Compact AED Surface Electrodes for ECG Signal Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) face challenges in taking electrocardiograms (ECGs) due to the inferior view provided by their electrode pads and the need for disposable pads that require replacement, limiting their use to emergency assessments and imposing bulkiness that impedes prompt patient treatment.
Innovation Solution
A compact AED design with integrated surface electrodes on the device body allows for ECG signal reception without deploying or exposing the pads, using a circuit board for signal processing and enabling the use of reusable components with replaceable hydrogel cartridges for various ECG lead configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AED electrode pads are used for ECG assessment, then ECG signals can be obtained, but the view provided is inferior and the pads require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the AED defibrillation function from the ECG monitoring function by providing dedicated ECG electrodes on the device body, allowing independent optimization of each function's electrode configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The AED device body integrates multiple functions including defibrillation, ECG monitoring, and reusable electrode contacts that support various ECG lead configurations beyond just emergency assessment
2Reliability
If disposable AED pads are deployed for ECG, then emergency assessment is enabled, but the device becomes bulky and pads require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ECG electrode function from the disposable AED pads and places dedicated ECG electrodes directly on the device body, eliminating the need to deploy pads for ECG monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The AED device body provides its own integrated ECG electrodes that can directly contact the patient's skin, making the device self-sufficient for ECG monitoring without requiring external disposable pads
3Ease of operation
If AED pads are exposed to air for ECG contact, then ECG signals can be obtained, but the pads dry out
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG electrode function is extracted from the sealed AED pads and placed on the device body, allowing ECG contact without compromising the sealed integrity of the pads
Solution Approach 2:
The device body serves as an intermediary structure with integrated ECG electrodes that can contact the patient without requiring the AED pads to be exposed to air or leave their protective sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A compact automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device configured to receive electrocardiogram signals while the AED's electrode pads are in airtight storage. A surface of the device has a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection to a circuit board, each at a separate defined location on the surface. The circuit board receives ECG signals from a patient when the first defined location and the second defined location on the surface of the device body are put in contact with the patient. The circuit board may be configured to sense ECG signals from the patient through a plurality of additional defined locations on the surface of the device.