JP6044945B2 - Defibrillator electrode inspection - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to testing electrodes for defibrillators, and in particular to testing the electrical integrity of the electrodes, i.e., the ability of the electrodes to conduct electrical signals.

  Defibrillators are used to provide a “shock” or electrical signal to the patient's heart. Studies have shown that the effect of shock decreases significantly with increasing time since cardiac arrest. It is therefore important to provide an electrical signal to the patient's heart as soon as possible using a defibrillator. As such, defibrillators are now often found not only in hospitals but also in various public places. In many such locations, the defibrillator may not be used for a significant period of time. Meanwhile, the defibrillator's electrodes typically remain in the package. The electrical integrity of the defibrillator electrodes is maintained over such a period, or if the integrity is compromised, that information is provided to potential defibrillator users. This is very important. This is particularly important when the defibrillator can be used by a general public with little or no experience with defibrillator technology or operation. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a defibrillator having a means that can check the integrity of the electrode.

According to a first aspect of the invention,
Electrodes,
A connecting portion for electrically connecting the electrodes to each other during inspection;
A defibrillation signal generator coupled to the electrodes;
A patient electrical resistance measurement system coupled to the electrodes and comprising a patient signal generator and a patient signal receiver;
A defibrillator controller coupled to a defibrillation signal generator and a patient electrical resistance measurement system;
A defibrillator comprising an electrode inspection system, the electrode inspection system comprising:
A control signal device coupled to the patient signal receiver for generating at least one control signal to change the patient signal receiver from a receiving state of the patient signal to a receiving state of the electrode test signal;
A test start signal device coupled to the patient signal generator for generating at least one test start signal that causes the patient signal generator to transmit a test signal to the electrodes;
An electrode test signal device coupled to the patient signal receiver for receiving an electrode test signal and processing the signal to determine a pass or fail test result for the electrode.

  When providing a defibrillation signal to the patient's heart, it is important to consider the patient's electrical resistance because the patient's electrical resistance varies from person to person, for example between 20 Ω and 300 Ω, and it is important to Determine energy. Thus, many defibrillators provide patient electrical resistance measurement systems. These systems apply an ac signal to the electrode and measure the ac signal from the electrode when the electrode is attached to the patient and use it to calculate the patient's electrical resistance.

  In the present invention, the inspection system is provided on the electrode of the defibrillator. This utilizes a component of a patient electrical resistance measurement system to apply a test signal to an electrode and measure the test signal obtained from the electrode. Therefore, the electrical integrity check of the electrode is performed using equipment already in the defibrillator, and the cost of providing a defibrillator having an electrode inspection function is reduced.

  The control signal device may comprise control signal software that operates on the signal generator of the defibrillator to generate at least one control signal. This control signal software may be implemented in the defibrillator controller. The control signal device may comprise control signal software and a control signal generator, the control signal software being operable for the control signal generator to generate at least one control signal.

  The control signal device may generate at least one control signal that causes the patient signal receiver to adjust its one or more characteristics to change from receiving the patient signal to receiving the electrode test signal. The control signal device may generate at least one control signal that causes the patient signal receiver to adjust its gain characteristics. The patient signal receiver may comprise an amplifier and the control signal device may generate a control signal that causes the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristics. The amplifier may include a voltage controlled amplifier, and the control signal device may generate a control signal that includes a voltage signal that causes the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristics. The amplifier may include a resistance control amplifier connected to the switch, and the control signal device may generate a control signal that includes a logic signal transmitted to the switch that causes the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristics.

  The control signal device may begin generating at least one control signal upon receipt of the test activation signal. The control signal device may comprise a control signal receiver that receives the test activation signal. The control signal device can receive a test activation signal from the defibrillator controller based on a determination by the controller that an electrode test is required, for example, as part of an automated defibrillator self-check process. . The inspection activation device can receive an inspection activation signal from an inspection initiator such as a button or a switch provided in the defibrillator.

  The test start signal device may comprise test start signal software that operates on the defibrillator signal generator to generate at least one test start signal. The test start signal software can be implemented in the defibrillator controller. The test start signal device may comprise a test start signal software and a test start signal generator that operates on the test start signal generator to generate at least one test start signal. be able to.

  The test start signal may cause the patient signal generator to send a test signal to the electrode having the same characteristics as the signal sent to the electrode to measure the patient's electrical resistance. The test start signal may cause the patient signal generator to send an ac test signal to the electrode having a frequency of, for example, about 30 kHz.

  The test start signal device can begin generating at least one test start signal upon receipt of the test activation signal. The test start signal device may comprise a test start signal receiver that receives a test activation signal. The inspection start signal device may receive an inspection activation signal from the control signal device. The test start signal device can receive a test activation signal from the defibrillator controller based on a determination by the controller that an electrode test is required as part of an automatic defibrillator self-check process. . The test start signal device may receive a test activation signal from a test initiator, for example, a button or switch provided on the defibrillator.

  The electrode test signal device may comprise electrode test signal software that operates on a defibrillator signal receiver to receive an electrode test signal. This electrode inspection signal software may be implemented in the defibrillator controller. The electrode inspection signal device may comprise an electrode inspection signal software and an electrode inspection signal receiver, the electrode inspection signal software being operable for the electrode inspection signal receiver to receive the electrode inspection signal. .

  The electrode inspection signal device processes the electrode inspection signal to obtain a measured value of the electrical resistance of the electrode, and uses this to determine the inspection result of the electrode. The electrode test signal device receives an electrode test signal including an electrode voltage signal and processes the electrode voltage signal using a look-up table of electrode voltages for electrode electrical resistance to obtain a measurement of the electrode electrical resistance. The electrode test signal device can process the electrode voltage signal by receiving an electrode test signal including the electrode voltage signal and using it to calculate a measurement of the electrical resistance of the electrode. The electrode test signal device can receive an electrode test signal including an electrode voltage signal and process the electrode voltage signal using a fixed value comparator to determine a measured value of electrical resistance of the electrode. The electrode test signal device can set an electrode electrical resistance threshold that conforms to provide an electrode pass test result and an electrode electrical resistance threshold that provides a non-conforming electrode fail test result. This threshold value may include the electrical resistance value of a single electrode, above which value an electrode pass test result is determined, and below that value an electrode fail test result is determined. This threshold may include, for example, a value of 1 kΩ for the electrical resistance of the electrode. This threshold value may include a numerical range of the electrical resistance of the electrode, within which the pass test result of the electrode is determined, and outside that range, the fail test result of the electrode is determined. This threshold value may include, for example, a range of 1 kΩ to 5 kΩ for the electrical resistance of the electrode.

  The electrode inspection signal device can process the electrode inspection signal, measure the voltage of the electrode, and determine the inspection result of the electrode using the electrode voltage. The electrode test signal device can set a threshold value for the electrode voltage that conforms to give a pass test result for the electrode, and a threshold value that gives a test result for failing the electrode with a non-conformance. The threshold value may include a voltage value of a single electrode, and a test result of passing the electrode is determined above that value, and a test result of failing the electrode is determined below that value. This threshold may include, for example, the voltage of the electrode having a value of 1.5V. The threshold value may include a range of voltage values of the electrode, and within the range, an inspection result of passing the electrode is determined, and an inspection result of failing the electrode is determined outside the range. The threshold may include an electrode voltage in the range of 1.5 to 2V, for example.

  The electrode test signal device can determine an electrode pass test result and send a signal to the defibrillator controller that enables generation of a defibrillation signal. The electrode test signal device can also determine a test result of electrode failure and send a signal to the defibrillator controller that prevents the generation of a defibrillation signal. The electrode test signal device can determine a failed test result of the electrode and issue a notification indicating the failed test result. This notification may be an audible alarm sound. This notification may be a visual notification such as an operation of a warning lamp provided in the defibrillator.

  The connecting portion that electrically connects the electrodes to each other at the time of inspection may be provided by a package in which the electrodes are stored. This package can also provide a conductive path from one electrode to another. This conductive path can be realized by providing a hole in the liner of the package covering the gel provided on the electrode, so that the electrode passes through the exposed gel when placed in the package. Connected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for examining the electrical conductivity of an electrode of a defibrillator, the method comprising:
Connecting the electrodes together during inspection;
Generating at least one control signal for changing a patient signal receiver of a patient electrical resistance measurement system of a defibrillator from a receiving state of a patient signal to a receiving state of an electrode test signal;
Generating at least one test start signal that causes a patient signal generator of the patient electrical resistance measurement system to transmit a test signal to the electrodes;
Receiving an electrode test signal from the patient signal receiver and processing the signal to determine a pass or fail test result for the electrode.

  Electrode testing may be performed regularly, for example once a week or once a month, before the patient is shocked, or when the defibrillator is turned on May be.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 schematically represents a defibrillator according to a first aspect of the present invention.

  Referring to the drawings, the electrode 3, a connecting part (not shown) for electrically connecting the electrodes to each other at the time of examination, a defibrillation signal generator 5, a patient signal generator 7 and a patient signal receiver 9 are provided. A defibrillator 1 comprising a patient electrical resistance measurement system, a defibrillator controller 11 and an electrode examination system 13 is shown. The patient signal receiver 9 comprises a differential amplifier 15, a filter 17 and an amplifier / rectifier 19. The defibrillator controller 11 includes a first signal generator 21, a second signal generator 23, and a signal receiver 25. The electrode inspection system 13 includes a control signal device 27, an inspection start signal device 29, and an electrode inspection signal device 31. In this embodiment, the defibrillator 1 further comprises a battery (not shown) that supplies power to the defibrillator components. The various components of the defibrillator 1 are connected to each other as shown in the drawings to receive and transmit electrical signals between the components. It should be understood that other connections not shown may be provided between the components of the defibrillator 1.

  In this embodiment, the components of the electrode inspection system 13 are implemented in the software of the defibrillator controller 11. The control signal device 27 comprises control signal software that operates on the first signal generator 21 of the defibrillator controller 11. The test start signal device 29 comprises test start signal software that operates on the second signal generator 23 of the defibrillator controller 11. The electrode test signal device 31 comprises electrode test signal software that operates on the signal receiver 25 of the defibrillator controller 11. The control signal device 27, the inspection start signal device 29, and the electrode inspection signal device 31 are illustrated as separate components. They can be implemented in separate software modules in the controller 11, but it should be understood that they can also be implemented in one software module in the controller 11. Further, it should be understood that the control signal device 27, the inspection start signal device 29, and the electrode inspection signal device 31 may be implemented in a memory unit that is separate from the controller 11 and coupled thereto.

  The defibrillator 1 is used to provide a defibrillation signal to the patient's heart. For this purpose, the defibrillator 1 is turned on and the electrode 3 is applied to the patient's chest. A patient electrical resistance measurement system is first used to measure a patient's transthoracic electrical resistance. This is necessary to deliver accurate defibrillation signal energy to the patient. In order to apply the signal to the electrode 3, the defibrillator controller 11 operates the patient signal generator 7. The patient signal generator 7 comprises a high electrical resistance ac signal generator that applies an ac current signal having a frequency of about 30 kHz to the first electrode 3 and applies it to the remaining electrodes 3 through the patient's chest. The electrode 3 outputs an ac voltage signal to the differential amplifier 15 of the patient signal receiver 9. The amplifier 15 outputs an ac voltage signal proportional to the difference between the electrodes, and passes the ac voltage signal through the filter 17. The filter 17 is configured as a bandpass filter, and attenuates an unnecessary frequency in the ac voltage signal to double the target frequency, that is, 30 kHz. The filtered ac voltage signal is output to the amplifier / rectifier 17, which modifies the ac voltage signal to generate a dc voltage signal and amplifies this signal to generate a dc voltage signal that meets the input requirements of the controller 11. To do. This dc voltage signal passes through the controller 11 and is used to obtain the electrical resistance of the patient. The controller 11 then sends a control signal to the defibrillation signal generator 5, causing the generator 5 to generate an appropriate energy defibrillation signal to be applied to the electrode 3 and the patient.

  In order to provide the patient with a defibrillation signal, the electrode 3 must have electrical integrity, i.e. the ability to conduct electrical signals. This is determined by inspecting the electrical conductivity of the electrode using the electrode inspection system 13. This applies the test signal to the electrode 3 using the components of the patient electrical resistance measurement system and measures the test signal obtained from the electrode 3. Therefore, the electrical integrity check of the electrode is performed using equipment already in the defibrillator 1.

  In this embodiment, the electrode inspection is performed by determining the measured value of the electrical resistance of the electrode 3. The electrical resistance of the electrode should be in the range of about 1 kΩ to 5 kΩ if the electrical integrity of the electrode is acceptable, and will be 5 kΩ or more if the electrical integrity of the electrode is compromised. The patient's electrical resistance is typically in the range of 20Ω to 300Ω. When using the defibrillator 1, the patient signal receiver 9 is configured to receive a signal having an electrical resistance within the range of the patient's electrical resistance. When the electrode 3 of the defibrillator 1 is examined, the patient signal receiver 9 is configured to receive a signal having an electrical resistance in the range of electrical resistance of the electrode that is much wider than the range of electrical resistance of the patient. Must be done. Therefore, it is indispensable to change the patient signal receiver 9 from the receiving state of the patient signal to the receiving state of the electrode test signal.

  The electrodes 3 are electrically connected to each other during inspection. In this embodiment, the connection of the electrodes is provided by the package in which the electrodes are stored. This package provides a conductive path from one electrode to the other. The conductive path is realized by providing a hole in the liner of the package covering the gel provided on the electrode so that the electrode is connected through the exposed gel when placed in the package. However, it should be understood that other connection means may be used to electrically connect the electrodes to each other.

  The electrode inspection system 13 operates as follows. The defibrillator controller 11 determines that an electrode test is required as part of an automatic defibrillator self-check process (eg, using a timer). The defibrillator controller 11 instructs to turn on the components of the defibrillator 1. (In this embodiment, the power of each component of the defibrillator 1 is turned on, but only a part of the component, for example, only the component necessary for performing the electrode inspection may be turned on. The defibrillator controller 11 communicates the activation of the electrode test to the control signal generator 27. This control signal generator 27 comprises control signal software that operates on the first signal generator 21 of the controller 11 and generates a control signal that is transmitted to the amplifier / rectifier 19 of the patient signal receiver 9. The amplifier / rectifier 19 comprises a voltage-controlled amplifier, and the control signal causes the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristics, resulting in a voltage that causes the patient signal receiver 9 to change from receiving the patient signal to receiving the electrode test signal. It has a signal.

  The defibrillator controller 11 then communicates the activation of the electrode test to the test start signal device 29. This test start signal device 29 comprises test start signal software that operates on the second signal generator 23 of the controller 11 and generates a test start signal that is transmitted to the patient signal generator 7. Thereby, the patient signal generator 7 transmits an examination signal to the electrode 3. The test signal has the same characteristics as the signal transmitted to the electrode 3 and measures the electrical resistance of the patient, ie an ac current signal having a frequency of about 30 kHz.

  An electrode test signal including an ac voltage signal is generated at the electrode 3 and is received by the patient signal receiver 9. The electrode test signal is processed by the components of the patient signal receiver 9 as described above as well as the patient signal. The electrode test signal device 31 operates on the receiver 25 of the controller 11 and comprises electrode test signal software for receiving electrode test signals from the patient signal receiver 9. The electrode inspection signal including the dc voltage signal is processed by the electrode inspection signal device 31 to obtain a measured value of the electrical resistance of the electrode. In this embodiment, the electrode test signal device 31 uses a voltage look-up table for the electrical resistance to obtain a measured value of the electrical resistance of the electrode. Subsequently, the inspection result of the electrode 3 is determined using this. The electrode inspection signal device 31 sets a threshold value in the range of about 1 kΩ to about 5 kΩ with respect to the electric resistance of the electrode, and a pass inspection result of the electrode 3 is determined within and below that range. The inspection result of the failure is determined. If the electrode test signal device 31 determines a pass test result for the electrode 3, it communicates to the defibrillator controller 11 to allow the defibrillation signal generator 5 to generate a defibrillation signal. A passing test result determines that the electrical integrity of the connection to each electrode has not been compromised and that the electrode structure is likely to be within specifications. If the electrode test signal device 31 determines a failed test result for the electrode 3, it communicates to the defibrillator controller 11 to prevent the generation of a defibrillation signal. The defibrillator 1 can also emit an audible warning sound and / or a visual notification, for example a notification indicating an unacceptable test result, such as the operation of a warning light provided on the defibrillator 1.

Claims (13)

Electrodes,
A connecting portion for electrically connecting the electrodes to each other during inspection;
A defibrillation signal generator coupled to the electrode;
A patient electrical resistance measurement system coupled to the electrode and comprising a patient signal generator and a patient signal receiver;
A defibrillator controller coupled to the defibrillation signal generator and the patient electrical resistance measurement system;
A defibrillator comprising an electrode inspection system, the electrode inspection system comprising:
A control signal device coupled to the patient signal receiver for generating at least one control signal to change the patient signal receiver from a patient signal reception state to an electrode test signal reception state;
A test start signal device coupled to the patient signal generator for generating at least one test start signal that causes the patient signal generator to transmit a test signal to the electrode;
An electrode test signal device coupled to the patient signal receiver, receiving an electrode test signal, processing the signal, and determining a pass or fail test result for the electrode; Defibrillator to do.   2. The defibrillator of claim 1, wherein the control signal device causes the patient signal receiver to adjust one or more characteristics thereof to change from a patient signal reception state to an electrode test signal reception state. A defibrillator characterized by generating a signal.   3. A defibrillator as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control signal device generates a control signal that causes the patient signal receiver to adjust its gain characteristics.   4. The defibrillator of claim 3, wherein the patient signal receiver comprises a voltage control amplifier, and the control signal device generates a control signal including a voltage signal that causes the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristics. Defibrillator featured. In defibrillator of claim 3, comprising the patient signal receiver resistor controlled amplifier, and a switch connected to said resistance control amplifier so as to switch the resistor connection, the control signal device, A defibrillator for generating a control signal including a logic signal transmitted to the switch, causing the amplifier to adjust its gain characteristic. 6. A defibrillator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the defibrillator controller comprises a first signal generator and the control signal device generates the at least one control signal. A defibrillator comprising control signal software operating on the first signal generator.   6. The defibrillator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control signal device comprises control signal software and a control signal generator, wherein the control signal software generates the at least one control signal. The defibrillator operates on the control signal generator. 8. A defibrillator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the defibrillator controller comprises a second signal generator and the test start signal device generates the at least one test start signal. A defibrillator comprising test start signal software operating on the second signal generator as described above .   8. The defibrillator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the test start signal device comprises test start signal software and a test start signal generator, wherein the test start signal software is the at least one test start. A defibrillator operating on the test start signal generator to generate a signal. In defibrillator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the defibrillator controller comprises a signal receiver, said electrode inspection signal device, said defibrillation to receive the electrode test signal defibrillator, characterized in that it comprises an electrode inspection signal software operating on the signal receiver vessels controller.   10. The defibrillator according to claim 1, wherein the electrode inspection signal device comprises an electrode inspection signal software and an electrode inspection signal receiver, and the electrode inspection signal software receives the electrode inspection signal. A defibrillator that operates on the electrode inspection signal receiver. 12. The defibrillator according to claim 1, wherein the test start signal device generates a test start signal, and the patient signal generator measures the electrical resistance of the patient according to the test start signal. A defibrillator, wherein an inspection signal having the same characteristics as a signal transmitted to the electrode is transmitted to the electrode. A method for examining the electrical conductivity of an electrode of a defibrillator,
Connecting the electrodes together during inspection;
Generating at least one control signal that changes a patient signal receiver of the patient defibrillator measurement system of the defibrillator from receiving a patient signal to receiving an electrode test signal;
Generating at least one test start signal that causes a patient signal generator of the patient electrical resistance measurement system to transmit a test signal to the electrode;
Receiving an electrode test signal from the patient signal receiver and processing the signal to determine a pass or fail test result for the electrode.

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