Defibrillator Electrode Illumination for Guided Shock Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing defibrillators face challenges with user inexperience, rapid patient degradation during cardiac arrest, and safety risks due to high-voltage shocks, particularly in public settings, as current electrodes lack dynamic visual guidance and rely on minimal printed information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of light indicators in defibrillator electrodes and cables controlled by a light indicator controller to provide dynamic visual feedback synchronized with voice prompts and defibrillator displays, guiding users through therapy workflow stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable electrodes with printed imagery and graphic labels are used, then the electrodes can be easily applied to patients, but the user guidance is insufficient and static
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static printed labels on electrodes into dynamic, illuminated displays. The electrodes incorporate light sources that can change their illumination state based on the defibrillator's operational phase, providing real-time, adaptive guidance to users during the emergency procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by employing illuminated displays on electrodes that can change their visual appearance (illumination state) to convey different information. Different illumination patterns and colors indicate different operational stages, guiding users through the procedure and alerting them to critical moments such as shock delivery.
2Device complexity
If minimal printed information is provided on electrodes, then the electrode design remains simple, but the user cannot receive dynamic guidance during therapy workflow stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the electrode serve multiple functions: it remains the electrical contact pad while also serving as a dynamic information display device. The illuminated display on the electrode provides guidance, warnings, and status information, eliminating the need for separate display devices and consolidating functions into the electrode assembly.
3Reliability
If the defibrillator provides audio and visual indications to not touch the patient, then safety is improved, but the user may not notice the warnings in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the electrode illumination as a visual mediator between the defibrillator's safety warnings and the user. The illuminated electrode serves as a direct visual cue at the point of contact with the patient, making the warning tangible and immediately noticeable to the user and bystanders.
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 user confidence and reduces errors by providing clear visual cues, speeds up electrode application and shock delivery, and ensures safer operations by minimizing risks to users and bystanders.
Implementation Method 1
light indicators provided in the electrode(s) and cable are controlled by logic in a light indicator controller within the defibrillator
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure encompass a light indicator controller for indicating a functioning status of a defibrillation unit including a defibrillator, electrodes each having an electrode light indicator and a cable having cable light indicators. In operation, the light indicator controller ascertains a functioning status of the defibrillation unit and controls an illumination of the electrode light indicators and the cable light indicators based on an operational mode of the defibrillator. The illumination of the indicators may represent a standby/startup of the defibrillation unit, an application of the electrodes to a patient, a heart rhythm analysis period or shock delivery being executed by the defibrillator or an intervention/CPR task being executed by the defibrillator.