Pulse detection using patient physiological signals

Abstract

The presence of a cardiac pulse in a patient is determined by evaluating physiological signals in the patient. In one embodiment, a medical device evaluates optical characteristics of light transmitted into a patient to ascertain physiological signals, such as pulsatile changes in general blood volume proximate a light detector module. Using these features, the medical device determines whether a cardiac pulse is present in the patient. The medical device may also be configured to report whether the patient is in a VF, VT, asystole, or PEA condition, in addition to being in a pulseless condition, and prompt different therapies, such as chest compressions, rescue breathing, defibrillation, and PEA-specific electrotherapy, depending on the analysis of the physiological signals. Auto-capture of a cardiac pulse using pacing stimuli is further provided.

1 . A medical device comprising:
 a defibrillation electrode; and   a pulse detector detachably coupled to the defibrillation electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The medical device of  claim 1 , further comprising a processor to detect a pulse based on a first pulse detection performed at a first position of a patient, and a second pulse detection performed upon detachment of the pulse sensor at a second position of a patient. 
     
     
         3 . The medical device of  claim 1 , in which the pulse sensor is reattachable to the defibrillation electrode upon detachment. 
     
     
         4 . The medical device of  claim 1 , in which the pulse sensor is an optical pulse sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The medical device of  claim 1 , in which the pulse detector is a mechanical pulse detector. 
     
     
         6 . A medical device comprising:
 a defibrillation electrode; and   a light source for a pulse detector embedded in the defibrillation electrode.