METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SWITCHING SHOCK VECTORS AND DECREASING TRANSTHORACIC IMPEDANCE FOR CARDIOVERSION AND DEFIBRILLATION

摘要

A method and system for improving the effectiveness of cardioversion or defibrillation through the ability to switch shock vectors and to reduce transthoracic impedance. A “shock vector” or “shocking vector” is herein defined as the path and direction which electrical current follows in traversing a patient body cavity between two external adhesive electrode patches. An external multiple patch system comprises at least two options for a shocking vector once external patches are applied and adhered to desired locations on a patient's body. A manual switching mechanism in the system provides the ability to direct current from a defibrillator to either of two or more specified shocking vectors. A method and system of decreasing transthoracic impedance comprises wrapping material around a patient's body to apply pressure to adhered patches. This mechanism further reduces transthoracic impedance by increasing effective pressure on the patches through use of pressure-focusing mechanisms located between a patch and a strap. An integrated mechanism would provide qualitative and/or quantitative feedback on the force being applied to the desired patches.

主权项

1. A device for performing cardioversion or defibrillation, which comprises:
three or more adhesive electrode patches for external application; a switching mechanism in electrical connection with each adhesive electrode patch; and a cardioversion/defibrillator connector in electrical connection with the switching mechanism, wherein the switching mechanism has a switch to choose between at least two patches at a time.