Suction cup for thoracic monitoring and life-saving defibrillation shock delivery

Abstract

The invention describes a Life-saving device consisting of two synchronized suction cups designed to assist in emergency intervention during sudden cardiac arrest. Each suction cup integrates ECG sensors to monitor the patient's heart rhythm, a defibrillation module capable of delivering an electrical shock automatically or manually, and a voice guidance system that assists the user during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The device also includes a GPS communication module for transmitting data to emergency services in real time and a "black box" for post-event data recording. An automatic and rechargeable conductive gel distribution system ensures optimal electrical conductivity, minimizing the risk of skin burns. The synchronized suction cups are controlled via a wireless remote, delivering the defibrillation shock effectively through the heart and improving the likelihood of restoring normal cardiac rhythm within the shortest possible time after the event.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Suction cup for thoracic monitoring and Life-saving defibrillation shock delivery

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The invention falls within the field of medical technologies for the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest, providing an innovative and automated solution for early defibrillation. It is applicable in both domestic and public emergency settings.

[0006] Background Art

[0007] Cardiac death is a natural event typically preceded by a sudden loss of consciousness that occurs within one hour from the onset of acute symptoms, in individuals with or without known preexisting heart disease. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest accounts for approximately 60-70% of deaths related to cardiovascular causes. According to World Health Organization (WHO) epidemiological data, the incidence of cardiac arrest is estimated at 50-100 events per 100,000 inhabitants per year. In Europe, it is estimated that nearly 1,000 people die every day from cardiac arrest (approximately 60,000 annually in Italy), and that about 70% of these events occur in the presence of a bystander who could initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the mechanical activity of the heart ceases, resulting in an immediate absence of blood circulation and organ oxygenation. In 25-50% of cases, the initial rhythm is ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), while in the remaining cases asystole or pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is observed — the latter being defined as an organized electrical rhythm without effective circulation. Unlike asystole or PEA, VF and VT can be effectively treated with electrical defibrillation and are therefore referred to as “shockable rhythms.” Only about 40% of bystanders witnessing a cardiac arrest attempt Life-saving manoeuvres such as chest compressions or ventilation, and the use of a defibrillator before the arrival of professional rescuers occurs in only 12% of cases. Recognition of symptoms and timely intervention — particularly minimizing the interval between collapse and defibrillation — are among the most critical factors influencing survival in sudden cardiac arrest due to VF. The only procedure capable of restoring the mechanical function of the heart is electrical therapy. Scientific studies have clearly demonstrated that the key determinant of survival is the delivery of a defibrillation shock within the first five minutes after onset, as each minute of delay decreases survival probability by approximately 10%. Resuscitation guidelines have consistently outlined the actions and temporal sequences to be followed in the event of cardiac arrest. The concept of “timeliness” in emergency medicine is strongly associated with the dissemination of CPR skills among laypeople, ensuring that basic life support manoeuvres can be initiated quickly. While basic life support training simplifies the “chain of survival” into distinct sequential steps for clarity, in practice, several actions should occur simultaneously (e.g., initiation of CPR and activation of emergency services), which is only feasible when at least two rescuers are present to reduce response times. Defibrillators are available in various models with minimal functional differences, but all operate on the same principle — delivering external electrical energy through the skin. During resuscitation, the sequence of shock delivery and operational algorithm is similar for both manual and semi-automatic devices. Modern automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to relieve rescuers of rhythm recognition responsibilities, allowing both healthcare and trained lay operators to perform defibrillation safely. Clinical evidence based on the analysis of thousands of ECG tracings recorded before and after defibrillation has shown that when rescuers manage to limit the interval between the last chest compression and the shock to 10 seconds or less, the probability of successful defibrillation — defined as termination of VF and return of spontaneous circulation — increases significantly. Recent advances have introduced biphasic defibrillators, which deliver a shock that reverses current polarity midway through discharge. This approach reduces myocardial damage and improves defibrillation efficacy, allowing for lower energy levels, typically 150-200 Joules. “Smart” single-use defibrillators, recently marketed, share the same fundamental characteristics but are disposable after use. At present, however, no medical device is capable of simultaneously and continuously monitoring a patient’s vital parameters (e.g., blood pressure, SpCh, ECG), automatically alerting emergency services, and delivering a Lifesaving defibrillation shock within the first three minutes of cardiac arrest.

[0008] Disclosure of Invention

[0009] Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) comprises a series of Life-saving interventions that increase the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Although the optimal approach to CPR may vary depending on the rescuer, the patient, and the available resources, the main difficulty lies in performing CPR promptly and effectively. In many cases, cardiac arrest occurs at home, requiring family members or bystanders to perform resuscitation manoeuvres. Survival therefore depends on the ability of those nearby to recognize the emergency, call for help, begin CPR, and use a public-access defibrillator until a professional rescue team arrives. It is well established that the effectiveness of resuscitation depends on the time elapsed between the onset of a non-perfusing cardiac rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) and defibrillation. Current average times between cardiac arrest and defibrillation include: recognition of arrest (2 minutes), activation of emergency services (1 minute), dispatch of rescue units (1 minute), arrival of rescuers (8 minutes), patient localization and shock delivery (2 minutes), for a total of approximately 14 minutes. The patient’s physiological condition can affect the likelihood of successful defibrillation. Consequently, failure to resuscitate is not necessarily an indicator of defibrillator performance. Quality improvement depends on accurate measurement of performance indicators and outcomes, as described by the Utstein Guidelines, which recommend monitoring bystander CPR frequency and time to first shock. Over the last 50 years, hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved worldwide through prompt recognition, rapid emergency activation, early CPR, and early defibrillation — the fundamental links in the chain of survival. Nevertheless, there remains significant potential for improvement. Rapid diagnosis and treatment, together with a fast and accurate emergency activation system and reliable data collection and feedback, contribute to strengthening healthcare systems and improving survival outcomes.

[0010] Based on the considerations above, the invention addresses the problem of delay in defibrillation by providing a user-friendly device that guides the operator in real time through a voice assistance system and automates the defibrillation process. The device reduces intervention time by enabling immediate transmission of clinical data and GPS position to emergency services, allowing them to assess severity and initiate rapid response simultaneously with the first electrical shock automatically suggested by the device upon detection of a shockable rhythm.

[0011] Unlike previously known defibrillation systems described in prior art documents (e.g., CN110090139A, US2022071840A1, and US2022338782A1), the present invention provides an integrated system combining synchronized suction electrodes, an automated voice-guided resuscitation module, and real-time GPS data transmission. Together, these features enable early and coordinated shock delivery, continuous patient monitoring, and automatic communication with emergency services, resulting in a comprehensive life-saving response system.

[0012] The invention comprises two synchronized suction cups designed for ease of use and to provide assistance in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. The cups are made of flexible, medical-grade silicone that is chemically resistant and biocompatible, ensuring safe and comfortable adhesion to the patient’s skin. Each suction cup contains an integrated plate for continuous cardiac monitoring and a defibrillation module capable of delivering a synchronized electrical shock to maximize defibrillation effectiveness. The system includes a voice guidance module that assists the user during CPR manoeuvres and a GPS communication module that transmits real-time clinical data and the patient’s location to emergency services, ensuring rapid intervention. To enhance electrical conductivity and minimize the risk of skin burns, the device features an automatic conductive gel release system. The synchronization of the suction cups ensures that the electric discharge passes effectively through the heart, increasing the likelihood of restoring a normal cardiac rhythm. The simplicity of use, automation of defibrillation, and instant transmission of data significantly reduce intervention time and improve clinical outcomes.

[0013] Brief description of drawings

[0014] Figure 1: Algorithm of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using the device.

[0015] Figure 2: Bottom view of the suction cup with the integrated defibrillation plate.

[0016] Figure 3: Top view of the suction cup with the activation button.

[0017] Figure 4: Wireless remote control for manual activation of the shock.

[0018] The drawings described represent an example of optimization of the intervention times of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0019] Best mode for carrying out the Invention

[0020] 1. Structure and Main Components of the Device

[0021] • Ergonomic suction cups with integrated plate: The suction cups (1), as illustrated in Figure 2 (bottom view) and Figure 3 (top view), are designed to be applied to the patient’s chest, having a diameter of 10-14 cm and a thickness of 2-3 cm (2). Each suction cup contains an integrated plate (3) that performs continuous monitoring of the heart’s electrical activity through ECG detection. The plate, made of stainless steel with a diameter of 7-9 cm, is designed to ensure optimal contact with the patient’s skin and efficient conduction of electrical energy. It is capable of detecting shockable rhythms and delivering an electrical shock when necessary. This function is essential for real-time cardiac monitoring and immediate defibrillation.

[0022] • Negative pressure adhesion system with conductive gel: Each suction cup is equipped with a negative pressure generation system (4) consisting of an integrated vacuum pump that removes air from the inner surface of the cup, creating partial vacuum pressure to ensure secure adhesion of the suction cup to the patient’s chest. Upon activation, the system automatically releases 3-5 mF of hydrogel-based conductive gel (5) onto the plate surface through an internal reservoir positioned above the defibrillation plate. This biocompatible material enhances electrical conductivity between the plate and the skin, reducing electrical resistance and minimizing the risk of burns during shock delivery. The adhesion and gel release systems operate synchronously to guarantee both stable adherence and effective defibrillation. An integrated pressure sensor continuously monitors vacuum levels to ensure safe and consistent adhesion of the suction cups throughout the intervention.

[0023] • Gel refilling system: The gel reservoir is connected to a one-way valve (6) located on the outer surface of the suction cup, allowing for convenient refilling of the conductive gel. The valve is designed to be compatible with standard gel bottles, enabling replenishment directly through the bottle cap. Alternatively, the gel can be refilled using a syringe, by injecting the required amount of gel into the reservoir. This system provides a quick and safe refilling process without the need to disassemble the suction cup.

[0024] • Defibrillation module: Each suction cup is equipped with an internal defibrillation module comprising an energy storage capacitor and a discharge circuit capable of delivering an electrical shock ranging from 120 to 200 Joules for adult patients. The system incorporates an energy adaptation algorithm that automatically adjusts the discharge level according to the patient category. For paediatric patients, the energy is limited to 50-100 Joules, while in the case of pacemaker carriers, the algorithm further reduces the discharge intensity to prevent interference or potential damage to the implanted device. The energy output is automatically synchronized between the two suction cups to ensure simultaneous delivery and maximize the effectiveness of defibrillation.

[0025] • Wireless remote control: The device includes a wireless remote control (7), as illustrated in Figure 4, which allows the operator to manage the delivery of the electrical shock. The remote control is automatically synchronized with the suction cups at the time of activation of the adhesion system. It is equipped with a luminous button (8) that indicates when the system is ready for shock delivery, ensuring that the operator maintains full control over the process.

[0026] • Automatic synchronization of suction cups: Synchronization between the suction cups occurs automatically when the operator presses the activation button (9) located on the surface of the suction cup to initiate negative pressure and release the conductive gel. This process ensures that both suction cups operate in a coordinated manner, allowing simultaneous delivery of the electrical shock across the patient’s heart. Automatic synchronization reduces intervention time and enhances the overall effectiveness of defibrillation.

[0027] • GPS detection and automatic transmission module: The device integrates a GPS module that automatically detects the patient’s location and transmits it in real time to the emergency operations centre via cellular or satellite network. The transmission is synchronized with device activation and with clinical data, such as the ECG trace. This system reduces intervention time and provides immediate and accurate patient localization, eliminating the need for manual telephone communication.

[0028] • Integrated voice guidance system: The device provides voice instructions (10) to assist the rescuer during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manoeuvres. The voice system guides the rescuer in hand positioning, chest compression rhythm, and indicates the appropriate and safe moment to press the shock button. Operation of the Device

[0029] • Continuous cardiac activity monitoring: After the suction cups are applied to the patient’s chest, the plates continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity through ECG signal detection. The system continuously analyses the signals to identify shockable rhythms and provides real-time feedback to the operator via the wireless remote control. • Defibrillation electrical shock: When the system detects a shockable rhythm, the voice guidance system alerts the operator, who can manually activate the discharge by pressing the button (8) on the wireless remote control. The remote control indicates system readiness for discharge through a luminous indicator (11) located within the button, which flashes simultaneously with the light indicator (12) on the suction cups and the four LEDs (13) positioned on the outer surface of each cup. The electrical shock is delivered simultaneously by both suction cups, passing through the patient’s heart to restore a normal cardiac rhythm.

[0030] • Communication and GPS: The device is equipped with a communication module that automatically transmits the patient’s ECG data, GPS location, and a report of the delivered shocks to the emergency operations centre via satellite network. This system ensures a timely response by rescuers and enables the real-time transmission of information for an accurate assessment of the situation.

[0031] • Regulated biphasic discharge: The biphasic technology employed by the device reverses the polarity of the current during the delivery of the electrical shock, thereby reducing myocardial damage and increasing the likelihood of restoring a normal cardiac rhythm.

[0032] • Data recording system: The device is equipped with a data recording system that stores all information related to the intervention, including ECG traces, timing of manoeuvres and delivered shocks, and feedback provided by the voice guidance system. These data can be extracted wirelessly for post-event analysis.

[0033] • Energy adaptation algorithm: The device employs an energy adaptation algorithm that automatically adjusts the delivered energy levels according to the patient’s category and medical condition, thereby optimizing defibrillation efficacy while minimizing associated risks. a. Adults: The device delivers a discharge ranging from 150 to 200 Joules, with an initial shock of 150 Joules and the possibility of automatic increase up to 200 Joules if required. b. Children: For paediatric patients, the energy is automatically regulated between 50 and 75 Joules. For infants or small children, the energy is further reduced to 20-50 Joules, ensuring maximum safety for younger patients. c. Pacemaker carriers: The device is capable of detecting the presence of pacemakers or other implanted devices and adjusts the discharge energy to 120 Joules to prevent interference with the implanted medical device.

[0034] Industrial applicability

[0035] The device complies with the CPR guidelines issued by the AHA (2020-2025), ERC (2021-2025), and ILCOR (2021). It integrates existing technologies with new features such as voice guidance, data recording, and automatic emergency alert transmission. Its automation reduces response times in cases of cardiac arrest, thereby improving the chances of survival. It does not replace a defibrillator but serves as a valuable aid to resuscitation when a defibrillator is unavailable or while awaiting the arrival of emergency responders. It can be manufactured using medical-grade silicone, stainless steel, and standard electronic components.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 January 2026 (17.01.2026).

1. [Life-saving device for the treatment of cardiac arrest, comprising: a. A suction cup (1) made of medical silicone, with a diameter of 10-14 cm and a thickness of 3-4 cm; b. An integrated plate (3) within the suction cup, made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 7-9 cm; c. A negative pressure adhesion system (4) and electroconductive gel release (5), designed to automatically release 3-5 ml of electroconductive hydrogel; d. A pressure sensor inside the suction cup, designed to monitor the vacuum level.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the electroconductive gel is released between the plate (3) and the skin.

3. Device according to claim 1, comprising a GPS module connected to a satellite network.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the automatic synchronization system between the suction cups is provided (9).

5. Device according to claim 1, wherein a wireless remote control (7) is equipped with a manual discharge button (8).

6. Device according to claim 1, comprising an energy adaptation algorithm.)[0001][0002]Statement under Article 19(1)[0003]The Applicant hereby submits the present amendments to the claims under Article 19 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty.[0004]The amendments have been made with the sole purpose of ensuring full formal compliance with the requirements of the PCT, in particular Rule 6.2(b), by introducing reference signs in parentheses corresponding to the elements illustrated in the drawings. The substance, scope and technical content of the claims remain unchanged. No new technical features have been added, and no limitation or extension of the originally claimed subject-matter has been introduced.[0005]The amended claims are fully supported by the description and drawings as originally filed. The basis for each amendment can be found directly in the original disclosure, including the detailed description of the device components and the corresponding reference signs used consistently throughout the application.[0006]The Applicant notes that the International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority acknowledge that the claimed invention satisfies the requirements of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability for claims 1-6. Accordingly, the present amendments are of a purely formal nature and do not affect the positive assessment of patentability expressed in the Written Opinion.[0007]The Applicant respectfully submits these amendments for consideration by the International Bureau.

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