the estimation means estimates that the "other cause" is neither cardiac tamponade nor pulmonary embolism, it estimates that the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest is something other than cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism.

[0038] (Third example) In the third example, the estimation means estimates "another cause" based on the ratio of inhalation to exhalation obtained from the person being resuscitated by the acquisition means. Examples of acquisition means for obtaining the necessary information to calculate the ratio of inhalation to exhalation include the ultrasonic scanner (ultrasonic device) described in the first example. It is also possible to obtain the necessary information to calculate the ratio of inhalation to exhalation using means other than an ultrasonic scanner.

[0039] In the third example, the estimation method involves using ultrasound or other means to obtain necessary information from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and then estimating whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or something else, based on the ratio of inspiration to expiration. As an example, the "ratio of inspiration to expiration" is the ratio based on the maximum inspiratory and expiratory velocities measured using pulsed Doppler ultrasound. The "ratio of inspiration to expiration" may also be referred to as "respiratory variation."

[0040] In this example, the support device of one embodiment is equipped with a reference information storage means, which stores the ratio of inspiration to expiration when cardiac tamponade is not present. In this specification, the "ratio of inspiration to expiration when cardiac tamponade is not present" refers to the ratio of inspiration to expiration under normal conditions, and is the ratio of inspiration to expiration that serves as reference information obtained from healthy individuals who do not have cardiac tamponade. The "ratio of inspiration to expiration when cardiac tamponade is not present" may be read as the "ratio of inspiration to expiration when cardiac tamponade is present."

[0041] One example of an estimation method is to compare the ratio of inspiration to expiration based on the necessary information acquired by the acquisition means with the ratio of inspiration to expiration stored as reference information in the reference information storage means to estimate whether or not it is cardiac tamponade.

[0042] Furthermore, even when the "other cause" is pulmonary embolism, the "ratio of inspiration to expiration" may exhibit specific behavior. Specifically, in pulmonary embolism, an increase in the ratio of inspiration to expiration is observed. Therefore, in the third example, the estimation method, as an example, estimates whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade based on the ratio of inspiration to expiration obtained from the necessary information acquired by ultrasound as the acquisition method, and if it is estimated not to be cardiac tamponade, then it is supplementarily estimated whether it is pulmonary embolism.

[0043] The third example described here, when combined with either or both of the first and second examples, allows for a more accurate estimation of "another cause" by the estimation means. Specifically, based on the ratio of inspiration to expiration, right heart flatness, and jugular vein pulsation, or both, acquired by the acquisition means, the estimation means estimates whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism. In this example combination, if the estimation means estimates that the "other cause" is neither cardiac tamponade nor pulmonary embolism, it estimates that the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest is something other than cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism.

[0044] (Fourth example) In the fourth example, the estimation means estimates "another cause" based on the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava obtained from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation using the acquisition means. Examples of acquisition means capable of measuring the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava (ICV) include the ultrasound scanner (ultrasound device) described in the first example. It is also possible to obtain the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava using means other than an ultrasound scanner.

[0045] In the fourth example, the estimation method involves using ultrasound or other means to obtain necessary information from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and then estimating whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or something else, based on the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava.

[0046] Specifically, in conditions of cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism, the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava expands beyond the normal range. Therefore, in the fourth example, the estimation method, as an example, estimates whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism based on whether the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava (ICV) obtained by the acquisition method is expanded compared to the maximum diameter of the inferior vena cava as reference information.

[0047] The fourth example described here, when combined with one or more of the first to third examples, allows for a more accurate estimation of "another cause" using estimation methods.

[0048] (Example 5) In the fifth example, the estimation means estimates "another cause" based on the presence or absence of the disappearance of lung sliding, using the necessary information obtained from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the acquisition means. Examples of acquisition means for obtaining the necessary information to evaluate the presence or absence of the disappearance of lung sliding include the ultrasound scanner (ultrasound device) described in the first example. It is also possible to obtain the necessary information to evaluate the presence or absence of the disappearance of lung sliding using means other than an ultrasound scanner.

[0049] In the fifth example, the estimation method involves using ultrasound or other means to obtain necessary information from the person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and then estimating whether the "other cause" is pneumothorax (PTX) based on the presence or absence of the disappearance of lung sliding.

[0050] Pneumothorax (PTX), one manifestation of "another cause," is a condition in which air accumulates in the pleural cavity, causing lung collapse and mediastinal displacement, in which case the lung sliding disappears. Therefore, in the fifth example, the support device of one embodiment estimates whether the person being resuscitated has pneumothorax (PTX) based on the presence or absence of the disappearance of the lung sliding, which is based on the necessary information obtained from the person being resuscitated by the acquisition means.

[0051] (Example 6) The support device in one embodiment of the sixth example is configured by combining at least one of the first to fourth examples with the fifth example. The estimation means in the fifth example estimates, by this combination, whether the "other cause" is cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax (PTX), or any other cause (a cause other than cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, or pneumothorax (PTX)).

[0052] (Control means) The support device of one embodiment includes control means for controlling the timing of acquisition of necessary information by acquisition means and estimation of "another cause" by estimation means. In addition to these controls, the control means also performs various controls to execute various processes of the support device of one embodiment as needed. For example, based on the completion of estimation of "another cause" by estimation means, it controls the output means described later.

[0053] One example of a control means controls the acquisition means and the estimation means so that, during the release phase of chest compressions, the acquisition of necessary information by the acquisition means and the estimation of "another cause" by the estimation means are completed. In this embodiment, the support device of one embodiment, or a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device that incorporates or uses this support device in combination with it, is equipped with a compression detection means.

[0054] (Compression detection means) The compression detection means detects the compression and release actions of chest compressions performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in real time. Examples of compression detection means include pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, gyro sensors, and sensor modules combining these. The control means causes the acquisition means to acquire necessary information and the estimation means to estimate "another cause" based on the timing at which the compression detection means detects that chest compressions have been released, in other words, based on the reception of a signal indicating that chest compressions have been released.

[0055] In another example, the control means causes the acquisition means and estimation means to execute so that, instead of receiving a signal indicating that the chest compressions have been released, the acquisition means acquires the necessary information and the estimation means estimates "another cause" during or after the biological information analysis by the automated external defibrillator. As an example, the control means controls the acquisition means and estimation means so that the acquisition of the necessary information and the estimation of "another cause" by the estimation means are completed during the biological information analysis using the automated external defibrillator, for example, during electrocardiogram analysis.

[0056] (Output means) The support device of one embodiment may include an output means that outputs an "alternative cause" estimated by the estimation means. One example of an output means is one that outputs information visually, audibly, or tactilely depending on the "alternative cause".

[0057] One example of an output method is to use a buzzer, speaker, etc., to output a warning sound, voice guidance, or alarm corresponding to the suspected "other cause." For example, if cardiac tamponade is suspected as the "other cause," the output method would output a voice message such as "Cardiac tamponade suspected." One example of an output method is to display the estimated "other cause" in text, graphics, or colors via a display, LED display, or icon display. For example, if the "other cause" is estimated to be pulmonary embolism, the output method will display the words "pulmonary embolism" or "PE". One example of an output method is to use an LED to output a color or blinking pattern corresponding to the estimated "other cause."

[0058] The output content of the output means is controlled by the control means to display and output different content depending on the type of "other cause" that has been estimated. In one example, the output means is controlled by the control means, which controls the output of the output means so that the "other cause" estimated by the estimation means is output at a predetermined timing. In one example, the control means controls the output means to output content according to the type of "other cause" during or after the biological information analysis using an automated external defibrillator. According to one embodiment of the support device equipped with the output means, information regarding the cause of cardiopulmonary arrest can be obtained immediately.

[0059] (Means of communication) The support device of one embodiment may include a communication means for transmitting, or alternatively, an "alternative cause" estimated by an estimation means to an external device, along with an output from an output means. The communication means has the function of automatically or manually transmitting the "alternative cause" estimated by the estimation means to an external receiving device. Examples of communication means include wireless communication such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE.

[0060] In one embodiment of a support device equipped with communication means, the control means controls the communication means to transmit information about the "other cause" to an external source based on the completion of the estimation of the "other cause" by the estimation means.

[0061] Examples of destinations (communication destinations) for information regarding "other causes" include mobile terminals, tablets, or in-vehicle terminals used by emergency medical personnel, triage systems, electronic medical record systems, or dedicated receiving devices at emergency hospitals, and medical information sharing networks via cloud servers.

[0062] Examples of information regarding "other causes" include "other causes" estimated by estimation methods such as cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax; "necessary information" used in the estimation method, such as right ventricular flatness, jugular vein pulsation, and the presence or absence of lung sliding; and time and location information estimated by the estimation method.

[0063] One embodiment of the support device includes a related information recording unit (not shown) in which the "other cause" estimated by the estimation means and related information (necessary information, location information, time information, etc.) are recorded. As an example, the control means, based on the completion of the estimation of the "other cause" by the estimation means, refers to the information recorded in the related information recording unit and controls the communication means to transmit various information about the "other cause" to an external source.

[0064] (Automated external defibrillator) Next, an automated external defibrillator (AED) that incorporates or is used in combination with the support device of one embodiment will be described. Note that the AED can be any conventionally known AED and is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[0065] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an automated external defibrillator (AED). As shown in Figure 2, the example AED consists of electrode pads 240, an activation switch 250, an electric shock switch 253, an output unit 252, an operation procedure storage unit 251 that stores the operation procedure, an electric shock generation unit 220, a sensor unit 210 that digitizes biological information such as electrocardiograms obtained through the electrode pads 240, a switching unit 230 that switches between the electric shock generation unit 220 and the sensor unit 210, a sensor information storage unit 203 that stores the biological information digitized by the sensor unit 210, a judgment unit 202 that determines life-saving measures based on the data recorded in the biological sensor information recording unit 203, and a control unit 201 that controls these.

[0066] In the automated external defibrillator 200 configuration shown in Figure 2, when the rescuer turns on the activation switch 250, the automated external defibrillator 200 starts operating, and the control unit 201 begins overall control. The control unit 201 performs actions based on the operation procedure stored in the operation procedure memory unit 251, as well as the content of the voice guidance and display guidance at that time.

[0067] During the electrode attachment phase, the control unit 201 obtains guidance information from the operation procedure memory unit 251 to prompt the attachment of the electrode pads 240, and notifies the rescuer of the guidance information through the output unit 252. The control unit 201 instructs the switching unit 230 to switch (disconnect) the connection between the sensor unit 210 and the electric shock generating unit 220.

[0068] Once the rescuer has finished attaching the electric pads 240 to the person receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hereinafter referred to as the injured person), the vital signs analysis stage begins when the electric shock switch 253 is pressed.

[0069] The control unit 201 obtains guidance information from the operation procedure storage unit 251 to indicate that analysis is currently underway, and notifies the rescuer of the guidance information through the output unit 252. The control unit 201 instructs the switching unit 230 to connect with the sensor unit 210 and shut off the electric shock generation unit 220.

[0070] The patient's biological information, such as electrocardiograms, obtained through the electrode pads 240 is digitized by the sensor unit 210. The control unit 201 receives the digital data from the sensor unit 210 and appends it to the sensor information storage unit 203. The sensor information storage unit 203 records and stores the biological information obtained via the sensor over time.

[0071] After a predetermined time has elapsed as recorded in the operation procedure storage unit 251, the control unit 201 instructs the decision unit 202 to perform the decision process.

[0072] In response, the judgment unit 202 determines whether or not an electric shock is truly necessary based on the data recorded in the sensor information recording unit 203, and notifies the control unit 201 of the result. If it is determined that an electric shock is not necessary, the system proceeds to the rescuer's care step, and the necessary guidance information is obtained from the operation procedure storage unit 251 and notified to the rescuer through the output unit 252. On the other hand, if it is determined that an electric shock is necessary, the system proceeds to the step of administering the electric shock.

[0073] When the procedure moves to the step of administering an electric shock, the control unit 201 obtains the guidance information necessary for this instruction from the operation procedure storage unit 251 and notifies the rescuer of this information through the output unit 252. The control unit 201 also instructs the switching unit 230 to shut off the sensor unit 210 and connect it to the electric shock generation unit 220.

[0074] Immediately before delivering an electric shock, the control unit 201 sends a final warning guidance or countdown information via the output unit 252. Then, the control unit 201 instructs the electric shock generating unit 220 to deliver the electric shock. The electric shock generating unit 220 delivers an electric shock to the injured person via the electrode pads 240.

[0075] After delivering an electric shock, the patient's condition may change, so the process moves to the biometric information analysis stage. By repeatedly going through these transitions between stages, the automated external defibrillator 200 continues to provide the rescuer with guidance on necessary rescue activities.

[0076] <<Automated External Defibrillator>> An automated external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the defibrillator of one embodiment) is equipped with estimation means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the defibrillator of one embodiment. As shown in the figure, the defibrillator 300 of one embodiment appropriately includes the support device of one embodiment described above and the configuration of the automated external defibrillator.

[0077] One embodiment of the defibrillator includes estimation means and acquisition means. One embodiment of the defibrillator includes estimation means, acquisition means, and reference information storage means. One embodiment of the defibrillator further includes an output means for outputting an "other cause" estimated by the estimation means, and / or a transmission means for transmitting information related to the "other cause" to an external source. The estimation means, acquisition means, and other various means in the defibrillator of one embodiment can be appropriately selected from the configuration of the estimation means described in the support device of the above embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0078] <<Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Support System>> A cardiopulmonary resuscitation support system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the system of one embodiment") comprises an automated external defibrillator 200 and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device 100. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device 100 is either an integrated unit built into the automated external defibrillator 200, or it is independent of the automated external defibrillator and is used in combination by wired or wireless connection. In this system, the various components can be made common to each other. For example, the control unit 101 of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device 100 and the control unit 201 of the automated external defibrillator 200 may be made common.

[0079] One embodiment of the system includes estimation means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an automated external defibrillator.

[0080] The cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device and automated external defibrillator that constitute the system of one embodiment can be appropriately selected and used from the configurations described in the support device of one embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0081] <<Method for estimating the etiology of a disease using an automated external defibrillator>> A method for estimating the cause of a disease using an automated external defibrillator according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the method of one embodiment") includes an acquisition step of acquiring necessary information from a person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and an estimation step of estimating a cause other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia based on the necessary information acquired in the acquisition step, during or after the analysis of biological information performed using an automated external defibrillator.

[0082] One possible estimation method involves comparing the necessary information obtained during the acquisition process with pre-stored reference information regarding cardiac arrest to estimate an alternative cause. One example of the estimation process involves making an estimation of at least one of the following: cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax (PTX). In this case, the acquisition means obtains the necessary information to obtain at least one of the following: (i) right ventricular flatness, (ii) jugular vein pulsation, (iii) inspiration-to-expiration ratio, (iv) inferior vena cava diameter, and (v) absence of lung sliding.

[0083] The method of one embodiment may include an output step that outputs another cause estimated in the estimation step. It may also include a step of communicating the other cause estimated in the estimation step to an external party.

[0084] The method of one embodiment can be carried out using a combination of the support device of one embodiment and an automated external defibrillator, a defibrillator of one embodiment, and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation support system of one embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100·Support equipment 101, 201... Control Unit 102... Estimation section 103...Acquisition part 104...Reference information storage unit 105, 252... Output section 106... Communications Department 200...Automated External Defibrillator 202... Judgment Department 203...Sensor Information Storage Unit 210...Sensor section 220...Electric shock generation area 230... Switching section 240... Electrode pads 250... Start switch 251...Operation procedure memory unit 253... Electric shock switch 300...Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Support System

Claims

1. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device that is built into or used in combination with an automated external defibrillator. A means for estimating a cause of cardiopulmonary arrest other than ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and The system includes means for obtaining necessary information from a person undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation to estimate the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, The other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest estimated by the estimation means includes at least one of cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax (PTX), The necessary information is at least one of the following: (i) right ventricular flatness, (ii) jugular vein pulsation, (iii) inspiratory-to-expiratory ratio, (iv) inferior vena cava diameter, and (v) absence of lung sliding. The estimation means estimates the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest based on the necessary information acquired by the acquisition means. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) support device.

2. The system includes a reference information storage means for storing reference information related to the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, The estimation means compares the necessary information acquired by the acquisition means with the reference information stored in the reference information storage means to estimate the other cause of cardiopulmonary arrest. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising an output means for outputting the cause of cardiac arrest estimated by the estimation means, A cardiopulmonary resuscitation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

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