Automated external defibrillator systems and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device, and software and methodology associated with a portable Automated External Defibrillator (“AED”). The portable AED works with a mobile device and software, and includes two or more cardiac pads, a battery pack, and specialized capacitor. When connected to a patient in cardiac arrest, the AED contacts Emergency Medical Services, and records patient information to be transmitted for evaluation by medical providers. The AED is able to analyze cardiac rhythms, suggests administering one or more shocks to the patient in appropriate cardiac arrhythmia, and guides a user on proper CPR technique, if enabled. The AED software can alert other personnel via a mobile device app.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A compact, automated external defibrillator (AED) system, the system comprising:
 an electronics module, including:
 a power source comprising at least one CR123 battery; 
 electronic circuitry for generating, storing, and dispensing electrical charge from the power source, the electrical charge being suitable for at least one electrical shock to be applied to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) patient; 
 a display configured to display information; 
 a single microprocessor for controlling both the electronic circuitry and the display; and 
   at least two cardiac pads electrically connected with the electronics module and configured for external attachment to the SCA patient;   wherein the cardiac pads are configured to transfer the at least one electrical shock from the electronics module to the SCA patient; and   wherein at least one of the cardiac pads includes at least one sensor, the at least one sensor being configured for measuring a cardiac rhythm and a body impedance.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the single microprocessor is adjustable and is configured to charge the capacitor to a prescribed amount of energy within 60 seconds. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the PWM signal is configured to charge the capacitor to the prescribed amount of energy within 45 seconds. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a firmware is configured for automatically adjusting waveform characteristics of the at least one electrical shock in accordance with the body impedance. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an interface for connecting the electronics module with a mobile communication device, wherein the interface is in communication with the single microprocessor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the single microprocessor and the electronic circuitry are configured to start to charge as soon as the system is turned on. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the PWM signal from the single microprocessor is provided to the current charger independent of any measurement by the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronics module includes a current charger and a capacitor. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the current charger uses a low current constant charge rate to charge the capacitor. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the low current constant charge rate is controlled by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the single microprocessor. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electronic circuitry comprises an H-bridge configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the H-bridge configuration is configured to generate a biphasic waveform. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises three CR123 batteries. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at full charge, the power source is configured to generate at least six electrical shocks. 
     
     
         15 . A compact, automated external defibrillator (AED) system, the system comprising:
 an electronics module, including:
 a power source comprising at least one CR123 battery; 
 electronic circuitry for generating, storing, and dispensing electrical charge from the power source, the electrical charge being suitable for at least one electrical shock to be applied to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) patient; 
 a display configured to display information; 
 a microprocessor for controlling at least one of the electronic circuitry and the display; and 
   at least two cardiac pads electrically connected with the electronics module and configured for external attachment to the SCA patient;   wherein the cardiac pads are configured to transfer the at least one electrical shock from the electronics module to the SCA patient;   wherein at least one of the cardiac pads includes at least one sensor, the sensor being configured for measuring a cardiac rhythm and a body impedance; and   wherein a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the microprocessor is adjustable and is configured to charge the capacitor to a prescribed amount of energy within 60 seconds.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the PWM signal from the microprocessor is adjustable to enable charging of the capacitor to a prescribed amount of energy within 45 seconds. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the power source comprises three CR123 batteries. 
     
     
         18 . A compact, automated external defibrillator (AED) system, the system comprising:
 an electronics module, including:
 a power source; 
 electronic circuitry for generating, storing, and dispensing electrical charge from the power source, the electrical charge being suitable for at least one electrical shock to be applied to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) patient; 
 a display configured to display information; 
 a single microprocessor for controlling both the electronic circuitry and the display; and 
   at least two cardiac pads electrically connected with the electronics module and configured for external attachment to the SCA patient;   wherein the cardiac pads are configured to transfer the at least one electrical shock from the electronics module to the SCA patient;   wherein at least one of the cardiac pads includes at least one sensor, the sensor being configured for measuring a cardiac rhythm and a body impedance; and   wherein a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal from the single microprocessor is adjustable and is configured to charge the capacitor to a prescribed amount of energy within 60 seconds.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the PWM signal is configured to charge the capacitor to the prescribed amount of energy within 45 seconds. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the power source comprises three CR123 batteries.