Defibrillation Shock Detection Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CPR defibrillation methods lack a reliable method to confirm that an electric shock has been effectively applied to a patient without direct measurement, risking inefficiency and potential patient injury due to unknown electrical resistance.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using electric and/or magnetic field detection circuits, combined with an accelerometer, to verify the application of electric energy to the heart during defibrillation, providing feedback through visual and sonic indicators, and potentially storing or transmitting data on shock delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If defibrillation is performed without direct measurement, then the procedure is simpler and faster, but the reliability of shock delivery confirmation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefibrillation procedure speedVSAvoidshock delivery confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by using a detector to sense the electric field generated during defibrillation and providing real-time confirmation to the operator. The detector monitors the actual electric field in the vicinity of the heart and feeds this information back to confirm whether the shock was effectively delivered, resolving the contradiction between procedural simplicity and reliable confirmation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement inside the body with non-invasive electric field detection. Instead of inserting sensors into the patient's body to directly measure shock delivery, the system uses external detectors to sense the electric field, substituting a less invasive measurement approach while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If electrical resistance is not measured, then the defibrillation process is simpler, but the risk of patient injury from burning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefibrillation system complexityVSAvoidpatient burning risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by detecting the electric field as an intermediate parameter that correlates with both shock delivery and tissue heating risk. Instead of directly measuring electrical resistance which would require complex contact, the system uses electric field detection as an intermediary to infer both shock effectiveness and potential burning risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback about the actual electric field conditions during defibrillation, enabling operators to assess both shock delivery effectiveness and potential tissue heating risks. This feedback loop allows for real-time adjustment to prevent patient injury while maintaining procedural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If electric field detection is implemented, then the measurement precision of shock delivery improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock delivery verificationVSAvoiddetection apparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detection function from the defibrillator itself, using a separate, dedicated detector device. This separation allows the defibrillator to remain simple while the detection apparatus provides precise measurement capabilities independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is designed to perform multiple functions: verifying shock delivery, assessing treatment effectiveness, and potentially guiding subsequent treatment decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities from a single apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the certainty of shock application, reduces the risk of injury by confirming energy delivery, and provides accurate feedback to users during CPR, improving the safety and efficacy of defibrillation procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an apparatus configured to detect and measure electric and/or magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

an apparatus configured to detect and measure electric and/or magnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

combined with an accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9889309B2Method and apparatus for detecting a shock applied to a patient during CPR

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 LAERDAL MEDICAL AS

AI summary

Method and apparatus for detecting electric energy delivered to the heart of a body when performing defibrillation. The method comprises the steps of applying a defibrillator with electrodes placed on opposite sides of the heart; applying an apparatus on the body and between said electrodes for detecting and measuring electric and/or magnetic fields; performing defibrillation by delivering electric energy to the body; detecting electric energy running through the heart with said apparatus, and indicating electric energy applied to the heart. The apparatus for performing the method comprises detection and indications means for performing the method.