EP2099521A1

EP2099521A1 - Defibrillator with housing arrangement and support device

Info

Publication number: EP2099521A1
Application number: EP07856444A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Roso
Original assignee: Metrax GmbH
Current assignee: Metrax GmbH
Priority date: 2006-12-07
Filing date: 2007-12-07
Publication date: 2009-09-16
Also published as: DE202006018673U1; US20090306730A1; WO2008068029A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a defibrillator for permanent external application to a patient, with a protective shell arrangement receiving a base unit with defibrillator components, an electrode arrangement connected or connectable to this shell arrangement, and a support device. An advantageous ergonomic adaptation to the person wearing the defibrillator is achieved by the fact that the defibrillator components are spatially combined into subsidiary modules, and the shell arrangement has several subsidiary shells (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) to which the subsidiary modules are distributed and which are movable relative to one another and connected to one another mechanically and electrically.

Description

Defibrillator with housing arrangement and carrying device

The invention relates to a defibrillator for permanent external attachment to a patient with a basic device with defibrillator components receiving protective sheath assembly, a connected thereto or connectable electrode assembly and a support device.

No. 4,576,170 shows a defibrillator of this type that can be worn by a patient to be monitored, the entire system having two separate functional units, namely a cardiac activity monitoring part and a defibrillator part, which are electrically connected to one another via connecting lines. An overall system with such a defibrillator can be used in different life situations. gene, such. As in motion or while sleeping, be bothersome, especially because the housing containing the defibrillator electronics is relatively voluminous and uncomfortable to wear even in the desired miniaturization.

Similar aspects also arise in portable defibrillators, which are shown in DE 697 17 192 T2 and US 2003/0216787 A1.

DE 103 06 953 describes a mounting garment for positioning of ECG measuring or ECG monitoring electrodes and / or therapy electrodes and associated wiring. Here, a garment belt may include an elastic belt portion which may be slidably attached to an organizer plate which can hold the measuring electrodes against the skin of the patient. DE 691 21 470 shows a belt-like electrode arrangement and DE 689 27 898 shows an electrode belt and a device attached thereto.

The concepts for the training of the defibrillators themselves always go in the direction of the smallest possible, monolithic design of the defibrillator, to which only the electrodes or possibly even a power supply with battery are connected externally via appropriate connection cable. However, since high energies (150 J to 250 J) and high voltages (up to 2000 V) are necessary to produce therapeutically effective shocks, a reduction of the devices are limited. Even with a high packing density 300 to 500 cm ³ housing volume are necessary.

The invention has for its object to provide a defibrillator of the type mentioned above, which offers improved comfort for the patient in the long run. This object is achieved with the features of claim 1. In this case, it is provided that the defibrillator components are spatially combined to form submodules and that the sheath arrangement has a plurality of subshells onto which the submodules are distributed and which are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another relative to one another.

This composite can z. B. worn around the waist or around the chest. But it can also be incorporated into a vest to be worn in the upper third of the body. Especially in the case of integration into a vest, the composite can also be subdivided into several smaller partial composites with, for example, three modules each.

The division of the defibrillator components on individual sub-modules results in an ergonomically comfortable and aesthetic wearing this device on the body in all situations (alertness, sleep, exercise).

Advantageous design variants consist in the fact that the partial envelopes are arranged flat or in a row.

Further different forms of training for the protected housing of the sub-modules of the defibrillator electronics are that the partial sheaths are designed as rigid housing modules or at least partially as flexible protective sheaths.

For the adaptation to the body shape, there are various advantageous measures in that the partial sheaths are mechanically coupled to one another by means of flexible intermediate pieces or by intermeshing joint parts.

A favorable construction for the comfort also results from the fact that the partial sheaths are applied to a flexible carrier material. If it is provided that the flexible carrier material is completely or partially a textile, various requirements can be met, for. B. to a skin compatibility, meet at different outdoor temperatures or movement requirements.

The wearing comfort is favored by the fact that insulated electrical connecting lines are integrated into the intermediate pieces or the carrier material.

Here are various advantageous design options is that the electrical connection lines are designed as textile electrical lines or as flexible printed circuit boards.

The measures that the electrical connection lines are at least partially designed as a bus system, contribute to an advantageous electrical data transmission and low power consumption.

Advantages of dividing the basic unit into a group of submodules are:

Since the individual modules are small, flat and movable against each other, a high level of comfort is possible. - Since the sub-modules are flat, a nearly invisible carrying under clothing is possible.

By changing the module number or module height, the volume can be adjusted to the actual needs.

The connection technology by z. B. Flat conductor promises favorable electrical properties (low impedance, low inductance, simple insulation by intermediate layers). When using suitable plastics and appropriate dimensioning a high robustness of the system and the joints can be achieved.

The sub-modules can be connected together in a watertight manner by manufacturing the composite in one piece or by welding.

As known per se, a defibrillator is used to treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and consists in particular of an energy store formed by one or more capacitors, a charging device for this energy store, a switch arrangement for shaping the defibrillation pulse and control electronics. These defibrillator components can be configured as the individual submodules. But also a further division of these Defibrillatorkomponenten or a summary is possible, so that there is a different number of sub-modules.

In one embodiment of an external portable defibrillator z. B. the following conditions:

In order to deliver effective defibrillation pulses, a pulse energy of about 150J is necessary. Assuming traditional waveforms, about 250J must be kept in a capacitor used as an energy storage. Such a capacitor requires a volume of about 150 cm ³ .

If this capacitor is divided into 4 equal parts, then a volume of 38 cm ³ results per part. With a square base area of 7 ^* 7 cm ² , a height of about 7.5 mm would be necessary for the capacitor itself. Included

Envelope and connecting elements could be such a capacitor module so in a volume of about 8 * 9 * 1, 2 cm ³ realize. An accumulator necessary for supplying energy to the entire system can likewise be accommodated in one or, if necessary, two such modules.

The electronics necessary for generating a pulse of the form "biphasic truncated exponential" (BTE) on this base are also possible.

A complete external defibrillator can thus be constructed from 6 to 7 of said sub-modules.

If you connect these submodules to a composite, such as a chain, this z. B. around the hip or around the rib cage, without unduly disturbing the wearer. By additional measures, eg. B.

Upholstery or concave shape, the wearing comfort and thus the acceptance can be further increased.

Advantageous for the construction of a defibrillator according to the invention are the use of flat capacitors, the use of flat accumulators, the use of flat cables or flexible printed circuit boards, the use of a flat electronics assembly (eg, ceramic power applied on a housing power semiconductors), the introduction of the above Components in flat plastic cups, the connection of these plastic cups to one another by means of flexible plastic bands, which are each attached to two opposite sides, the execution of the electrical connection between the assemblies contained in the cups by flat conductors, which are enclosed in the flexible plastic bands, and / or the electrical and mechanical connection of all submodules of the defibrillator electronics to a flat or series-connected composite of partial casings. The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of partial modules of a defibrillator electronics arranged in a flexible composite with respective partial sheaths in planar arrangement,

2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a flexible composite of sub-modules of a defibrillator electronics arranged in respective sub-sheaths in a row-like arrangement,

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a row arrangement of sub-modules of a defibrillator electronics in respective partial sheaths in a flexible composite in a chain-like arrangement and

3A and 3B is a closer view of a flexible assembly of sub-modules of a defibrillator assembly in respective sub-sheaths in a chain-like arrangement.

1 schematically shows a defibrillator with a base unit 1 containing the defibrillator electronics and an electrode arrangement 2 connected thereto via a connecting line 15, which comprises defibrillation electrodes and, if appropriate, also measuring electrodes or an integrated sensor system for measuring signals to be picked up on the patient, such as, for example, B. ECG signals, as in such gene externally on a patient portable defibrillators per se. The plurality of wires having connection line 15 is either fixed or pluggable electrically connected to the base unit 1.

The defibrillator electronics of the basic unit 1 are divided into a number of submodules, which are advantageously assigned to different defibrillation components such as energy storage with one or more capacitors, charging device for the energy store, switch arrangement for shaping the defibrillation pulse, control electronics, ECG amplifiers, signal analysis circuit, HV output stage and user interface are. Other components can z. B. communication modules (GSM, UMTS modules), a GPS module for patient localization or components of a man-machine interface. The sub-modules are electrically connected via connecting lines 16 and mechanically via flexible coupling means, such as a flexible support 18 'together and received in respective sub-shells 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and form over the flexible electrical and mechanical coupling means functionally coherent composite, the in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is arranged flat. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a series arranged composite of the sub-modules with the partial sheaths 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, wherein the sub-modules connected via connecting lines 16 to a bus line 17 with a suitable number of wires and z. B. are mechanically coupled via a flexible support 18 '. In the further exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the submodules with their sub-sheaths 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 are mechanically chain-like with one another via the mechanical coupling means 18, which are mechanical as flexible coupling means such as flexible plastic or a textile or via links which are suspended inside one another and are electrically connected to each other via connecting lines 16. The individual partial sheaths 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 can be configured in various ways, for example as a fixed relatively rigid flat plastic housing or flexible receiving pockets made of plastic material and / or fabric material. They can be suitably adapted in shape and with regard to a body compatibility, whereby they are designed to be flexible and / or soft for different life situations, for example for a good mobility or rather for resting people. Also, the material z. B. in terms of good skin compatibility, body temperature or sweat absorption or permeability are suitable. Also, moisture protection for the electronics housed in the partial sheaths can be achieved by means of correspondingly dense material and tight closures. Overall, a high wearing comfort on the one hand and a secure functionality on the other hand can be ensured in this way.

Fig. 3 shows a row-shaped arrangement of the partial sheaths 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, which are electrically connected to each other via electrical connection lines 16 and mechanically coupled via elastic or nested coupling means 18 in the manner of a link chain together.

Advantageous embodiments can be formed by special embodiments of the internals, for. As the use of flat, caseless capacitors, or by varying the chain, z. B. division of the link chain, insertion in a vest, forming a two-dimensional chain lattice.

3A and 3B show a schematic representation of details of a series arrangement in the manner of a link chain with essential components of the structure: a link housing 1 with a plurality of chain-like movable coupled to each other part shells in the form of housing modules A, B, C (chain link B z. for a capacitor block 30), wherein z. B. on a support base 50, the chain link B a cup-shaped lower part 20 for a capacitor block 30 and the e-lectric connection via flat conductor 40 with respective contact points 60 takes place.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate, by way of example, the embodiment of a housing module B still open with the relevant submodule for a capacitor block and its connection to the two neighboring modules A, C. The closure of the submodule which is still necessary is not represented by a z. B. welded lid. Correspondingly, other of the abovementioned components or even further components can be accommodated in the housing module.

In an arrangement of the sub-modules of the defibrillator electronics in housing modules A, B, C, which are connected to such a link chain, formed with the link chain belt or strap z. B. also be used for electrode positioning.

With the described embodiments of the defibrillator base unit 1 with the partial modules accommodated in the partial casings 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, which are combined to form a flexible mechanical composite via the flexible mechanical coupling means and electrical connections, a spatial separation of individual functional units of the Defibrillator basic equipment reached, so that the defibrillator is comfortable to wear especially over a longer period. Here, a more or less high degree of subdivision of individual functional units, such. B. the high voltage capacitor assembly in several modules possible. Overall, an ergonomic adaptation of the defibrillator is achieved as a composite system to the body of the wearer.

In an embodiment in which the sub-modules on a flexible substrate 18 'z. B. from a coherent flexible plastic or fiber composite, As a textile, are applied, also a planar arrangement of the sub-modules or a series arrangement is possible, with an ergonomically favorable adaptation to the body of the wearer is made possible. In this case, the electrical connection lines of the submodules can be integrated into the carrier material 18 ', for example by means of textile cables with stable electrical properties or by means of flexible printed circuit boards. In an advantageous embodiment, the carrier material 18 'can be configured as a protective cover and the partial sleeves come to be pocket-shaped in the carrier material, so that the electrical connection means and / or the defibrillator electronics are housed protected. Here, too, is a realization of the electrical connection to a bus system with defined lines, except the high-voltage lines, which can then be contacted individually by the sub-modules in the attachment to the substrate. The flexible arrangement of the individual sub-modules in the composite provides an advantageous ergonomic adaptation of the defibrillator system to the wearer.

Claims

A defibrillator for permanent external attachment to a patient with a basic device with defibrillator components receiving protective sheath assembly, connected to this or connectable electrode assembly and a support device, characterized in that the Defibrillatorkomponenten are spatially combined into sub-modules and that the sheath assembly a plurality of partial sheaths (10 , 11, 12, 13, 14) to which the sub-modules are distributed and which are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another relative to one another.

2. Defibrillator according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial envelopes (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) are arranged flat or in a row.

3. Defibrillator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the partial sheaths (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) are designed as rigid housing modules (A, B, C) or at least partially as flexible protective sheaths.

4. Defibrillator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partial casings (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) are mechanically coupled to one another by means of flexible intermediate pieces or by intermeshing joint parts.

5. Defibrillator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partial sheaths (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) on a flexible carrier material (18 ') are applied.

6. Defibrillator according to claim 5, characterized in that the flexible carrier material (18 ') is completely or partially a textile or a plastic film.

7. Defibrillator according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that insulated electrical connection lines (16) in the intermediate pieces or the carrier material (18 ') are integrated.

8. Defibrillator according to claim 7, characterized in that the electrical connection lines (16) are designed as textile electrical lines or as flexible printed circuit boards.

9. Defibrillator according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the electrical connection lines (16) are at least partially designed as a bus system (17).