U.S. patent application number 10/078735 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for method and apparatus for delivering a biphasic defibrillation pulse with variable energy.
This patent application is currently assigned to SurVivaLink Corporation. Invention is credited to Brewer, James E., Olson, Kenneth F., Stendahl, Gary B..
Application Number | 20020138104 10/078735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24724418 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020138104 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brewer, James E. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for delivering a biphasic defibrillation pulse
with variable energy
Abstract
An apparatus and method for determining an optimal transchest
external defibrillation waveform that provides for variable energy
in the first or second phase of a biphasic waveform that, when
applied through a plurality of electrodes positioned on a patient's
torso, will produce a desired response in the patient's cardiac
cell membranes. The method includes the steps of providing a
quantitative model of a defibrillator circuit for producing
external defibrillation waveforms, the quantitative model of a
patient includes a chest component, a heart component, a cell
membrane component and a quantitative description of the desired
cardiac membrane response function. Finally, a quantitative
description of a transchest external defibrillation waveform that
will produce the desired cardiac membrane response function is
computed. The computation is made as a function of the desired
cardiac membrane response function, the patient model and the
defibrillator circuit model.
Inventors: |
Brewer, James E.; (Lino
Lakes, MN) ; Stendahl, Gary B.; (Crystal, MN)
; Olson, Kenneth F.; (Edina, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kimberly K. Baxter
Patterson, Thuente, Skaar & Christensen, P.A.
4800 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Assignee: |
SurVivaLink Corporation
|
Family ID: |
24724418 |
Appl. No.: |
10/078735 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10078735 |
Feb 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
09678820 |
Oct 4, 2000 |
|
|
|
09678820 |
Oct 4, 2000 |
|
|
|
09383561 |
Aug 26, 1999 |
|
|
|
6263239 |
|
|
|
|
09383561 |
Aug 26, 1999 |
|
|
|
08886736 |
Jul 1, 1997 |
|
|
|
5968080 |
|
|
|
|
60021161 |
Jul 1, 1996 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/3904 20170801;
A61N 1/3906 20130101; A61N 1/3937 20130101; A61N 1/3912
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/5 |
International
Class: |
A61N 001/39 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A method for determining a first and a second phase of a
biphasic defibrillation shock pulse, one of said first phase and
said second phase having variable energy, wherein upon application
of said first phase and said second phase of said biphasic
defibrillation shock pulse a desired response is produced in a
patient's cardiac cell membrane, comprising: providing a
quantitative model of a defibrillator circuit for producing said
biphasic defibrillation shock pulse; providing a quantitative model
of a patient that includes a variable heart component; providing a
quantitative description of a predetermined response of said
cardiac cell membrane to said shock pulse; and determining a
quantitative description of a first phase and a second phase of
said biphasic defibrillation shock pulse by selecting from a group
consisting of items (a) and (b) as defined below: (a) determining a
quantitative description of a first phase of said biphasic
defibrillation shock pulse that will produce said predetermined
response of said cardiac cell membrane, wherein the determination
is made as a function of said predetermined response of said
cardiac cell membrane, said quantitative model of a defibrillator
circuit, and said quantitative model of a patient, and wherein the
quantitative description of the first phase provides for setting a
time duration for said first phase based on said variable heart
component, whereby an amount of energy to be delivered by said
first phase varies according to the time duration that is set; and
determining a quantitative description of a second phase of said
biphasic defibrillation shock pulse phase on said first phase; and
(b) determining a quantitative description of a first phase of said
biphasic defibrillation shock pulse that will produce said
predetermined response of said cardiac cell membrane, wherein the
determination is made as a function of said predetermined response
of said cardiac cell membrane, said quantitative model of a
defibrillator circuit, and said quantitative model of a patient;
and determining a quantitative description of a second phase of
said biphasic defibrillation shock pulse based on said first phase,
wherein said quantitative description provides for setting a time
duration for said second phase based on said variable heart
component whereby an amount of energy to be delivered by said
second phase varies according to said time duration that is set.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of copending
non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/678,820, filed Oct. 4,
2000, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING A BIPHASIC
DEFIBRILLATION PULSE WITH VARIABLE ENERGY, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/383,561, filed Aug.
26, 1999, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE SECOND
PHASE OF EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR DEVICES, which is a
continuation-in-part application of issued U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,080,
which is based on provisional patent application Ser. No.
60/021,161, filed Jul. 1, 1996 entitled DYNAMIC SECOND PHASE (02)
WITH SELF-CORRECTING CHARGE BURPING FOR EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR
DEVICES. The contents of each of the above-identified applications
are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to an electrotherapy method
and apparatus for delivering an electrical pulse to a patient's
heart. In particular, this invention relates to a method and
apparatus for tailoring a second phase of biphasic waveform
delivered by an external defibrillator, to random patients, by
performing intelligent calculations and analysis to the results of
a first phase segment of a biphasic defibrillation waveform and
other parameters pertaining thereto based on theory and practice as
disclosed herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Devices for defibrillating a heart have been known for
sometime now. Implantable defibrillators are well accepted by the
medical community as effective tools to combat fibrillation for an
identified segment of the population. A substantial amount of
research in fibrillation and the therapy of defibrillation has been
done. Much of the most recent research has concentrated on
understanding the effects that a defibrillation shock pulse has on
fibrillation to terminate such a condition.
[0004] A monophasic waveform is defined to be a single phase,
capacitive-discharge, time-truncated, waveform with exponential
decay. A biphasic waveform is defined to comprise two monophasic
waveforms, separated by tine and of opposite polarity. The first
phase is designated .O slashed..sub.1 and the second phase is
designated .O slashed..sub.2. The delivery of .O slashed..sub.1 is
completed before the delivery of .O slashed..sub.2 is begun.
[0005] After extensive testing, it has been determined that
biphasic waveforms are more efficacious than monophasic waveforms.
There is a wide debate regarding the reasons for the increased
efficacy of biphasic waveforms over that of monophasic waveforms.
One hypothesis holds that .O slashed..sub.1 defibrillates the heart
and .O slashed..sub.2 performs a stabilizing action that keeps the
heart from refibrillating.
[0006] Biphasic defibrillation waveforms are now the standard of
care in clinical use for defibrillation with implantable
cardioverter-defibrillat- ors (ICDs), due to the superior
performance demonstrated over that of comparable monophasic
waveforms. To better understand these significantly different
outcomes, ICD research has developed cardiac cell response models
to defibrillation. Waveform design criteria have been derived from
these first principles and have been applied to monophasic and
biphasic waveforms to optimize their parameters. These
principles-based design criteria have produced significant
improvements over the current art of waveforms.
[0007] In a two-paper set, Blair developed a model for the optimal
design of a monophasic waveform when used for electrical
stimulation. (1) Blair, H. A., "On the Intensity-time relations for
stimulation by electric currents." I. J. Gen. Physiol. 1932; 15:
709-729. (2) Blair, H. A., "On the Intensity-time Relations for
stimulation by electric currents." II. J. Gen. Physiol. 1932; 15:
731-755. Blair proposed and demonstrated that the optimal duration
of a monophasic waveform is equal to the point in time at which the
cell response to the stimulus is maximal. Duplicating :. Blair's
model, Walcott extended Blair's analysis to defibrillation, where
they obtained supporting experimental results. Walcott, et al.,
"Choosing the optimal monophasic and biphasic waveforms for
ventricular defibrillation." J. Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 1995; 6:
737-750.
[0008] Independently, Kroll developed a biphasic model for the
optimal design of .O slashed..sub.2 for a biphasic defibrillation
waveform. Kroll, M. W., "A minimal model of the single capacitor
biphasic defibrillation waveform." PACE 1994; 17:1782-1792. Kroll
proposed that the 02 stabilizing action removed the charge
deposited by .O slashed..sub.1 from those cells not stimulated by 0
1. This has come to be known as "charge burping". Kroll supported
his hypothesis with retrospective analysis of studies by Dixon, et
al., Tang, et al., and Freese, et al. regarding single capacitor,
biphasic waveform studies. Dixon, et al., "Improved defibrillation
thresholds with large contoured epicardial electrodes and biphasic
waveforms." Circulation 1987; 76:1176-1184; Tang, et al.
"Ventricular defibrillation using biphasic waveforms: The
Importance of Phasic duration." J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 1989;
13:207-214; and Feeser, S. A., et al. "Strength-duration and
probability of success curves for defibrillation with biphasic
waveforms." Circulation 1990; 82: 2128-2141. Again, the Walcott
group retrospectively evaluated their extension of Blair's model to
0 2 using the Tang and Feeser data sets. Their finding further
supported Kroll's hypothesis regarding biphasic defibrillation
waveforms. For further discussions on the development of these
models, reference may be made to PCT publications WO 95/32020 and
WO 95/09673 and to U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,686.
[0009] The charge burping hypothesis can be used to develop
equations that describe the time course of a cell's membrane
potential during a biphasic shock pulse. At the end of .O
slashed..sub.1, those cells that were not stimulated by .O
slashed..sub.1 have a residual charge due to the action of .O
slashed..sub.1 on the cell. The charge burping model hypothesizes
that an optimal pulse duration for .O slashed..sub.2 is that
duration that removes as much of the .O slashed..sub.1 residual
charge from the cell as possible. Ideally, these unstimulated cells
are set back to "relative ground." The charge burping model
proposed by Kroll is based on the circuit model shown in FIG. 2b,
which is adapted from the general model of a defibrillator
illustrated in FIG. 2a.
[0010] The charge burping model also accounts for removing the
residual cell membrane potential at the end of a .O slashed..sub.1
pulse that is independent of a .O slashed..sub.2. That is, 4)2 is
delivered by a set of capacitors separate from the set of
capacitors used to deliver .O slashed..sub.1. This charge burping
model is constructed by adding a second set of capacitors, as
illustrated in FIG. 3. In this figure, C.sub.1 represents the .O
slashed..sub.1 capacitor set, C.sub.2 represents the .O
slashed..sub.2 capacitor set R.sub.H represents the resistance of
the heart, and the pair C.sub.M and R.sub.M represent membrane
series capacitance and resistance of a single cell. The node
V.sub.S represents the voltage between the electrodes, while
V.sub.M denotes the voltage across the cell membrane.
[0011] External defibrillators send electrical pulses to the
patient's heart through electrodes applied to the patient's torso.
External defibrillators are useful in any situation where there may
be an unanticipated need to provide electrotherapy to a patient on
short notice. The advantage of external defibrillators is that they
may be used on a patient as needed, then subsequently moved to be
used with another patient.
[0012] However, this important advantage has two fundamental
limitations. First, external defibrillators do not have direct
contact with the patient's heart. External defibrillators have
traditionally delivered their electrotherapeutic pulses to the
patient's heart from the surface of the patient's chest. This is
known as the transthoracic defibrillation problem. Second, external
defibrillators must be able to be used on patients having a variety
of physiological differences. External defibrillators have
traditionally operated according to pulse amplitude and duration
parameters that can be effective in all patients. This is known as
the patient variability problem.
[0013] The prior art described above effectively models implantable
defibrillators, however it does not fully address the transthoracic
defibrillation problem nor the patient variability problem. In
fact, these two limitations to external defibrillators are not
fully appreciated by those in the art. For example, prior art
disclosures of the use of truncated exponential monophasic or
biphasic shock pulses in implantable or external defibrillators
have provided little guidance for the design of an external
defibrillator that will successfully defibrillate across a large,
heterogeneous population of patients. In particular, an implantable
defibrillator and an external defibrillator can deliver a shock
pulse of similar form, and yet the actual implementation of the
waveform delivery system is radically different.
[0014] In the past five years, new research in ICD therapy has
developed and demonstrated defibrillation models that provide
waveform design rules from first principles. These defibrillation
models and their associated design rules for the development of
defibrillation waveforms and their characteristics were first
developed by Kroll and Imich for monophasic waveforms using
effective and rheobase current concepts. (1) Kroll, M. W., "A
minimal model of the monophasic defibrillation pulse." PACE 1993;
15: 769. (2) Irnich, W., "Optimal truncation of defibrillation
pulses." PACE 1995; 18: 673. Subsequently, Kroll, Walcott, Cleland
and others developed the passive cardiac cell membrane response
model for monophasic and biphasic waveforms, herein called the cell
response model. (1) Kroll, M. W., "A minimal model of the single
capacitor biphasic defibrillation waveform." PACE 1994; 17: 1782.
(2) Walcott, G. P., Walker, R. G., Cates. A. W., Krassowska, W.,
Smith, W. M, Ideker R E. "Choosing the optimal monophasic and
biphasic waveforms for ventricular defibrillation." J Cardiovasc
Electrophysiol 1995; 6:737; and Cleland B G. "A conceptual basis
for defibrillation waveforms." PACE 1996; 19:1186).
[0015] A significant increase in the understanding of waveform
design has occurred and substantial improvements have been made by
using these newly developed design principles. Block et al. has
recently written a comprehensive survey of the new principles-based
theories and their impact on optimizing internal defibrillation
through improved waveforms. Block M, Breithardt G., "Optimizing
defibrillation through improved waveforms." PACE 1995; 18:526.
[0016] There have not been significant developments in external
defibrillation waveforms beyond the two basic monophasic waveforms:
the damped sine or the truncated exponential. To date, their design
for transthoracic defibrillation has been based almost entirely on
empirically derived data. It seems that the design of monophasic
and biphasic waveforms for external defibrillation has not yet been
generally influenced by the important developments in ICD
research.
[0017] Recently there has been reported research on the development
and validation of a biphasic truncated exponential waveform in
which it was compared clinically to a damped sine waveform. For
additional background, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,593,427, 5,601,612 and 5,607,454. See also: Gliner B. E., Lyster
T. E., Dillon S. M., Bardy G. H., "Transthoracic defibrillation of
swine with monophasic and biphasic waveforms." Circulation 1995;
92:1634-1643; Bardy G. H., Gliner B. E., Kudenchuk P. J., Poole J.
E., Dolack G. L., Jones G. K., Anderson J., Troutman C., Johnson
G.; "Truncated biphasic pulses for transthoracic defibrillation."
Circulation 1995; 91:1768-1774; and Bardy G. H. et al, "For the
Transthoracic Investigators. Multicenter comparison of truncated
biphasic shocks and standard damped sine wave monophasic shocks for
transthoracic ventricular defibrillation." Circulation 1996;
94:2507-2514. Although the research determined a usable biphasic
waveform, there was no new theoretical understanding determined for
external waveform design. It appears that external waveform
research may develop a "rules-of-thumb by trial and error" design
approach much like that established in the early stages of
theoretical ICD research. The noted limitations of the
transthoracic biphasic waveform may be due in part to a lack of
principles-based design rules to determine its waveform
characteristics.
[0018] There is a continued need for a device designed to perform a
quick and automatic adjustment of phase 2 relative to phase 1 if
AEDs are to be advantageously applied to random patients according
to a cell response model. Further, the model and the device must be
adaptable to patient variance and be able to provide automatic
adjustment in a dynamic environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention relates to an external defibrillation
method and apparatus that addresses the limitations in the prior
art. The present invention incorporates three singular practices
that distinguish the practice of designing external defibrillators
from the practice of designing implantable defibrillators. These
practices are 1) designing multiphasic transthoracic shock pulse
waveforms from principles based on cardiac electrophysiology, 2)
designing multiphasic transthoracic shock pulse waveforms in which
each phase of the waveform can be designed without implementation
limitations placed on its charging and delivery means by such means
for prior waveform phases, and 3) designing multiphasic
transthoracic shock pulse waveforms to operate across a wide range
of parameters determined by a large, heterogeneous population of
patients.
[0020] In particular, the present invention provides for a method
and apparatus for tailoring and reforming a second phase (.O
slashed..sub.2) of a biphasic defibrillation waveform relative to a
first phase (527 .sub.1) of the waveform based on intelligent
calculations. The method includes the steps of determining and
providing a quantitative description of the desired cardiac
membrane response function. A quantitative model of a defibrillator
circuit for producing external defibrillation waveforms is then
provided. Also provided is a quantitative model of a patient which
includes a chest component, a heart component and a cell membrane
component. A quantitative description of a transchest external
defibrillation waveform that will produce the desired cardiac
membrane response function is then computed. Intelligent
calculations based on the phase 1 cell response is then computed to
determine the desired phase 2 waveform. The computation is made as
a function of the desired cardiac membrane response function, the
patient model and the defibrillator circuit model.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of an AED according to
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2a is a very simplified defibrillator model.
[0023] FIG. 2b is a known monophasic defibrillation model.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a known biphasic defibrillation model.
[0025] FIG. 4 represents a monophasic or biphasic
capacitive-discharge external defibrillation model according to the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5a represents a monophasic capacitor-inductor external
defibrillator model according to the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5b represents an alternative embodiment of a biphasic
capacitor-inductor external defibrillator model according to the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a biphasic waveform generated utilizing
the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit which enables the
implementation of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a biphasic waveform in relation to a
cellular response curve.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
tailoring a second phase ( 2) of a biphasic waveform delivered by
an external defibrillator, to random patients, by performing
intelligent calculations and analysis to the results of a first
phase (4)1) segment of a biphasic defibrillation waveform and other
parameters pertaining thereto. Prior to describing the present
invention, a discussion of the development of an external
defibrillation model will be given.
External Defibrillator Model
[0032] The apparatus of the present invention is an automated
external defibrillator (AED) illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b. FIG.
1a illustrates an AED 10, including a plastic case 12 with a
carrying handle 14. A lid 16 is provided which covers an electrode
compartment 18. An electrode connector 20, a speaker 22 and a
diagnostic panel (not shown) are located on case 12 within
electrode compartment 18. FIG. 1b illustrates AED 10 having a pair
of electrodes 24 connected thereto. Electrodes 24 can be
pre-connected to connector 20 and stored in compartment 18.
[0033] The operation of AED 10 is described briefly below. A rescue
mode of AED 10 is initiated when lid 16 is opened to access
electrodes 24. The opening of lid 16 is detected by AED 10 to
effectively turn on the device. AED 10 then quickly runs a short
test routine. After electrodes 24 have been placed on the patient,
AED 10 senses patient specific parameters, such as impedance,
voltage, current, charge or other measurable parameters of the
patient. The patient specific parameters are then utilized in the
design of optimal waveforms as will be described below.
[0034] If a shockable condition is detected through electrodes 24,
a plurality of capacitors inside of AED 10 are charged from an
energy source, typically a detachable battery pack. Based upon the
patient specific parameters sensed, the duration and other
characteristics of a discharge waveform are then calculated. The
energy stored in AED 10 is then discharged to the patient through
electrodes 24.
[0035] For a more detailed description of the physical structure of
AED 10 or the process involved in sensing, charging, shocking and
testing, reference should be made to Applicant's issued U.S. Pat.
No. 5,645,571, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
invention, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by
reference.
[0036] In the present invention it is not assumed that both phases
of a biphasic waveform are delivered using the same set of
capacitors or that both phases of a biphasic waveform are delivered
using the capacitor set in the same electrical configuration,
although such an embodiment is considered within the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0037] Transthoracic defibrillation is generally performed by
placing electrodes on the apex and anterior positions of the chest
wall. With this electrode arrangement, nearly all current passing
through the heart is conducted by the lungs and the equipotential
surfaces pass through the myocardium normal to the electrode axis.
The present invention uses the transthoracic charge burping model
to develop design equations that describe the time course of a
cell's membrane potential during a transthoracic biphasic shock
pulse. These equations are then used to create equations that
describe the design of monophasic and biphasic shock pulses for
transchest defibrillation to optimize the design of .O
slashed..sub.1 for defibrillating and the design of .O
slashed..sub.2 for stabilizing. These optimizing shock pulse design
equations are called design rules.
[0038] According to the present invention, the main series pathway
for current is to pass through the chest wall, the lungs, and the
heart. Additionally, there are two important shunting pathways in
parallel with the current pathway through the heart. These shunting
pathways must be taken into consideration. The lungs shunt current
around the heart through a parallel pathway. The second shunting
pathway is provided by the thoracic cage. The resistivity of the
thoracic cage and the skeletal muscle structure is low when
compared to lungs. The high resistivity of the lungs and the
shunting pathways are characterizing elements of external
defibrillation that distinguish the art from intracardiac
defibrillation and implantable defibrillation technologies.
[0039] Therefore, in the transthoracic defibrillation model of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 4, there are several
resistances in addition to those discussed for the charge burping
model above. R.sub.S represents the resistance of the
defibrillation system, including the resistance of the
defibrillation electrodes. R.sub.CW and R.sub.TC represent the
resistances of the chest wall and the lungs, respectively, in
series with resistance of the heart, R.sub.H. R.sub.TC and R.sub.LP
represent the resistances of the thoracic cage and the lungs,
respectively, in parallel with the resistance of the heart.
[0040] The design rules for external defibrillation waveforms are
determined in three steps. In the first step, the transchest
forcing function is determined. The transchest forcing function is
the name that is given to the voltage that is applied across each
cardiac cell during an external defibrillation shock. In the second
step, the design equations for .O slashed..sub.1 of a shock pulse
are determined. The design equations are the equations describing
the cell's response to the .O slashed..sub.1 transchest forcing
function, the equation describing the optimal .O slashed..sub.1
pulse duration, and the equation describing the optimal .O
slashed..sub.1 capacitor. Therefore, step two relates the cell
response to the action of a monophasic shock pulse or the first
phase of a biphasic shock pulse. This relation is used to determine
the optimal design rules and thereby design parameters for the
implementation of this phase in an external defibrillator. It will
be clear to those in the art that step two is not restricted to
capacitor discharge shock pulses and their associated transchest
forcing function. Another common implementation of an external
defibrillator incorporates a damped sine wave for a shock pulse and
can be either a monophasic or biphasic waveform. This type of
external defibrillator is modeled by the circuits shown in FIGS. 5a
and 5b. In the third step, the design equations for .O
slashed..sub.2 of a shock pulse are determined. The design
equations are the equations describing the cell's response to the
.O slashed..sub.2 transchest forcing function, the equation
describing the optimal .O slashed..sub.2 pulse duration and the
equation describing the optimal .O slashed..sub.2 capacitor. These
design equations are employed to determine the optimal design rules
and thereby design parameters of .O slashed..sub.2 of a biphasic
shock pulse with respect to how the cell responds to the shock
pulse. An important element of this invention is to provide shock
pulse waveforms that are designed from a cardiac cell response
model developed from first principles and that correctly determines
the effects of the chest and its components on the ability of a
shock pulse to defibrillate.
[0041] The transchest forcing function is determined by solving for
the voltage found at node V.sub.3 in FIG. 4. The transchest forcing
function is derived by solving for V.sub.3 using the following
three nodal equations: 1 V 1 - V S R S + V 1 R TC + V 1 - V 2 R CW
= 0 , ( 1 ) V 2 - V 1 R CW + V 2 R LP + V 2 - V 3 R LS = 0 , and (
2 ) V 3 - V 2 R LS + V 3 R H + V 3 - V M R M = 0. ( 3 )
[0042] Equation 1 can be rewritten as 2 V 1 ( 1 R S + 1 R TC + 1 R
CW ) = V S R S + V 2 R CW . (4A) V 1 = V S R S 1 + V 2 R CW 1 ,
where 1 = 1 R S + 1 R TC + 1 R CW . (4B) 3 V 2 ( 1 R CW + 1 R LP +
1 R LS ) = V 1 R CW + V 3 R LS (4C)
[0043] By substituting equation 4B for V.sub.1 into equation 4C, we
can solve for V.sub.2 as an expression of V.sub.S and V.sub.3: 4 V
2 = V S R S R C 1 2 22 + V 3 R LS 2 22 , where 2 = 1 R LS + 1 R LP
+ 1 R CW , and 22 = 1 - 1 R CW 2 1 2 . ( 5 )
[0044] Now solving for V.sub.3 as an expression of V.sub.S and
V.sub.M, equation 3 may be re-arranged as 5 V 3 ( 1 R LS + 1 R H +
1 R M ) = V 2 R LS + V M R M ( 6 )
[0045] so that 6 V 3 = V 2 R LS 3 + V M R M 3 where 3 = 1 R LS + 1
R H + 1 R M . ( 7 )
[0046] Substituting equation 5 for V.sub.2 into equation 7, we can
solve for V.sub.3 as an expression of V.sub.S and V.sub.M: 7 V 3 =
V S R S R CW R LS 1 2 22 3 33 + V M R M 3 33 where ( 8 ) 33 = 1 - 1
( R LS 2 2 22 3 ) ( 9 )
[0047] From equation 8 we define .OMEGA..sub.M to be: 8 M = R M 3
33 = R M 3 ( 1 - 1 ( R LS 2 2 22 3 ) ) M = R M ( 3 - 1 R LS 2 ( 2 -
1 R CW 2 1 ) ) ( 10 )
[0048] From equation 8 we also define Q S to be:
.OMEGA..sub.S=R.sub.SR.sub.CWR.sub.LS.OMEGA..sub.1.OMEGA..sub.2.OMEGA..sub-
.3.OMEGA..sub.22.OMEGA..sub.33 (11)
[0049] 9 S = R S R CW R LS 1 2 ( 1 - 1 ( R CW 2 1 2 ) ) 3 ( 1 - 1 (
R LS 2 2 22 3 ) ) ( 12 ) S = R S R CW R LS ( 1 2 - 1 R CW 2 ) ( 3 -
1 R LS 2 ( 2 - 1 R CW 2 1 ) ) ( 13 ) so that V 3 = V S S + V M M (
14 )
[0050] is the general transchest transfer function as shown in FIG.
4 or FIGS. 5a and 5b. Equation 14 encapsulates the transchest
elements and their association between the forcing function V.sub.S
(which models a defibrillation circuit and the shock pulse) and the
cell membrane voltage V.sub.M. Therefore, this completes the first
step.
[0051] The variable V.sub.S may now be replaced with a more
specific description of the defibrillation circuitry that
implements a shock pulse. For a first example, a monophasic
time-truncated, capacitive-discharge circuit may be represented by
V.sub.S=V.sub.1e.sup.-t/.tau..sub.1, where V.sub.1 is the
leading-edge voltage for the shock pulse and .tau..sub.1=RC.sub.1,
with R determined below.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, a second example would be a
monophasic damped sine wave circuit, represented by 10 V S = V 1 (
C 1 C 1 - L 1 ) ( e - t / C 1 - e - t / L 1 ) (14B)
[0053] where V.sub.1 is the voltage on the charged capacitor
C.sub.1, .tau..sub.C1=R.sub.C1 and .tau..sub.L1=L.sub.1/R. Every
step illustrated below may be performed with this and other similar
transchest forcing functions which represent defibrillator
circuitry.
[0054] To proceed with step two, from FIG. 4, nodal analysis
provides an equation for VM.sub.M: 11 C M V M t + V M - V 3 R M =
0. ( 15 )
[0055] Rearranging equation 15, we have 12 C M V M t + V M R M = V
3 R M . ( 16 )
[0056] Next, substituting equation 14 as an expression for V.sub.3
into equation 16, the cell membrane response is now calculated as
follows: 13 C M V M t + V M R M = 1 R M ( V S S + V M M ) ( 17 ) C
M V M t + V M R M - V M R M M = V S R M M C M V M t + V M R M ( 1 -
1 M ) = V S R M S ( 18 )
[0057] Dividing through by C.sub.M, and setting
.tau..sub.M=R.sub.MC.sub.M- , then equation 18 becomes 14 V M t + V
M M ( 1 - 1 M ) = V S M ( 1 S ) . ( 19 )
[0058] Equation 19 is a general ordinary differential equation
(ODE) that models the effects of any general forcing function
V.sub.S that represents a phase of a shock pulse waveform applied
across the chest. The general ODE equation 19 models the effects of
a general shock pulse phase V.sub.S on the myocardium, determining
cardiac cell response to such a shock pulse phase.
[0059] In the equations given below:
[0060] C.sub.1 equals the capacitance of the first capacitor bank
and V.sub.S=V.sub.1e.sup.-t/.tau..sub.1;
[0061] C.sub.2 equals the capacitance of the second capacitor bank
and V.sub.S=V.sub.2e.sup.-t/.tau..sub.2;
[0062] R=R.sub.S+R.sub.B, where R.sub.S=System impedance (device
and electrodes);
[0063] R.sub.B=body impedance (thoracic cage, chest wall, lungs
(series, parallel), heart).
[0064] To determine body impedance, R.sub.B, we see that the series
combination of R.sub.H and R.sub.LS yields R.sub.H+R.sub.LS. (FIG.
4). The parallel combination of R.sub.H+R.sub.LS and R.sub.LP
yields: 15 R LP ( R LS + R H ) R LP + R LS + R H . ( 20 )
[0065] The series combination of equation 20 and R.sub.CW yields:
16 R CW + R LP ( R LS + R H ) ( R LP + R LS + R H ) . ( 21 )
[0066] The parallel combination of equation 21 and R.sub.TC yields:
17 R B = [ R TC R CW + R LP ( R LS + R H ) ( R LP + R LS + R H ) R
TC + R CW + R LP ( R LS + R H ) ( R LP + R LS + R H ) ] ( 22 )
[0067] where R.sub.B is the impedance of the body for this
model.
[0068] The discharge of a single capacitor is modeled by V.sub.S
=V.sub.1e.sup.-t/.tau..sub.1 for an initial C.sub.1 capacitor
voltage of V.sub.1. Placing V.sub.S into equation 19 gives: 18 V M
t + V M M ( 1 - 1 M ) = V 1 - t / 1 M S ( 23 )
[0069] where .tau..sub.M=R.sub.MC.sub.M represents the time
constant of the myocardial cell in the circuit model, and
.tau..sub.1, which equals R.sub.SC.sub.1, represents the time
constant of .O slashed..sub.1. Such a standard linear ODE as
equation 23 has the form 19 y x + P ( X ) Y = Q ( x ) .
[0070] These linear ODEs have an integration factor that equals
e.sup..intg.pdx. The general solution to such equations is:
y=e.sup..intg.pdx[.intg.e.sup..intg.pdxQdx+c]
[0071] The ODE in equation 23 models the effects of each phase of a
time-truncated, capacitor-discharged shock pulse waveform. Equation
23 is a first-order linear ODE, and may be solved using the method
of integration factors, to get: 20 V M1 ( t ) = k - ( t / M ) ( 1 -
1 M + ( V 1 S ) ( 1 1 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) - t / M . ( 24 )
[0072] Equation 24 is an expression of cell membrane potential
during .O slashed..sub.1 of a shock pulse. To determine the
constant of integration k, the initial value of V.sub.M1 is assumed
to be V.sub.M1(0)=V.sub.G ("cell ground"). Applying this initial
condition to equation 24, k is found to be 21 k = V G - ( V o S ) (
1 1 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) . ( 25 )
[0073] Assuming .tau..sub.1=RC.sub.1, where R=R.sub.S+R.sub.B, then
the solution to the initial-value problem for .O slashed..sub.1 is:
22 V M1 ( t ) = V G e - ( t / M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) + ( V 1 S ) ( 1 1 ( 1
- 1 M ) - M ) ( - t / 1 - - ( t / M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) ) ( 26 )
[0074] Equation 26 describes the residual voltage found on a cell
at the end of .O slashed..sub.1.
[0075] Assuming V.sub.G=0 and V.sub.1=1, the solution for cell
response to an external shock pulse is 23 V M1 ( t ) = ( 1 S ) ( 1
1 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) ( - t 1 - - ( t M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) ) . ( 27 )
[0076] We may now determine optimal durations for .O slashed..sub.1
according to criteria for desired cell response. One such design
role or criterion is that the .O slashed..sub.1 duration is equal
to the time required for the external defibrillator shock pulse to
bring the cell response to its maximum possible level. To determine
this duration, equation 27 is differentiated and the resulting
equation 27B is set to zero. Equation 27B is then solved for the
time t, which represents shock pulse duration required to maximize
cardiac cell response. 24 ( AB M ) - Bt / M - ( A 1 ) - t / 1 = 0 ,
where A = ( 1 S ) ( 1 1 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) and B = 1 - 1 M .
(27B)
[0077] Solving for t, the optimal duration d .O slashed..sub.1 for
a monophasic shock pulse or .O slashed..sub.1 of a biphasic shock
pulse is found to be 25 d 1 = ( 1 M 1 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) ln ( 1 ( 1
- 1 M ) M ) , (27C)
[0078] where "1n" represents the logarithm to the base e, the
natural logarithm.
[0079] For .O slashed..sub.2, an analysis almost identical to
equations 20 through 27 above is derived. The differences are
two-fold. First, a biphasic waveform reverses the flow of current
through the myocardium during .O slashed..sub.2. Reversing the flow
of current in the circuit model changes the sign on the current.
The sign changes on the right hand side of equation 23.
[0080] The second difference is the step taken to incorporate an
independent.O slashed..sub.2 into the charge burping model.
Therefore, the .O slashed..sub.2 ODE incorporates the C.sub.2
capacitor set and their associated leading-edge voltage, V.sub.2,
for the .O slashed..sub.2 portion of the pulse. Then .tau..sub.2
represents the .O slashed..sub.2 time constant;
.tau..sub.2=RC.sub.2, and V.sub.S=-V.sub.2e.sup.-t/.tau..s- ub.2.
Equation 23 now becomes: 26 V M t + ( V M M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) = - V 2 -
t / 2 M M . ( 29 )
[0081] Equation 29 is again a first-order linear ODE. In a similar
manner, its general solution is determined to be: 27 V M2 ( t ) = k
( - t / M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) - ( V 2 S ) ( 2 2 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) . ( 30
)
[0082] To determine the constant of integration k, the value of
V.sub.M2 at the end of .O slashed..sub.1 is
V.sub.M2(0)=V.sub.M1(d.sub..O slashed.1)=V.sub..O slashed.1,
(31)
[0083] where d .O slashed..sub.1 is the overall time of discharge
for .O slashed..sub.1 and V.sub..O slashed.1 is the voltage left on
the cell at the end of .O slashed..sub.1. Applying the initial
condition to equation 30 and solving for k: 28 k = V 1 + ( V 2 S )
( 2 2 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M ) . ( 32 )
[0084] The solution to the initial-value problem for .O
slashed..sub.2 is 29 V M2 ( t ) = ( V 2 S ) ( 2 2 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M )
( - ( t / M ) ( 1 - 1 M ) - - t / 2 ) + V 1 - ( t / M ) ( 1 - 1 M )
. ( 33 )
[0085] Equation 33 provides a means to calculate the residual
membrane potential at the end of .O slashed..sub.2 for the cells
that were not stimulated by .O slashed..sub.1. Setting Equation 3 3
equal to zero, we solve for t, thereby determining the duration of
.O slashed..sub.2, denoted d.O slashed..sub.2, such that
V.sub.M2(d.O slashed..sub.2)=0. By designing .O slashed..sub.2 with
a duration d .O slashed..sub.2, the biphasic shock pulse removes
the residual change placed on a cell by .O slashed..sub.1. We
determine d .O slashed..sub.2 to be: 30 d 2 = ( 2 M 2 ( 1 - 1 M ) -
M ) ln ( 1 + ( 2 ( 1 - 1 M ) - M 2 ) ( S V 1 V 2 ) ) . ( 34 )
[0086] From the equations above, an optimal monophasic or biphasic
defibrillation waveform may be calculated for an external
defibrillator. Then the table below illustrates the application of
the design rule as the overall chest resistance ranges from 25
.OMEGA. to 200 .OMEGA.:
1 R (.OMEGA.) .tau..sub.1 d.phi..sub.1) V.sub.final E.sub.delivered
25 5.2 5.05 757 343 50 10.2 6.90 1017 297 75 15.2 8.15 1170 263 100
20.2 9.10 1275 238 125 25.2 9.90 1350 216 150 30.2 10.55 1410 201
175 35.2 11.15 1457 186 200 40.2 11.65 1497 176
[0087] It should be noted and understood that the design of .O
slashed..sub.2 is independent from .O slashed..sub.1. To design .O
slashed..sub.2, the only information necessary from .O
slashed..sub.1 is where the cell response was left when .O
slashed..sub.1 was truncated. Additionally, .O slashed..sub.2 need
not use the same or similar circuitry as that used for .O
slashed..sub.1. For example, .O slashed. may use circuitry as
illustrated in FIG. 4 where .O slashed..sub.2 may use circuitry
illustrated in FIG. 5a, or vice-versa. The corresponding design
rules for a .O slashed..sub.1 circuitry may be used in conjunction
with the design rules for a .O slashed..sub.2 circuitry, regardless
of the specific circuitry used to implement each phase of a
monophasic or biphasic shock pulse.
PRESENT INVENTION
[0088] The present invention is based on the charge burping model
hypothesis which postulates and defines an optimal pulse duration
for .O slashed..sub.2 as a duration that removes as much of the .O
slashed..sub.1 residual charge from the cell as possible. Ideally,
the objective is to maintain unstimulated cells with no charge or
set them back to relative ground.
[0089] A further objective of the present invention is to formulate
a measurement by which the optimal duration of .tau..sub.S (cell
time constant) and .tau..sub.M (membrane time constant) can be
measured. Although one can choose a proper .O slashed..sub.2
(fixed) for a given cell response .O slashed..sub.1, in
transthoracic shock pulse applications, .tau..sub.M is not known
and it varies across patients, waveforms and time. For a fixed .O
slashed..sub.2, therefore, the error in .tau..sub.M could be
substantial. Realizing this, the present invention is designed to
correct for "range" of candidate .tau..sub.M values to fit an
optimal duration for a fixed .O slashed..sub.2. In other words, .O
slashed..sub.2 is selected so that the capacitance in the model is
matched with measured R.sub.H to get a "soft landing" to thereby
minimize error due to .tau..sub.M.+-.E in charge burping ability of
.O slashed..sub.2 involving patient variability.
[0090] The technique of "soft landing" advanced by the present
invention limits the error in .tau..sub.M and sets .O
slashed..sub.2 to dynamically adjust within a range of possible
.tau..sub.M values. As discussed hereinbelow, optimizing solutions
are used to determine parameters on which intelligent calculations
could be made so that autonomous .O slashed..sub.2 adjustments for
variable R.sub.H are possible.
[0091] The charge burping model also accounts for removing the
residual charge at the end of .O slashed..sub.1 based on .O
slashed..sub.2 delivered by a separate set of capacitors other than
those used to deliver .O slashed..sub.1.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 3, Cl represents the .O slashed..sub.1
capacitor set and C.sub.2 represents the .O slashed..sub.2
capacitor, R.sub.H represents the resistance of the heart, and the
pair C.sub.M and R.sub.M represent the membrane series capacitance
and resistance of a single cell. The node V.sub.S represents the
voltage between the electrodes, while V.sub.M denotes the voltage
across the cell membrane.
[0093] Accordingly, one of the advantages that AEDs have over ICDs,
is that the implementation of a .O slashed..sub.2 waveform may be
completely independent of the implementation of .O slashed..sub.1.
Specifically, the charging and discharging circuits for .O
slashed..sub.1 and .O slashed..sub.2 do not need to be the same
circuitry. Unlike ICDs, AEDs are not strictly constrained by space
and volume requirements. Within practical limits, in AEDs the
capacitance and voltage which characterize .O slashed..sub.2 need
not depend on the circuitry and the values of .O
slashed..sub.1.
[0094] The Lerman-Deale model for AEDs define the main series for
current to pass through the chest wall, the lungs and the heart.
Further, two shunting pathways in parallel with current pathway
through the heart are defined. Another shunting pathway is provided
by the thoracic cage. However, when compared to the resistivity of
the lungs, the thoracic cage resistance is rather negligible.
[0095] Thus, considering the transthoracic defibrillation model of
FIG. 4, there are several other resistances in addition to those
discussed for the charge burping model hereinabove. R.sub.S
represents the resistance of the defibrillation system, including
the resistance of the electrodes. R.sub.CW and R.sub.LS represent
the resistances of the chest wall and the lungs, respectively, in
series with resistance of the heart, R.sub.H. R.sub.TC and R.sub.LP
represent the resistances of the thoracic cage and the lungs,
respectively, in parallel with the resistance of the heart.
[0096] As discussed hereinabove, developing design equations which
enable adjustments for variable resistances encountered in the
transthoracic defibrillation model of FIG. 4 is one of the advances
of the present invention. In order to adjust for variable R.sub.H
both .O slashed..sub.1 and .O slashed..sub.2 are assumed fixed.
Then .O slashed..sub.2 is selected to have a range of capacitance
values which permit to optimize the slope of the voltage curve at
time t. In other words, C.sub.S2 for .O slashed..sub.2 is chosen
such that {fraction (dv/dt)}=0 The design parameters of the present
invention are derived from equation 35, as follows:
V.sub.M(t)=V.sub.O(1-e.sup.-t/.tau.M). (35)
[0097] Equation 35 can be rewritten as: 31 V M2 ( t ) = ( V 1 + { 2
2 - M } V 2 ) - M - { 2 M - M } V 2 - t / 2 = 0. ( 36 )
[0098] Letting 32 A = V 1 + B and B = 2 2 - M V 2 ,
[0099] equation 36 can be written as: 33 V ( t ) = A - t M - B - t
2 . ( 37 )
[0100] Differentiating equation 37 with respect to t, we have the
following: 34 v t = - A - t M M + B M - t / 2 = 0. ( 38 )
[0101] Equation 38 is the profile of .O slashed..sub.1 waveform and
at 35 v t = 0 ,
[0102] the slope of the curve is zero, which means the terminal
value of the time constant is determinable at this point. Thus,
solving equation 38 for the value of t, we have: 36 t = 2 M 2 - M
ln { 2 M ( V 1 + 2 2 - M V 2 ) ( 2 2 - M ) V 2 } ( 39 )
[0103] where 37 t 1 = ( 2 M 2 - M ) ln { 1 + ( 2 M 2 ) ( V 1 V 2 )
} ( 40 ) t 1 = t 1 + ( 2 M 2 - M ln { 2 M } ) . ( 41 )
[0104] For biphasic defibrillation waveforms, it is generally
accepted that the ratio of .O slashed..sub.1 duration (.tau..sub.M)
to .O slashed..sub.2 duration .O slashed..sub.2 should be >1.
Charge burping theory postulates that the beneficial effects of .O
slashed..sub.2 are maximal when it completely removes the charge
deposited on myocardial cell by .O slashed..sub.1. This theory
predicts that .O slashed..sub.1/.O slashed..sub.2 should be >1
when .tau..sub.S is >3 .tau..sub.S and <1 when
.tau..sub.S<3 ms. .tau..sub.S is defined as the product of the
pathway resistance and capacitance. (See NASPE ABSTRACTS, Section
361 entitled Charge Buriing Predicts Optimal Ratios of Phase
Duration for Biphasic Defibrillation, by Charles D. Swerdlow, M.D.,
Wei Fan, M.D., James E. Brewer, M. S., Cedar-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif.
[0105] In light of the proposed duration ratio of .O slashed..sub.1
and .O slashed..sub.2, wherein the optimal solution is indicated to
be at t.sub.1=t.sub.2 where t is the duration of .O slashed..sub.1
and t.sub.2 is the duration of .O slashed..sub.2 and superimposing
this condition on equation 41 hereinabove, we have: 38 t 2 = t 1 +
( 2 M 2 - M ln { 2 M } ) setting t 2 = t 1 ,
[0106] remanaging terms we have: 39 t 2 - t 1 = 0 = 2 M 2 - M ln {
2 M } or 2 M ln { 2 M } or ln 2 M = 0 or 2 M = 1. ( 42 )
[0107] From the result of equation 42 we make the final conclusion
that the optimal charge burping is obtained when t.sub.2=t.sub.M.
From prior definition, we have established that t.sub.M=R.sub.H
C.sub.S. Thus, in accordance with equation 42,
t.sub.2=t.sub.M=R.sub.H. C.sub.S.
[0108] Referring now to FIG. 6, a biphasic defibrillation waveform
generated using the equations 35-42 is shown. At V.sub.M=0 and
dV.sub.M/dt=0, .O slashed..sub.1 and .O slashed..sub.2 are equal to
zero.
[0109] FIG. 7 is a schematic of a circuit which enables the
implementation of the theory developed in the present invention.
The circuit shows a plurality of double throw switches connecting a
plurality of capacitors. The capacitors and the switches are
connected to a charge or potential source. The voltage is
discharged via electrodes. One aspect of implementing the "soft
landing" charge burping technique developed in the present
invention is to fix C.sub.S for .O slashed..sub.1 and fix C.sub.S
for .O slashed..sub.2. Further, t.sub.M is fixed. Then a range of
resistance values representing R.sub.H are selected. The t.sub.M
and R.sub.H ranges represent the patient variability problem. The
objective is to enable corrective action such that C.sub.S values
could range between 40 uf-200 uf and dv/dt=0 for t.sub.2. As
indicated hereinabove, the error in charge burping is minimized for
t.sub.2 when dv/dt=0.
[0110] The implementation of the present invention requires that
capacitor bank values be determined for .O slashed..sub.1 and .O
slashed..sub.2. Specifically, the capacitor values for .O
slashed..sub.1 should be designed to realize dv/dt =0 and V=0 for
.O slashed..sub.2 to minimize charge burping error due to R.sub.H
and t.sub.M. Where a variable resistor is used to set R.sub.H thus
providing a known but variable value and t.sub.M can be set within
these practical ranges.
[0111] FIG. 8 depicts a biphasic defibrillation waveform 300,
generated using equations 35-42 above, in relation to a predicted
patient's cellular response curve 304; the cellular response, as
explained earlier is based on a patient's measured impedance. As
shown, the residual charge left on the cardiac cells after delivery
of .O slashed..sub.1 has been brought back to zero charge, i.e.,
charge balanced, after the delivery of .O slashed..sub.2. This
charge balance has been achieved because the energy delivered has
been allowed to vary.
[0112] Traditionally, all defibrillation waveforms have delivered a
fixed energy. This has been primarily because therapy has been
measured in joules. These fixed energy waveforms, which include
monophasic damped sine, biphasic truncated exponential, and
monophasic truncated exponential waveforms, only passively
responded to patient and/or system impedance.
[0113] This passive response was by charging a capacitor to a fixed
voltage, wherein the voltage was adjusted depending on amount of
fixed energy to be delivered that was desired, and discharging it
across the patient, whom acts as the load. The energy delivered is
controlled by the simple equation: 40 E = 1 2 CV 2 ( 43 )
[0114] where: E is the energy, C is the capacitance of the charging
capacitor, and V is the voltage.
[0115] In the case of the truncated exponential waveform, equation
43 is extended to: 41 E = 1 2 C ( V i 2 - V f 2 ) ( 44 )
[0116] where: V.sub.i is the initial voltage and V.sub.f is the
final voltage.
[0117] Significantly, no form of patient impedance or system
impedance appears in either of the above equations.
[0118] With respect to system impedance, the above equations make
the assumption that the internal impedance of the defibrillator is
0 ohms. This is a good approximation for truncated exponential
waveforms, but it is not a good approximation for damped sine
waveforms. Damped sine waveforms typically have 10-13 ohms internal
impedance. This internal impedance effects the delivered energy.
The internal impedance of the defibrillator will absorb a portion
of the stored energy in the capacitor, thus reducing the delivered
energy. For low patient impedances, the absorbed energy can become
quite significant, with on the order of 40% of the stored energy
being absorbed by the internal resistances.
[0119] With respect to patient impedance, the patient acts as the
load and, as such, the peak current is simply a function of the
peak voltage via Ohm's law: 42 I = V R ( 45 )
[0120] where: I is the current and R represents the patient's
impedance.
[0121] As equation 45 indicates, the current is inversely
proportional to the impedance. This means that there is lower
current flow for high impedance patients which, in turn, means that
it takes longer to deliver the energy to a high impedance patient.
This fact is further exemplified when considering the equation for
a truncated exponential voltage at any point in time: 43 V ( t ) =
1 2 CV i e - t RC ( 46 )
[0122] Equation 46 shows that patient impedance, R, is reflected
within in the voltage equation which forms a part of the energy
equation. Equation 46 shows that the duration of a defibrillation
waveform extends passively with impedance, since it takes longer to
reach the truncate voltage.
[0123] To actively respond to system and patient impedances, as the
present invention does with its charge burping model, the energy or
the voltage must be allowed to vary. However, there is a problem
with varying the voltage in that the voltage is set before energy
delivery. Thus, making the voltage the more difficult variable to
manage. On the other hand, energy may be adjusted on the fly,
making it the easier variable to manage. To explain further, in the
charge balance waveform of the present invention, there is a desire
to exactly terminate the defibrillation waveform when the cellular
response curve returns to zero charge, see again FIG. 8 Failing to
terminate the defibrillation waveform when the cellular response
curve returns to zero charge, e.g., overshooting or undershooting
the neutral condition, can promote refibrillation.
[0124] In achieving this charge balanced waveform, as explained in
detail in the specification above: (1) the charging capacitor is
charged to a specific charge voltage, i.e., this specific charge
voltage is not a system variable; (2) the current is controlled by
the patient impedance 44 ( I = V R ) ,
[0125] i.e., the current is not a system variable; and (3) the
duration of the defibrillation pulse is controlled by the expected
cellular response curve, i.e., duration is not a system variable.
Because items 1-3 are not system variables but rather are preset or
set in accordance to the patient at hand, the energy must be
allowed to vary or the defibrillation system is over constrained
and charge balancing cannot be achieved over the range of patient
impedances. To deliver fixed energy in a charge balanced system
would require the ability to vary the charge voltage. Varying the
charge voltage is typically not done since this requires knowing
the exact impedance in advance of the shock delivery. Many
defibrillators measure the impedance during a high voltage charge
delivery since this is more accurate than low voltage measurements
done prior to shock delivery. Varying charge voltage also requires
a more expensive defibrillation circuitry since capacitor costs
increase dramatically with voltage.
[0126] It should be noted that due to the characteristics of the
cellular response curve, the duration of the defibrillation pulse
does increase slightly for increases in patient impedance. This
increased duration is of a much lesser effect than in a traditional
truncated waveform.
[0127] As such, to exactly terminate the defibrillation waveform
when the cellular response curve returns to zero charge (FIG. 8),
the energy of the defibrillation waveform may be allowed to vary in
the delivery of the first phase .O slashed..sub.1 or,
alternatively, in the delivery of the second phase .O
slashed..sub.2.
[0128] With respect to the first phase .O slashed..sub.1, the
energy is allowed to vary per each patient 20 encounter by setting
the time duration t.sub.1 of .O slashed..sub.1. As noted by the
iterations of equation 42, the optimal ratio of duration of .O
slashed..sub.1 and .O slashed..sub.2 occurs when t.sub.1=t.sub.2 or
when .tau..sub.2=T.sub.M=R.sub.H C.sub.S where R.sub.H is the
measured variable heart resistance and C.sub.S is the system
capacitance including the capacitance of the first bank of
capacitors that are operative with the delivery of the first phase.
As .tau..sub.M is fixed and R.sub.H is measured, the value of
capacitance C.sub.S is matched to the resistance R.sub.H. Because
the value of the capacitance is matched to the resistance for the
delivery of the first phase .O slashed..sub.1, i.e., it is not
matched to a desired amount of fixed energy to be delivered, it can
be seen that the amount of energy is allowed to vary specific to
and per each patient encounter.
[0129] Likewise, with respect to the second phase .O
slashed..sub.2, the energy is allowed to vary per each patient
encounter by setting the time duration of .O slashed..sub.2. As
noted by the iterations of equation 42, the optimal ratio of
duration of .O slashed..sub.1 and .O slashed..sub.2 occurs when
t.sub.1=t.sub.2 or when .tau..sub.2=.tau..sub.M=R.sub.H C.sub.S
where R.sub.H is the measured variable heart resistance and C.sub.S
is the system capacitance including the capacitance of the second
bank of capacitors that are operative with the delivery of the
second phase .O slashed..sub.2. As .tau..sub.2 is fixed and R.sub.H
is measured, the value of capacitance C.sub.S is matched to the
resistance R.sub.H. Because the value of the capacitance is matched
to the resistance for the delivery of the second phase .O
slashed..sub.2, i.e., it is not matched to a desired amount of
fixed energy to be delivered, it can be seen that the amount of
energy is allowed to vary specific to and per each patient
encounter.
[0130] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
* * * * *