Dual ECG Analyzer AED Reducing Hands-Off Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECG analysis algorithms for defibrillators require significant 'hands-off' time to accurately determine if a defibrillation shock is needed, which can reduce the chances of successful resuscitation due to interruptions in CPR, and are not accurate enough in noisy conditions like CPR artifact or external noise.
Innovation Solution
The use of two ECG analysis algorithms operating on different frequency bands, with the Optimized Arrhythmia Recognition Technology (ART) algorithm suppressing CPR artifact noise by selectively passing high-frequency components, allowing for a single ECG data buffer analysis within five seconds, even in non-shockable or artifact-contaminated conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ECG analysis algorithms are used to ensure accurate shock determination, then measurement precision is improved, but hands-off time increases from five seconds to ten seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ECG analysis into two independent parallel algorithms: a first algorithm for artifact-free conditions and a second algorithm for noisy conditions. Both algorithms process the same ECG data simultaneously during the hands-off period, allowing the system to make accurate decisions faster by evaluating multiple approaches concurrently rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analysis parameters by adapting to different signal quality conditions. The first algorithm uses parameters optimized for clean ECG signals, while the second algorithm uses parameters optimized for noisy signals with CPR artifact. This parameter adaptation allows accurate analysis regardless of signal quality without requiring extended hands-off time.
2Measurement precision
If hands-off time is extended to allow accurate ECG analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but CPR continuity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis during the hands-off period using both algorithms simultaneously. By preparing the analysis in advance during this brief window, the system can immediately resume CPR without waiting for sequential analysis completion, thus maintaining CPR continuity while ensuring accurate shock determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by having both ECG analysis algorithms operate concurrently during the hands-off period. This parallel processing allows the system to maintain CPR continuity while completing accurate analysis, as both algorithms work simultaneously rather than one after the other.
3Productivity
If a single ECG data buffer is analyzed to reduce hands-off time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis approach into two distinct algorithms that both process the single ECG data buffer simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity by analyzing one buffer quickly while improving measurement precision through the combined insights of two specialized algorithms, each optimized for different signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the results from two different ECG analysis algorithms to make the final shock determination. By combining the outputs of both algorithms, the system achieves both high productivity (using a single buffer) and high measurement precision (through algorithmic consensus and complementary strengths).
Data Source
AI summary
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which includes two electrocardiogram (ECG) analyzers. One of the ECG analyzers is suitable for use only for ECG which is signal-noise-free, and thus may be used during “hands-off” analysis periods in which no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions can be provided. The length of the “hands-off” analysis period can be shortened by use of the second ECG analyzer in concert with the first ECG analyzer. Thus, a greater proportion of CPR time through the course of a cardiac arrest rescue is achieved.