Configurable Defibrillator Electrodes for Limited Thoracic Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defibrillation electrode assemblies and chest compression sensors face challenges in being effectively placed on patients with limited thoracic space due to occupied areas by other medical devices, small thoracic size, or sensitive regions such as surgical incisions, leading to potential further injury and compromised sterility during resuscitation.
Innovation Solution
Configurable electrodes and sensors with high aspect ratios, low peel strength adhering materials, and sterile pouches for chest compression sensors that allow flexible placement and minimize injury to sensitive regions, maintaining sterility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard-sized electrodes and sensors are used, then adequate coverage area is achieved, but placement on patients with limited thoracic space becomes difficult and may cause injury to sensitive regions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple separable portions with guide lines indicating where to tear or cut. This allows the single large electrode to be segmented into smaller portions that can be placed on patients with limited thoracic space while maintaining adequate coverage area. The sensor assembly is similarly segmented to fit around sensitive regions such as surgical incisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode and sensor assemblies are designed to be dynamically configurable in size and shape based on patient anatomy. The guide lines and separable portions enable the rescuer to adapt the assembly configuration to match the available thoracic space, transforming a static fixed-size design into a dynamic adaptable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are placed over sensitive regions such as surgical incisions, then adequate placement options are available, but further injury to the sensitive regions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into portions that can be placed around rather than directly over sensitive regions. The guide lines enable precise separation to create custom configurations that navigate around incisions and other sensitive areas, providing placement flexibility without direct contact with vulnerable regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The configurable design acts as an intermediary between the need for electrode placement and the presence of sensitive regions. By allowing the assembly to be cut or torn along guide lines, it enables indirect placement strategies that achieve adequate electrode-skin contact while maintaining a safety buffer zone around sensitive areas.
3Measurement precision
If chest compression sensors are placed in sterile fields, then accurate monitoring is achieved, but sterility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented from the electrode portions, allowing the sensor to be placed in the sterile field while the electrodes remain outside. This separation enables accurate chest compression monitoring without compromising the sterility of the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The chest compression sensor is extracted as a separate functional component that can be independently positioned in the sterile field. This extraction allows the monitoring function to be decoupled from the non-sterile electrode placement areas, maintaining sterility while achieving accurate measurement.
4Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive strength is increased to ensure secure placement, then electrode stability is improved, but injury to sensitive regions during removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is designed with separable portions that can be removed independently. This segmentation allows the electrode to be detached in sections rather than as a single large adhesive unit, reducing the total adhesive force required for removal and minimizing injury to sensitive regions while maintaining stability during use.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient placement on various thoracic sizes and sensitive regions, reducing injury risk and maintaining sterility, thereby improving resuscitation effectiveness and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
an adhering material configured to transmit the defibrillation current from the electrically conductive layer to the patient
Implementation Method 2
an adhering material configured to couple the therapy pad to a sensitive region of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Example defibrillator electrode assemblies compression assemblies are described that may be dimensioned and configured for use on a patient despite physical constraints that limit the area or locations on a patient onto which an electrode assembly may be placed. A cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) assembly is also described that protects a patient with a transthoracic incision from further injury during application of CPR compressions proximate to the incision.