Medical device with user attention direction

Abstract

A medical device having a unit in communication with ancillary components wherein the unit and the ancillary components each have a sensory output through which communication with a user of the medical device may be accomplished and the user's attention directed. In one aspect, the medical device is an AED unit with associated pads, which are an ancillary component electrically connected to the AED unit. In this illustrative example, the unit has a unit sensory output (e.g., a speaker or a display), and the pads, and/or their associated packaging, have an ancillary sensory output (e.g. a speaker or display). Programming in the AED unit controls output to the sensory outputs such that the user's attention is directed between the unit and the ancillary components.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A medical device having ancillary components comprising:
 a medical device capable of performing a medical procedure;   an ancillary component in communication with the medical device which is integral to the performance of the medical procedure; and   a sensory output associated with the ancillary component, the sensory output in communication with the medical device, the medical device having programmable circuitry with programming, the programming capable of generating and sending output to the sensory output for output.   
     
     
         12 . The medical device of  claim 11  wherein the medical device is an AED and the ancillary component is a pad. 
     
     
         13 . The medical device of  claim 12  further including a pad holder, the pad holder being a storage container for the pad, the pad holder having thereon a second sensory output, the second sensory output being in communication with the programmable circuitry of the medical device, the programmable circuitry having programming capable of generating and sending output to the second sensory output for output. 
     
     
         14 . The medical device of  claim 12  wherein the sensory output is a display. 
     
     
         15 . The medical device of  claim 12  wherein the display is flexible. 
     
     
         16 . The medical device of  claim 12  wherein the display has a zero power operational characteristic. 
     
     
         17 . A medical device having ancillary components comprising:
 a medical device capable of performing a medical procedure;   an ancillary component in communication with the medical device which is integral to the performance of the medical procedure and contained in an ancillary component holder; and   a sensory output associated with the ancillary component holder, the sensory output in communication with the medical device, the medical device having programmable circuitry with programming, the programming capable of generating and sending output to the sensory output for output.   
     
     
         18 . The medical device of  claim 17  wherein the medical device is an AED and a pad is stored within the ancillary component holder. 
     
     
         19 . The medical device of  claim 17  wherein the sensory output is a display. 
     
     
         20 . The medical device of  claim 19  wherein the display has a zero power operational characteristic. 
     
     
         21 . The medical device of  claim 17  wherein the display is flexible.