Convertible Electrode Assembly for Variable Patient Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defibrillators require multiple sets of differently sized electrodes, leading to inefficiencies and waste due to the limited shelf life and rarity of use for pediatric-sized electrodes, and using a single set of fixed-size electrodes is not optimized for various patient sizes, resulting in suboptimal therapy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A convertible electrode assembly with multiple removable portions that can be adjusted to fit different patient sizes by removing specific parts, allowing for a universal electrode solution that can be used across various patient types and medical devices, reducing inventory and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sets of differently sized electrodes are maintained, then therapy effectiveness for various patient sizes is improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed with a single set of electrodes that can be configured for different patient sizes through removable portions, allowing one electrode set to serve multiple functions for pediatric, infant, and adult patients, eliminating the need to maintain separate electrode sets for different patient populations
2Reliability
If pediatric-sized electrodes are maintained separately, then therapy effectiveness for children is improved, but waste increases due to limited shelf life and rarity of use
Solution Approach 1:
The single electrode assembly can be configured for pediatric patients by removing the adult-sized electrode portions, providing optimized pediatric therapy without requiring separate pediatric electrode sets that would expire unused
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows selective removal and discarding of only the portions of the electrode assembly that are not needed for a particular patient size, rather than discarding entire electrode sets, thereby reducing overall waste
3Device complexity
If a single set of fixed-size electrodes is used, then inventory simplicity is improved, but therapy effectiveness decreases for non-matching patient sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into separable portions (adult-sized and pediatric-sized electrodes) that can be removed independently, allowing the electrode set to be adapted to different patient sizes while maintaining a simple single-set inventory system
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adaptable configuration where portions can be removed based on patient size requirements, enabling a single electrode set to effectively match different patient populations
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly that is adjustable in size, as well as systems, and methods of use thereof are described. The electrode assembly includes multiple electrode portions including at least a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion, the second electrode portion disposed on the first electrode portion at an edge of the first electrode portion, wherein the second electrode portion has a cutout, and wherein the first electrode portion spans the cutout. The electrode assembly is configured to be used with a medical device, such as an external defibrillator. A process of automatically selecting a usage mode of a medical device based on detecting which electrode portion(s) has been removed from an electrode storage tray is also described.