Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H31/00—Artificial respiration by a force applied to the chest; Heart stimulation, e.g. heart massage
  • A61H31/004—Heart stimulation
  • A61H31/007—Manual driven

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for aiding in the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CP ).
• the present invention relates to the use of a device, which facilitates administration of high quality external chest compressions during CPR.
• SCA Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• CPR One of the most important actions in the Chain of Survival is early CPR, which prevents damage to vital organs such as the brain and heart, and consists of two actions: external chest compressions and artificial ventilation. External chest compressions are performed while the victim is lying on his back on a firm surface, so that the rescuer rhythmically depresses the victim's breastbone (lat. sternum) towards the backbone. This action is also referred to as heart massage, because it enables the blood to flow from the heart and through the body. Since it was first introduced in the late 1950s, the technique of performing heart massage has remained largely unchanged until today. The rescuer performing CPR without any additional equipment performs heart massage with his hands.
• Heart massage can also be inadequate because of rescuer's leaning, which results in incomplete release of the chest between two compressions. This is often seen in rescuers with a bad technique or those who are tired. Leaning on the chest reduces the amount of blood returning to the patient's heart during the release phase, therefore resulting in a smaller volume of blood available to be distributed to vital organs during the next compression.
• CPR also includes the use of defibrillator, a device which terminates irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF) by means of an electric shock.
• defibrillator a device which terminates irregular heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation (VF) by means of an electric shock.
• VF ventricular fibrillation
• the defibrillator is charged, and the electric shock through the patient's heart is delivered, via paddles or pads placed on the patient's bare chest.
• rescuers must not touch the patient because of electrocution risk.
• the pause in chest compressions as a result of defibrillator charging and shock delivery, lasts at least 30 seconds. During this period, due to no chest compressions being performed, patient's blood flow stops.
• ECG electrocardiogram
• chest compressions In order for an automated external defibrillator or the rescuer to analyse the heart rhythm, which is done every 2 minutes during CPR, chest compressions must be paused, resulting in complete termination of blood flow to the patient's vital organs. After each pause, it takes significant time of good quality chest compressions in order to build up the blood flow to the levels achieved before the pause.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,481 describes a CPR assist device composed of a column, pair of handles and a suction cup. The aim of this device is to make chest compressions easier and to allow for active chest expansion as the cup is pulled away from the chest.
• This invention does not include a system for detection of CPR quality (depth, rate and force of compressions), nor can such systems be added to it. It also does not include electrodes for continuous ECG recording. Position of the rescuer's hands while using this device is similar to that of riding a bicycle. This leads to faster tiring and poor control of the device position on the patient's chest. Furthermore, this device is large and therefore inappropriate for field work.
• the device described in patent application EP 0 623 334 Al uses a similar design to that described above. It also features a suction pump, which adheres to the patient's chest, and a handle. Its handle is shaped like a disc, which is grasped at the opposite sides by the rescuer. Rescuer's palms are facing each other, but are very close so that the rescuer still forms an assumed triangle with his arms and body. In the middle of the disc of the mentioned invention there is a pressure measuring device, which helps limit excessive force applied to the patient. However, pressure information is of limited value and does not provide accurate information regarding the depth and rate of compressions. There are also no ECG recording electrodes.
• CPR devices include those described in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,886; U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 2009/0234255 Al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,501; U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,637 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,098.
• the primary technical problem which is solved with this invention is how to perform high quality CPR, while delivering external chest compressions with the appropriate surface for applying force to the patient's breastbone, utilizing a natural and ergonomic hands position, because of which the rescuer performs better CPR while getting less tired and feeling less pain.
• the second technical problem solved with this invention is how to reduce the risk of patient trauma such as breastbone and rib fractures or rupture of internal organs, while achieving higher vascular perfusion pressures in coronary arteries of the patient's heart.
• the third technical problem solved with the invention is how to continuously perform chest compressions during charging of the defibrillator and shock delivery without the risk of rescuer electrocution, and how to continuously perform chest compressions during heart rhythm analysis, with continuous ECG recording without chest compression artefacts.
• the fourth technical problem solved with this invention is how to allow for simpler, easier, safer and better use of available devices for CPR, including devices with accelerometer or other systems for movement tracking, electrocardiographs, or automated external defibrillators, which can be permanently or temporarily incorporated into the invention.
• the invention provides continuous insight into accuracy of external chest compressions, utilizing feedback information regarding depth and rate of compressions, as well as detection of incomplete release of the chest.
• the main purpose of the presented invention is to enhance the rescuer's performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• the presented invention primarily allows the rescuer to become tired less quickly during performance of chest compressions by holding his hands in a natural position.
• the rescuer grasps the device by the handles 2, which allow for rotation of the rescuer's hands, so his palms can be rotated towards his body, away from his body, or towards each other ( Figure 2).
• the rescuer can change the position of his hands, without the need to pause chest compressions. Because of the size of the device and the distance between the two handles 2, the rescuer forms an assumed rectangle with his arms and body, rather than an assumed triangle, as is the case when chest compressions are performed with hands alone ( Figure 1).
• the rescuer does not come into direct contact with the victim, but depresses his breastbone with the device, which does not conduct electricity. Because of this, the rescuer can keep performing chest compressions during defibrillator charging and delivery of shock, since he is protected from electrocution.
• the lower surface 6 of the device which is placed on the patient's chest, can be made in various shapes and sizes. In case the device is used on an adult, the area of the lower surface 6 is at least that of the average human palm, but preferably larger in order to reduce the risk of patient trauma and increase vascular pressures in the heart.
• Embedding an electrocardiograph and ECG electrodes 7 into the lower surface 6 of the device allows for continuous recording of the electrical activity of the patient's heart, without recording the artefacts produced by chest compressions. In such a way, the rescuer does not need to stop chest compressions in order to analyse the patient's heart rhythm and the necessity of defibrillation.
• the very position and size of the electrodes 7, as well as the proper manner of performing chest compressions with the device can eliminate the need to filter the recorded ECG, since it already shows a high quality recording of the patient's heart rhythm.
• the device includes a convenient drawer 8 for storage of self adhesive defibrillator pads, protective gloves, face shield for rescue breathing, face mask for rescue breathing, and other small equipment which is commonly used during CPR.
• the device according to this invention allows for temporary or permanent installing of other devices into it. Therefore, it can serve as a carrier for electronic devices which include an accelerometer, inclinometer, laser, infrared sensors, electromagnetic transmitter and receiver, or other system for tracking movement during performance of chest compressions, artificial ventilation or spontaneous breathing of the patient.
• Electronic device with built-in accelerometer or other above mentioned movement tracking system such as a mobile phone, watch, remote control or a standalone CPR device, can track movement during performance of chest compressions and provide feedback information regarding the correctness of the performed task.
• accelerometer or other systems can determine the rate and depth of compressions.
• a pressure- measuring device By additionally adding a pressure- measuring device, force applied to the patient's chest can also be measured, which can provide feedback information regarding the completeness of release of the chest between two subsequent compressions. All the information gathered by the CPR devices, can be continuous and relayed to the rescuer in real-time with visual, audio and tactile feedback.
• the screen of electronic devices can show visual information about the rescuer's actions, as well as the reference guides. Audio prompts and voice commands can be used to further instruct and alert the rescuer.
• Such feedback information allows the rescuer to adjust his actions according to the international guidelines for CPR, which are very important to follow, since they are based on the most recent scientific evidence ensuring the best survival and good recovery rates. Additional benefit of using such devices in combination with the presented invention is the reduced risk of patient trauma.
• the presented invention brings numerous advantages to their use.
• the presented invention allows for its simpler and easier use.
• the rescuer does not need to hold the smart phone in his hands and additionally make the task of performing chest compressions more difficult and tiring.
• the rescuer sees its screen clearly, and hears the sounds it produces more loudly, since the invention enhances its volume using the specially constructed grooves 4, which direct the sound towards the rescuer's ears.
• the presented invention also allows for better protection of the devices which are placed into it against the blows, body fluids, and other forces or elements, by attaching them firmly inside the hard shell of the invention.
• Figure 1 Illustration of the use of the preferred cardiopulmonary resuscitation device.
• Figure 2 Illustration of the possible different positions of the rescuer's hands during use of the preferred cardiopulmonary resuscitation device.
• Figure 3 A perspective view from above of preferred cardiopulmonary resuscitation device.
• Figure 4 A perspective view from below of preferred cardiopulmonary resuscitation device.
• FIG. 3 shows the CPR device in a perspective view from above, showing its top and side surfaces.
• Casing 1 of the device is clearly visible, as well as the handles 2, which are grasped by the rescuer's hands during performance of chest compressions.
• Economically designed handles 2 allow the performance of chest compressions to be less physically demanding for the rescuer.
• Handles 2 become narrower towards the front, with slightly convex upper surface, concave lower surface, and rounded edges, allowing them to be gripped by the rescuer's hands in a natural and comfortable manner.
• the two handles 2 are placed 10 to 20 centimetres apart, which positions the rescuer's shoulders and hands in-line, further reducing his or her fatigue during performance of chest compressions.
• Final contribution to the ergonomic design of the handles 2 is achieved by the outer layer of soft and foam-like material, which reduces strain and pressure sores to the rescuer's hands during CPR.
• Figure 1 illustrates the use of the device with the rescuer kneeling beside the victim.
• the rescuer holding the device forms an assumed rectangle with his or her arms and body. Her arms are fully extended and her shoulders are in-line with her hands while she is applying force through her palms.
• Figure 2 illustrates the different ways the rescuer can grasp the handles 2 of the device in order to apply the force to the victim's chest.
• the handles 2 allow for rotation of the rescuer hands so his palms can be rotated towards his body or towards each other, while the fingers can grasp the handles 2 or be spread free during performance of chest compressions.
• the rescuer can interchange between different positions of his hands during performance of chest compressions, without the need to pause.
• the presented CPR device is constructed so as to include a cradle 3 for temporary or permanent embedding of electronic devices, which possess an accelerometer or other system for movement tracking, electrocardiograph, or defibrillator. Embedded electronic devices are secured and protected inside the cradle 3, which can also feature an additional cover to offer even more protection from forces, blows, liquids and elements.
• the presented CPR device can also be constructed to include interchangeable adapters for different electronic devices, including smart phones.
• the cradle 3 is equipped with specially designed grooves 4, which serve a dual function, directing the sound signals from the electronic device towards the rescuer and allowing for an easier removal of temporarily embedded electronic device, such as a smart phone, from the cradle 3.
• the volume of audio CPR feedback and coaching signals from the speakers of the electronic device is elevated. These sound signals direct the rescuer to correct his or her actions, for example instructing to push faster, slower, deeper or shallower. Sound signals also include a metronome playing at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute, providing the rescuer with the correct rhythm for performing chest compressions.
• Figure 4 shows the CPR device in a perspective view from below, with the compression box 5 and its lower surface 6, which is placed on the patient's chest while performing chest compressions.
• Size of the lower surface 6 is somewhat larger than the average human hand, and is based on the average size of the female body of sternum.
• Edges of the compression box 5 are rounded, in order to prevent possible injury to the patient.
• the whole outer layer of the compression box 5 can be additionally enhanced to be even less traumatic to the patient, which is achieved by ergonomic design, and use of pressure-sensitive materials which can adjust quickly to the shape of a body pressing against it.
• ECG electrodes 7 are built in the lower surface to allow for continuous recording of the patient's ECG. This, in turn, allows for performing continuous chest compressions without the need to pause for rhythm analysis.
• the compression box 5 includes a special drawer for storage 8 of self adhesive defibrillator pads, protective gloves, face shield for rescue breathing, face mask for rescue breathing, and other small equipment which is used during CPR.
• Device is made from materials, which are light, but at the same time elastic and solid enough to be able to withstand the forces developed during performance of chest compressions (5-50 kilograms). Furthermore, the device needs to be easy to clean, and resistant to blows, bodily fluids, as well as natural elements.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Cardiology (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Emergency Medicine (AREA)
• Pulmonology (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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• Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

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Cited By (5)

Citations (9)

• 2012
  • 2012-01-30 SI SI201200025A patent/SI23964A/sl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2013
  • 2013-01-21 WO PCT/IB2013/000063 patent/WO2013114169A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (10)

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