External Defibrillator Pads for EMI-Prone Surgical Procedures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac pacing technologies, such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) during surgical and endoscopic procedures, leading to increased risks due to the need for deactivation, which compromises immediate defibrillation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An automatic external defibrillator with specifically designed pads and a wearable monitoring system that includes electrodes for delivering shocks and monitoring heart rhythms, configured for use during EMI-prone procedures, featuring a conductive gel adhesive and safety warnings to ensure proper use and reactivation of ICDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ICD is deactivated to avoid EMI interference during surgical procedures, then EMI interference is reduced, but immediate defibrillation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic external defibrillator (AED) as an intermediary device that operates independently of the ICD. The AED includes external pads positioned on the patient's chest that can deliver defibrillation shocks without interfering with the ICD, allowing simultaneous protection against both EMI interference and cardiac arrhythmias during surgical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the defibrillation function into two separate systems: the ICD (implantable) and the AED (external). This segmentation allows each device to operate independently - the ICD remains active for continuous monitoring while the AED provides external defibrillation capability that is not affected by EMI interference from surgical equipment
2Device complexity
If AED pads are positioned on anterior side only, then device complexity is reduced, but defibrillation effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the AED into two separate pads: an anterior pad positioned on the front of the chest and a posterior pad positioned on the back. This segmentation allows each pad to be optimized for its specific location while together they provide comprehensive defibrillation coverage, improving effectiveness without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single anterior pad configuration to a two-dimensional arrangement by adding a posterior pad. This dimensional expansion creates a more effective defibrillation pathway through the chest wall, improving shock delivery effectiveness by utilizing both anterior and posterior body surfaces
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
The solution provides a reliable and safe means to deliver electric shocks and monitor heart rhythms during EMI events, reducing risks by ensuring immediate defibrillation capabilities are available without interfering with ICDs, thus enhancing patient safety during surgical and endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The defibrillator pad can be adhered with a skin-compatible adhesive, which, more particularly, can take the form of a conductive gel adhesive
Implementation Method 2
an electrode positioned along both the first arm and the second arm and configured to deliver an electric shock
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides an automatic external defibrillator including an anterior pad designed such that it can be used during an endoscopic or surgical procedure that may generate electromagnetic interference. The anterior pad has a first arm adhered longitudinally along and substantially parallel to a left side of a sternum of the subject and a second arm adhered along a 5th intercostal space of the subject. The device also includes a posterior pad. Both the anterior and posterior pads include electrodes for delivering a shock to the subject. The device can also include a wearable component containing sensing electrodes for measuring heart rhythms and a transmitting them to a monitor. The monitor monitors these heart rhythms and alerts the subject or medical care providers to irregularities in the rhythms.