Defibrillator Electrodes With Integrated Usability Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

It is difficult for users to ascertain whether electrodes for defibrillators should be discarded, which can compromise patient care if they are not functioning properly due to wear, degradation, expiration, or reaching their shock limit.

Innovation Solution

Electrodes with an integrated usability indicator that self-assesses their condition and outputs a usability indication, such as a shock count, expiration date, or other conditions, allowing users to determine if they should be replaced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrodes are replaced frequently to ensure proper function, then patient safety is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to unnecessary replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode functionVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode incorporates an integrated circuit that automatically tracks and records the number of shocks delivered, providing real-time feedback on electrode usage. This feedback mechanism enables users to make informed decisions about electrode replacement based on actual usage data rather than estimating or replacing on fixed schedules, thus avoiding unnecessary replacements while ensuring proper function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode's integrated circuit autonomously monitors and records its own usage without requiring external tracking systems or manual logging. The electrode self-manages the information needed to determine its replacement timing, eliminating the need for separate tracking devices or manual record-keeping by healthcare providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If electrodes are used beyond their shock limit to maximize utilization, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates as electrode performance may degrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode utilizationVSAvoidelectrode performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit pre-establishes and enforces shock delivery limits by automatically tracking the number of shocks and preventing use beyond the predetermined limit. This preliminary action ensures electrodes are replaced before performance degradation occurs, maintaining reliability while maximizing safe utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback on the number of shocks delivered versus the maximum allowed shocks, enabling users to understand remaining electrode capacity and plan replacements accordingly. This feedback optimizes electrode utilization by preventing both premature replacement and excessive use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If manual tracking of electrode usage is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking systemVSAvoidshock count accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode's integrated circuit autonomously and accurately tracks shock delivery without requiring external tracking devices or manual recording by healthcare providers. This self-service approach eliminates human error while keeping the overall system simple, as the tracking capability is built directly into the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual tracking methods (mechanical/human processes) with an electronic counting system integrated into the electrode. This substitution eliminates human error in tracking shock delivery while maintaining simplicity through integration rather than adding separate complex tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If no usability indicator is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information deteriorates as users cannot determine electrode status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode designVSAvoidelectrode usability information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode incorporates a visual indicator that changes color or provides visual feedback to communicate electrode status and usage information to users. This color change mechanism provides clear, intuitive information about electrode usability without requiring complex displays or interfaces, maintaining design simplicity while preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit provides feedback to the user about electrode usage status through visual indicators, ensuring users have the information needed to make informed decisions about electrode replacement. This feedback prevents information loss while keeping the system simple through direct visual communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12551696B2Electrodes with usability indicator

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 STRYKER CORP

AI summary

Electrodes having a usability indicator to indicate a usability of the electrodes are described. The electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode, as well as an output device(s) that are configured to output a usability indication indicative of a usability of the set of electrodes. If the usability indication indicates that the electrodes should be replaced, the user can discard the set of electrodes and replace them with a new set of electrodes, thereby mitigating the risk of compromising patient care for a patient.