Wearable defibrillator with audio input/output

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 9492676
  • Patent Number
    9,492,676
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, January 28, 2015
    9 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 15, 2016
    8 years ago
Abstract
A wearable device and method of monitoring the condition of a patient. The wearable device includes at least one sensor and at least one processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The wearable device also includes an operator interface device operatively connected to the at least one processor. The at least one processor causes the device to allow for customization of at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to wearable defibrillators.


BACKGROUND

There are many patients susceptible to heart arrhythmias who are at risk sudden death. For example, patients undergoing a coronary artery occlusion and myocardial infarction are at substantial risk of tachyarrhythmia for several weeks following the coronary artery occlusion. Such patients are generally hospitalized but can be discharged earlier if there is a practical means to protect them from life threatening arrhythmias. One such practical means includes the implantation of an automatic defibrillator. However, patients may also be discharged prior to such an implantation if an external defibrillator, such as, for example, a wearable defibrillator, is available in case they experience a life-threatening tachyarrhythmia.


There are also patients who are placed at an inordinate risk due to the surgery required for implanting an implantable defibrillator. For such patients, implantation would preferably be avoided so such an inordinate risk could be avoided or otherwise mitigated.


Wearable defibrillators are often used to help people who have an increased risk of experiencing a life threatening arrhythmia due to specific heart conditions. Such wearable defibrillators are typically configured to provide treatment if a life threatening arrhythmia is detected. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,928,690, 5,078,134, 5,741,306, 5,944,669, 6,065,154, 6,097,987, 6,253,099, 6,280,461 and 6,681,003, disclose wearable defibrillators. The entirety of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,928,690, 5,078,134, 5,741,306, 5,944,669, 6,065,154, 6,097,987, 6,253,099, 6,280,461 and 6,681,003, are hereby incorporated herein by reference.


Wearable defibrillators are typically used to help patients that either cannot risk an implantation of a defibrillator or are awaiting such an implantation. Occasionally, analysis performed by the wearable defibrillator may falsely indicate that the patient is experiencing an arrhythmia that requires treatment. In such circumstances, the wearable defibrillator generates an audible alarm that is configured to stop if a patient provides a required response, such as, for example, pressing one or more response buttons. If a patient fails to press such buttons or otherwise provide a required response, the device may assume the patient is unconscious and is experiencing a condition requiring treatment. Occasionally, a bystander who is unfamiliar with a wearable defibrillator may interfere with the device by intentionally pressing the response buttons or otherwise providing a response which delays or inhibits patient treatment.


The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems.


SUMMARY

A wearable defibrillator is provided that includes one or more therapy pads one or more sensors, one or more processing units operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and one or more sensors and one or more audio devices operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.


One embodiment of the wearable defibrillator may include one or more audio devices that are one or more microphones, one or more speakers or a combination of one or more speakers and one or more microphones. Another embodiment of the wearable defibrillator may include one or more processing units that include one or more processors and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors.


In another embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more processing units can be configured to record the patient name using a microphone and store the audio recording in non volatile memory. In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, a recording of the patient's name made during setup by either an operator or patient can be played back during startup to uniquely identify who the wearable defibrillator belongs to.


In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more processing units can be configured to cause at least one patient responsiveness test to be run upon detection of an arrhythmia condition by the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, one of the one or more responsiveness tests can include at least one voice recognition responsiveness test, at least one button responsiveness test, or any combination thereof. For example, the one or more processing units can be configured to cause a response button responsiveness test to be run only after a voice recognition responsiveness test resulted in a response that indicated the patient is not conscious. Of course, other embodiments of the wearable defibrillator may include one or more processing units that are configured to run other patient responsiveness tests or sequences of such patient responsiveness tests.


In one embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the audio input can include one or more sounds, such as, for example, at least one spoken word, made by the patient and the one or more processing units can be configured to recognize the audio input from the patient. In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more processing units may be configured such that the wearable defibrillator either delays or does not provide a treatment to the patient when the one or more sounds is received by the one or more audio devices and recognized by the one or more processing units.


In another embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the wearable defibrillator may include one or more processing units that are configured to recognize audio input provided by a base unit configured to operatively connect to the wearable defibrillator to verify that the base unit is functioning properly. In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, the base unit can include a modem and the audio input provided by the base unit can include sound made by the modem. In yet another embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the wearable defibrillator can include one or more mechanisms connected to the one or more processing units and the one or more processing units are configured to recognize input provided by the one or more mechanisms to verify that the one or more mechanisms are operating correctly. In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more mechanisms can include relays, switches or any combination thereof that produce an audible sound upon activation or deactivation.


In one embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the processing unit of a wearable defibrillator can be configured to cause an alarm to be emitted to verify that the wearable defibrillator can properly emit the alarm. In another embodiment, the one or more processing units can be configured to cause one or more speakers to produce audio output and be configured to adjust at least one of the frequency and the amplitude characteristics of the audio output based upon audio input received from one or more microphones.


In some embodiments of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more processing units can be configured to cause data obtained by the one or more sensors to be recorded in memory connected to the one or more processing units. In one embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the audio input can include a command and the one or more processing units can be configured to cause data obtained by the one or more sensors to be recorded in at least one memory after the command is received by the one or more audio devices.


In one embodiment of the wearable defibrillator, the one or more processing units can be configured to cause a self-diagnostic test to be run if the audio input includes a high amplitude and short duration noise that may be indicative of device abuse.


A system configured to monitor a patient is also provided. The system includes a central location, and a wearable defibrillator configured to operatively connect to the central location. The wearable defibrillator includes one or more therapy pads, one or more sensors, one or more processing units operatively connected to the one or more therapy pads and one or more sensors and one or more audio devices operatively connected to the one or more processing units. The one or more audio devices are configured to receive audio input from a patient.


In some embodiments, the system may further include a base station configured to operatively connect the wearable defibrillator to the central location. In other embodiments, the one or more processing units of the wearable defibrillator may include at least one communication device configured to connect the wearable defibrillator to the central location. Preferably, the one or more communication devices include a modem, a network card, one or more networking programs, other networking mechanisms or any combination thereof.


In one embodiment of the system, the one or more audio devices can be a microphone. In another embodiment of the system, the base station can be configured to communicate with the central location and the wearable defibrillator may be configured to transmit data from the wearable defibrillator to the central location. In yet another embodiment of the system, the central location can include one or more memory and be configured to store data transmitted from the wearable defibrillator in the one or more memory.


A method of providing treatment to a patient is also provided. The method can include providing a wearable defibrillator to the patient that includes one or more audio devices, monitoring the condition of the patient, providing audio output from the one or more audio devices to the patient to verify a monitored arrhythmia condition exists, receiving audio input from the patient with the one or more audio devices and providing treatment to the patient based on the audio input received from the patient. It should be appreciated that the audio input received from the patient may include silence or may include audible responses.


In some embodiments of the method of providing treatment to a patient, the method may also include recording the condition of the patient and communicating the recorded condition of the patient to a central location. In other embodiments of the method, the method may include utilizing one or more of the audio devices to conduct at least one diagnostic test of the wearable defibrillator, recording the results from the one or more diagnostic tests and evaluating the results of the test or tests.


Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of certain present preferred embodiments thereof and certain present preferred methods of practicing the same proceeds.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Present preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and certain present preferred methods of practicing the same are also illustrated therein.



FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an embodiment of a wearable defibrillator.



FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that illustrates a system that includes an embodiment of a wearable defibrillator configured to interact with a base station and a central location.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable defibrillator may be worn by a patient and may include a belt or harness or other apparel configured to permit the patient to wear the defibrillator. Sensors, such as electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are removably attached to the patient when the wearable defibrillator is worn by the patient. The electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d form part of electrode assembly 11 and are operatively connected to a processing unit 15 via a trunk cable 13. In some embodiments, the processing unit 15 may include, without limitation, one or more processors, one or more controllers and/or one or more programs or other software stored in memory operatively connected to one or more processors.


The processing unit 15 is operatively connected to therapy pads 17, at least one tactile stimulator 12, electrode assembly 11, and one or more audio devices 16. The audio devices 16 may include, for example, a microphone and a speaker. The therapy pads 17 are removably connected to the patient when the defibrillator is worn. The processing unit 15 may include a visual read out and a speaker for communicating with the patient or others around the patient.


A trunk cable 13 may be used to connect the electrode assembly 11 to the processing unit 15 and audio devices 16. Of course, other types of cables or other connection devices used to operatively connect the electrode assembly 11 to the processing unit 15, speakers, microphones or other audio devices 16 may also be used. Wiring or other connection devices may also be used to connect at least one portion of the electrode assembly 11 to the electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Of course, the processing unit 15 may alternatively be operatively connected to one or more of the electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, therapy pads 17, electrode assembly 11, audio devices 16 and stimulator 12 by a wireless connection or a combination of wireless and wired connections.


The audio devices 16 preferably include a Knowles Acoustics WP-23502 microphone, a speaker and audio circuitry that include an audio CODEC and an audio amplifier. The audio CODEC may contain an interpolation filter and a noise shaper. An AC97 interface may be used to operatively connect the processing unit 15 and the one or more audio devices 16. Of course, other interfaces or other connection mechanisms known to those skilled in the art may also be used to operatively connect the processing unit 15 to the one or more audio devices 16.


At least one of the electrode assembly 11 and processing unit 15 have at least one processor that is configured to evaluate the cardiac condition of the patient and cause delivery of the appropriate treatment to the patient. The therapy pads 17 are configured to provide treatment, such as, for example, electric defibrillation, to the wearer after the processing unit 15 determines that such treatment should be delivered to the patient. The therapy pads 17 may include the application devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,134, or other devices configured to provide treatment to the patient.


The processing unit 15 may display one or more visuals identifying the patient's condition or conditions based at least in part on one or more conditions sensed by the electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. A speaker may be an audio device 16 that is used to communicate with the patient or others located near the patient. The speaker or other audio device 16 may be housed within the processing unit 15 or be attached to the processing unit 15 or another portion of the wearable defibrillator such as, for example, the electrode assembly 11.


A microphone may also be an audio device 16 attached to the processing unit 15. The microphone may be configured to detect patient and environmental noise. One or more portions of the processing unit 15 can be operatively connected to, or otherwise incorporate, voice recognition software so the processing unit 15 can determine, based on whether or not it recognizes the voice of the wearer, whether an arrhythmia condition exists that warrants delivery of treatment or if such delivery should be delayed. The processing unit 15 may also be operatively connected to memory or another storage device that stores information such as, for example, the patient's voice signature so the processing unit 15 may identify a speaker's voice and determine when the patient is providing audio input.


The processing unit 15 may include one or more processors that are configured to use a confidence algorithm to determine when treatment should be delivered. The confidence algorithm may base arrhythmia detection on one or more inputs such as, but not limited to, data obtained from sensing electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, one or more electrocardiograms. (“ECGs”), response button responsiveness test results, voice recognition responsiveness test results, etc. Preferably, the processing unit 15 is configured so that treatment is not delivered unless the confidence algorithm determines that there is a 100% confidence that the patient is experiencing a life threatening arrhythmia.


The one or more audio devices 16 may be configured to identify whether background noise exists. In the event no or little background noise is sensed, the confidence in the detection can be increased. The processing unit 15 may also be configured to permit the delivery of treatment to be accelerated if no background noise or little background noise is detected by the one or more audio devices 16.


The processing unit 15 may be configured to delay a delivery of treatment if a high level of background noise is identified because significant background noise may reduce the quality of the data obtained by the electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, or 10d. For example, the quality of ECG sensing electrodes may be reduced with significant background noise possibly caused by patient motion and can result in false detection of a condition requiring treatment. If a high level of background noise is identified, the processing unit 15 can be configured to delay treatment so other tests or data can be obtained to verify that the patient requires treatment or to increase the audio output level of alarms used to warn any people surrounding the patient that treatment is about to be provided to the patient so that no one touches the patient during the application of the treatment.


The audio devices 16 may also be configured so that speaker volumes are increased whenever certain background noise levels are detected. Such increased volumes permit audio outputs to be heard by the patient or people near the patient when the patient is in a high noise environment. Such audio outputs may include alarms, instructions or communication related to patient responsiveness tests, which are discussed more fully below.


The processing unit 15 may be configured to cause a voice recognition responsiveness test to be run as part of determining that the patient is experiencing a condition requiring treatment. The voice responsiveness test may include an audio device 16, such as, for example, a speaker, to verbally ask the patient if the patient is conscious. In the event a microphone or other audio device 16 senses that the patient responds with a positive verbal comment, such as, for example, “yes”, the processing unit 15 can be configured to delay treatment. In the event the patient does not provide an answer that is sensed by an audio device 16 or that such data is not provided to the processing unit 15, the processing unit 15 can be configured to cause a speaker to provide a verbal message asking the patient to press one or more buttons or activate one or more actuators connected to the defibrillator to verify the patient is conscious. The one or more buttons may be located on, in, or adjacent the belt, harness, vest, or monitor of the defibrillator.


In one embodiment, the processing unit 15 can be configured to cause the speaker to ask the patient certain questions in the event a possible condition is identified that may require delivery of a treatment. For example, the speaker may be configured to ask the patient “are you conscious?” or “if you are conscious, please state your name.” The processing unit 15 can be operatively connected to memory or another storage device that contains the patient's voice signature to verify the patient is answering the questions. Such verification prevents a passerby from preventing treatment of the patient by improperly responding to the questions.


The use of audio devices 16, such as, for example, a microphone and a speaker, permit the patient to have real-time input provided to the defibrillator. The processing unit 15 may also be configured to record the audio input in the proximity of the wearable device for later review by emergency personnel. Such information may help care providers determine a diagnosis for the patient or treat the patient.


The one or more audio devices may also be operatively connected to the processing unit 15 such that the processing unit 15 can cause the patient's conditions being sensed by electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, or 10d to be recorded and stored. Such recording and storage can be actuated by verbal commands issued by the patient that are received by the audio device 16, such as, for example, a microphone, or by the actuation of an actuator such as, for example, a button operatively connected to the processing unit 15. The processing unit 15 can also be configured so the audio device 16, such as, for example, a microphone, records a message provided by the patient that explains how he feels and why he initiated the recording of the conditions being sensed by one or more of the electrodes 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The recorded audio and sensed information may be stored in memory operatively connected to the processing unit 15 or be transmitted to a central location and/or to health care providers. Transmissions to a central location are discussed more fully below. Such recordings may permit a health care provider or doctor to formulate a diagnosis based on the sensed conditions or otherwise act on such information to provide services the recorded conditions indicate the patient needs.


In the event the patient has difficulty with an aspect of the defibrillator, the processing unit 15 can be configured so a speaker or other audio device provides the patient with certain verbal instructions. The instructions may also be provided in specific situations where the patient has difficulty understanding instructions or the processing unit 15 is not receiving any expected input from the patient. Special messaging instructions can be recorded during patient setup to support the personal communication needs of the patient or may be operatively connected to the processing unit 15 such that the instructions may be provided to the patient during the setup of the defibrillator in the event the patient is having difficulty with the setup. For example, such a special message may include contact information for customer support or a voice activated menu of different languages the instructions may be given in that the patient may select from.


Standard voice messages or alarms delivered prior to or during the delivery of treatment may be customized for a patient. The standard alarms may also be modified so that a speaker or other audio device provides audio output in a language the patient understands (e.g., Spanish, English, French, German, etc.). Additionally, the messages may be customized to include the name of the patient to personalize the instructions.


The audio input and outputs provided by the defibrillator may be created or modified during a setup phase conducted during an initial use of the defibrillator by a patient. Such a setup phase may be used to determine the language all audio output should be spoken in and permit the name of the patient to be learned by the processing unit or stored in memory connected to the processing unit. The processing unit 15 may also be configured so that the patient's voice signature is identified and saved in a storage device, such as, for example, memory in the processing unit 15 or memory operatively connected to the processing unit 15.


The processing unit 15 can also be configured to generate a unique identifier that is related to the patient. Such an identifier may be used to determine who the patient is or the patient that is assigned to wear the defibrillator. Features from the patient's voice signature or saved voice recordings can be used to create the identifier. Such an identifier may be created as part of the setup phase.


Facilities that have multiple patients that are required to wear defibrillators may need a method of determining which patient is assigned to wear a particular defibrillator so the facility can ensure the proper defibrillator is worn by the proper patient. A recording of the patient's name may be stored in memory contained within the processing unit 15, operatively connected to the processing unit 15 or otherwise stored by the processing unit 15. The name of the patient may then be identified by an audio message sent by a speaker or other audio device 16 to identify the intended user of the device. The processing unit 15 may be configured so the audio device 16 provides such output whenever the device is activated or upon the activation of an actuator operatively connected to the processing unit 15, such as, for example, a button on the monitor 15 or an actuator operatively connected to the processing unit 15. The processing unit 15 may also be configured so a verbal command received from an audio device 16, such as, for example, a microphone, may cause the patient's name to be output provided by an audio device 16, such as, for example, a speaker.


Referring to FIG. 2, a wearable defibrillator 41 is typically incorporated into a system to provide treatment to a patient. The system may include a wearable defibrillator 41 that has a processor 33 operatively connected to memory 34, a microphone 25, a speaker 24, one or more therapy pads 17, one or more electrodes 10 and a base station 28 that includes one or more networking or communication devices such as, for example, a modem or other networking device configured to connect the processor 33 or defibrillator 41 to other devices such as, for example, a computer or server or other central location 18. The processor 33, memory 34, speaker 24 and microphone 25 may be housed within a processing unit 26 along with audio circuitry that includes, for example, a CODEC 23. In some embodiments, one or more communication devices such as, for example, a modem, network card, networking programs, other networking mechanisms or any combination thereof may be connected to or incorporated into the processing unit 26 such that the processor 33 of the processing unit 26 is configured to cause one or more of the communication devices to connect the wearable defibrillator 41 to the central location 18. The central location 18 may include an apparatus operated by a hospital or other care monitoring entity that is configured to store patient related data transmitted to the central location 18. The central location 18 may also be configured to oversee or manage at least a portion of the operation of one or more wearable defibrillators 41.


The processor 33 may be configured so the patient may communicate with customer support personnel that are able to operatively connect to the central location 18. The patient may communicate with such personnel using the microphone 25 and speaker 24. The base station 28 is operatively connected with the processor 33 by a connection 20, which may be a wireless connection or a wired connection such as, for example, a USB connection. The base station 28 may include a wireless or wired modem or other transceiver that is preferably configured to establish a link 19 to the central location 18 that permits the microphone 25 to send input received from the patient to the central location 18 so that service or support representatives may receive the information. The processor 33, base station 28 and central location 18 are also configured so the speaker 24 may relay output obtained from the central location 18. Such communications may be transmitted to and from the central location 18 by transceivers, modems or other devices operatively connected to the central location 18, base station 28 and/or processor 33. The base station 28 or processing unit 26 may be configured to encrypt data transmitted to the central location 18 so that any unsecured network (e.g., cellular, wireless, POTS, etc.) available to a patient can be used.


The communications obtained from the central location 18 may include feedback from personnel connected to the central location 18. The base station 28 and processor 33 may also be configured so the patient may communicate with emergency medical support personnel attempting to help the patient or to report problems with the defibrillator to medical support staff or the manufacturer of the defibrillator. Such staff may be connected to the central location 18 or may be available for communication through other means such as, for example, cellular phone connections or other communication apparatuses.


The central location 18 may include one or more computers, servers, and programs or other software that are configured to send survey questions or other queries to one or more patients. Such queries can include questions regarding a patient's health or the condition of the defibrillator. The processor 33 may also be configured so the speaker 24 asks survey questions that are stored in the memory 34 so that periodic responses from the patient can be recorded and stored in the memory 34, in the central location 18 or a device connected to the central location 18. Such saved responses may be periodically updated and tracked to verify the patient is not experiencing any symptoms indicating increased risk of experiencing a condition that may require treatment. Changes in the patient's voice may also be stored and tracked to determine changes in breathing characteristics as an additional symptom that may be pertinent to a change in the patient's condition or diagnosis.


Examples of survey questions or periodic condition status questions may include: Are your legs swelling?; Are you having breathing difficulties?; Have you experienced a gain in weight?; and Are you sitting up to sleep? Of course, various other questions relating to symptoms of health conditions may also be used in addition to or in place of such survey questions.


The microphone 25 and processor 33 can be configured to verify that the base station 28 is connected to the central location 18 by recording a modem speaker audio or other audio that may be produced by the portion or device of the base station 28 that is configured to connect the defibrillator 41 to the central location 18. The tones of the audio produced by the base station 28 when trying to connect the defibrillator 41 to the central location 18 can be analyzed by the processor 33 to determine if the modem is attempting a connection. For instance, such an analysis may be performed by comparing the audio input received by the microphone 25 with tone data stored in the memory 34.


The microphone 25 may also be used to verify that certain internal components are operating correctly by analyzing noise associated with activation or deactivation of mechanical components of the wearable defibrillator such as, for example, relays or switches. Correlation of the activation of the components with recorded audio may verify the functionality of the components.


For example, it can be predetermined that during a particular event, certain relays are activated at certain times. Such data can be stored in memory 34. The processor 33 can be configured to use amplitude and other audio input provided by the microphone 25 and time measurements to verify that the correct relays are activated at the correct times.


The processor 33 may be configured to cause a self-diagnostic test to be run whenever audio input is received that indicates the wearable defibrillator 41 may have been damaged. Such audio input may include high amplitude and short duration noise. Such noise may be equivalent or similar to noise produced from an object such as, for example, a wall, a floor, a chair or a door banging against a portion of the wearable defibrillator or when the defibrillator is dropped onto a hard surface.


The processor 33 may be configured to cause a system test to be run to verify that the wearable defibrillator 41 is functioning properly. For example, the processor 33 may cause an alarm to be emitted by the speaker 24 at different frequencies and volumes and verify the alarm is being emitted at the different volumes and frequencies by comparing the expected audio output of the speaker with the audio input received by the microphone 25. If an alarm is found to not function properly, the processor 33 may be configured to operatively connect to the central location 18 and report the problem to the central location 18 or to schedule servicing of the wearable defibrillator 41. The processor 33 may operatively connect to the central location 18 by interacting with the base station 28, as discussed above.


It should be appreciated that service personnel may review the results of the diagnostic tests and evaluate the results to determine if the wearable defibrillator needs servicing. While certain present preferred embodiments of the wearable defibrillator and certain embodiments of methods of practicing the same have been shown and described, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims
  • 1. An external monitoring device comprising: at least one sensor configured to be removably attached to a patient and to sense data indicative of a cardiac condition of the patient;an operator interface device; andat least one processor disposed in the external monitoring device, the at least one processor configured to allow for customization of information provided in at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device;wherein the external monitoring device can be worn by the patient.
  • 2. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized audio notification.
  • 3. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises an instruction to the patient.
  • 4. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message can be customized by at least one of the patient and a health care provider.
  • 5. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized alarm, and wherein the at least one processor causes the operator interface device to provide the customized alarm upon detecting the cardiac condition of the patient.
  • 6. The external monitoring device of claim 5, wherein the at least one output message comprises an instruction to the patient to provide a response to the customized alarm, and wherein the at least one processor causes the operator interface device to suspend the customized alarm upon receiving indication of the response from the patient.
  • 7. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized alarm indicative of an issue concerning the external monitoring device other than the cardiac condition of the patient.
  • 8. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized alarm, one or more characteristics of the customized alarm being adjustable by an operator.
  • 9. The external monitoring device of claim 8, wherein the customized alarm comprises one or more of a tactile simulation alarm, a visual alarm, an audio alarm, and a voice alarm.
  • 10. The external monitoring device of claim 8, wherein the one or more characteristics comprises one or more of a change in a voice instruction provided as the customized alarm, a frequency of an audio signal emitted by the operator interface device as the customized alarm, and a volume of the customized alarm.
  • 11. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a message addressing the patient by his or her name.
  • 12. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a voice message provided in a language spoken by the patient.
  • 13. The external monitoring device of claim 12, wherein the language of the voice message can be selected during setup of the external monitoring device for the patient.
  • 14. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a message requesting a response from the patient.
  • 15. The external monitoring device of claim 14, wherein responsive to the patient not providing the response, the at least one processor provides verbal instructions to the patient via the operator interface device.
  • 16. The external monitoring device of claim 1, comprising at least one response button in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one output message comprises a notification to the patient to push the at least one response button.
  • 17. The external monitoring device of claim 1, comprising a memory in communication with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor causes the memory to store the at least one output message.
  • 18. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to allow for customization of the at least one output message at least in part by allowing an operator to perform the customization.
  • 19. The external monitoring device of claim 18, wherein the operator comprises one of the patient and a health care provider.
  • 20. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to allow for customization of the at least one output message at least in part by allowing for customization of the at least one output message during a device setup phase.
  • 21. The external monitoring device of claim 1, comprising a communication device to communicate with at least one of a central facility network and a health care provider network.
  • 22. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a survey question to the patient.
  • 23. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the operator interface device comprises an audio input device, wherein the at least one processor causes the audio input device to receive a spoken message.
  • 24. The external monitoring device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communications device configured to communicate at least one of the data indicative of the cardiac condition of the patient and the at least one output message between the external monitoring device and at least one of a health care provider, emergency medical support personnel, and customer support personnel.
  • 25. The external monitoring device of claim 24, wherein the wireless communications device is configured to communicate with the at least one of the health care provider, the emergency medical support personnel, and the customer support personnel via a base station.
  • 26. The external monitoring device of claim 24, wherein the wireless communications device is configured to send the data indicative of the cardiac condition of the patient to the at least one of the health care provider, the emergency medical support personnel, and the customer support personnel.
  • 27. The external monitoring device of claim 24, wherein the wireless communications device is configured to receive the at least one output message from the at least one of the health care provider, the emergency medical support personnel, and the customer support personnel.
  • 28. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a voice activated menu of different languages in which instructions can be provided, and wherein a language in which the instructions are provided can be selected using the voice activated menu.
  • 29. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized message recorded during setup of the external monitoring device for the patient.
  • 30. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises at least one survey question regarding at least one of a health of the patient and a condition of the external monitoring device.
  • 31. The external monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one output message comprises verbal instructions responsive to the patient having difficulty understanding instructions.
  • 32. An external monitoring device comprising: at least one sensor configured to be removably attached to a patient and to sense data indicative of a cardiac condition of the patient;an operator interface device; andat least one processor disposed in the external monitoring device, the at least one processor configured to allow for customization of information provided in at least one output message to be delivered via the operator interface device;wherein the external monitoring device can be worn by the patient; andwherein the external monitoring device can provide treatment relating to the cardiac condition to the patient.
  • 33. The external monitoring device of claim 32, wherein the at least one output message comprises a customized alarm, and wherein the at least one processor causes the operator interface device to provide the customized alarm upon providing the treatment relating to the cardiac condition.
  • 34. An external monitoring device comprising: at least one sensor configured to be removably attached to a patient and to sense cardiac data relating to the patient;an operator interface device for providing one or more customized alarms upon detecting a cardiac condition in the cardiac data; andat least one processor configured to allow for adjusting one or more aspects of the one or more customized alarms;wherein the external monitoring device comprises a wearable monitoring device.
  • 35. The external monitoring device of claim 34, wherein the cardiac condition comprises an arrhythmia.
  • 36. The external monitoring device of claim 34, wherein the operator interface device comprises an audio output device, and wherein the one or more aspects of the one or more customized alarms that can be adjusted includes at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of the one or more customized alarms.
  • 37. The external monitoring device of claim 36, wherein the operator interface device further comprises one or more microphones, and wherein the at least one of the frequency and the amplitude of the one or more customized alarms is adjusted based upon audio input received from the one or more microphones.
  • 38. The external monitoring device of claim 37, wherein the amplitude of the one or more customized alarms is increased responsive to the audio input received from the one or more microphones indicating the external monitoring device is in a high noise environment.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/325,041 titled “Wearable Defibrillator with Audio Input/Output” filed on Jul. 7, 2014, which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/757,105 titled “Wearable Defibrillator with Audio Input/Output” filed on Feb. 1, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,917, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/082,168 titled “Wearable Defibrillator with Audio Input/Output” filed Apr. 9, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,369,944, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/933,310 filed on Jun. 6, 2007, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (268)
Number Name Date Kind
2688752 Sbarra et al. Sep 1954 A
3241556 Zacouto Mar 1966 A
3409007 Fuller Nov 1968 A
3460542 Gemmer Aug 1969 A
3553651 Bird et al. Jan 1971 A
3664560 Perkins May 1972 A
3702613 Panico et al. Nov 1972 A
3706313 Milani et al. Dec 1972 A
3724455 Unger Apr 1973 A
3744482 Kaufman et al. Jul 1973 A
3826245 Funfstuck Jul 1974 A
3862636 Bell et al. Jan 1975 A
3886950 Ukkestad et al. Jun 1975 A
3897785 Barto, Jr. Aug 1975 A
3942533 Cannon, III Mar 1976 A
3961623 Milani et al. Jun 1976 A
4002239 Buchalter Jan 1977 A
4058127 Buchalter Nov 1977 A
4088138 Diack et al. May 1978 A
4094310 McEachern et al. Jun 1978 A
4136690 Anderson et al. Jan 1979 A
4576170 Bradley et al. Mar 1986 A
4580572 Granek et al. Apr 1986 A
4583547 Granek et al. Apr 1986 A
4608987 Mills Sep 1986 A
4619265 Morgan et al. Oct 1986 A
4632122 Johansson et al. Dec 1986 A
4679572 Baker, Jr. Jul 1987 A
4698848 Buckley Oct 1987 A
4729377 Granek et al. Mar 1988 A
4823796 Benson Apr 1989 A
4889131 Salem et al. Dec 1989 A
4926879 Sevrain et al. May 1990 A
4928690 Heilman et al. May 1990 A
4938231 Milijasevic et al. Jul 1990 A
4978926 Zerod et al. Dec 1990 A
4991217 Garrett et al. Feb 1991 A
5000189 Throne et al. Mar 1991 A
5007427 Suzuki et al. Apr 1991 A
5062834 Gross et al. Nov 1991 A
5078134 Heilman et al. Jan 1992 A
5097830 Eikefjord et al. Mar 1992 A
5224479 Sekine Jul 1993 A
5225763 Krohn et al. Jul 1993 A
5306956 Ikeda et al. Apr 1994 A
5333616 Mills et al. Aug 1994 A
5342404 Alt et al. Aug 1994 A
5348008 Bornn et al. Sep 1994 A
5357696 Gray et al. Oct 1994 A
5361412 Perry Nov 1994 A
5365932 Greenhut Nov 1994 A
5371692 Draeger et al. Dec 1994 A
5381798 Burrows Jan 1995 A
5405361 Persson Apr 1995 A
5413262 Dewire et al. May 1995 A
5433737 Aimone Jul 1995 A
5443494 Paolizzi et al. Aug 1995 A
5470341 Kuehn et al. Nov 1995 A
5472453 Alt Dec 1995 A
5544661 Davis et al. Aug 1996 A
5558640 Pfeiler et al. Sep 1996 A
5601612 Gliner et al. Feb 1997 A
5606242 Hull et al. Feb 1997 A
5607454 Cameron et al. Mar 1997 A
5611085 Rasmussen Mar 1997 A
5619117 Koenck Apr 1997 A
5620470 Gliner et al. Apr 1997 A
5625291 Brink et al. Apr 1997 A
5662689 Elsberry et al. Sep 1997 A
5701894 Cherry et al. Dec 1997 A
5708978 Johnsrud Jan 1998 A
5718242 McClure et al. Feb 1998 A
5721482 Benvegar et al. Feb 1998 A
5724025 Tavori Mar 1998 A
5730143 Schwarzberg Mar 1998 A
5738102 Lemelson Apr 1998 A
5741306 Glegyak et al. Apr 1998 A
5758366 Wilson Jun 1998 A
5758443 Pedrazzini Jun 1998 A
5772604 Langberg et al. Jun 1998 A
5792190 Olson et al. Aug 1998 A
5824017 Sullivan et al. Oct 1998 A
5827196 Yeo et al. Oct 1998 A
5830236 Mouchawar et al. Nov 1998 A
5833714 Loeb Nov 1998 A
5887978 Lunghofer et al. Mar 1999 A
5924979 Swedlow et al. Jul 1999 A
5929601 Kaib et al. Jul 1999 A
5944669 Kaib Aug 1999 A
6016445 Baura Jan 2000 A
6045503 Grabner et al. Apr 2000 A
6047203 Sackner et al. Apr 2000 A
6065154 Hulings et al. May 2000 A
6097982 Glegyak et al. Aug 2000 A
6097987 Milani Aug 2000 A
6148233 Owen et al. Nov 2000 A
6169387 Kaib Jan 2001 B1
6169397 Steinbach et al. Jan 2001 B1
6208896 Mulhauser Mar 2001 B1
6253099 Oskin et al. Jun 2001 B1
6280461 Glegyak et al. Aug 2001 B1
6336900 Alleckson et al. Jan 2002 B1
6390996 Halperin et al. May 2002 B1
6406426 Reuss et al. Jun 2002 B1
6418346 Nelson et al. Jul 2002 B1
6442433 Linberg Aug 2002 B1
6681003 Linder et al. Jan 2004 B2
6687523 Jayaramen et al. Feb 2004 B1
6690969 Bystrom et al. Feb 2004 B2
6694191 Starkweather et al. Feb 2004 B2
6736759 Stubbs May 2004 B1
6804554 Ujhelyi et al. Oct 2004 B2
6827695 Palazzolo et al. Dec 2004 B2
6889078 Struble et al. May 2005 B2
6889079 Bocek et al. May 2005 B2
6908437 Bardy Jun 2005 B2
6944498 Owen et al. Sep 2005 B2
6961612 Elghazzawi et al. Nov 2005 B2
6990373 Jayne et al. Jan 2006 B2
7130690 Rueter et al. Oct 2006 B2
7149579 Koh et al. Dec 2006 B1
7220235 Geheb et al. May 2007 B2
7340296 Stahmann et al. Mar 2008 B2
7453354 Reiter et al. Nov 2008 B2
7488293 Marcovecchio et al. Feb 2009 B2
7712373 Nagle et al. May 2010 B2
7831303 Rueter et al. Nov 2010 B2
7974689 Volpe et al. Jul 2011 B2
7991460 Fischell et al. Aug 2011 B2
8121683 Bucher et al. Feb 2012 B2
8140154 Donnelly et al. Mar 2012 B2
8271082 Donnelly et al. Sep 2012 B2
8369944 Macho et al. Feb 2013 B2
8406842 Kaib et al. Mar 2013 B2
20010031991 Russial Oct 2001 A1
20020077689 Kirkland Jun 2002 A1
20030004547 Owen et al. Jan 2003 A1
20030032988 Fincke Feb 2003 A1
20030055460 Owen et al. Mar 2003 A1
20030095648 Kaib et al. May 2003 A1
20030109904 Silver et al. Jun 2003 A1
20030149462 White et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030158593 Heilman et al. Aug 2003 A1
20030174049 Beigel et al. Sep 2003 A1
20030195567 Jayne et al. Oct 2003 A1
20030212311 Nova et al. Nov 2003 A1
20030216786 Russial Nov 2003 A1
20040007970 Ma et al. Jan 2004 A1
20040049233 Edwards Mar 2004 A1
20040143297 Ramsey Jul 2004 A1
20040162510 Jayne et al. Aug 2004 A1
20040249419 Chapman et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050049515 Misczynski et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050131465 Freeman et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050144043 Holland et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050246199 Futch Nov 2005 A1
20050283198 Haubrich et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060036292 Smith et al. Feb 2006 A1
20060085049 Cory et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060095091 Drew May 2006 A1
20060178706 Lisogurski et al. Aug 2006 A1
20060211934 Hassonjee et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060220809 Stigall et al. Oct 2006 A1
20060270952 Freeman et al. Nov 2006 A1
20070073120 Li et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070118056 Wang et al. May 2007 A1
20070129769 Bourget et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070143864 Cabana et al. Jun 2007 A1
20070161913 Farrell et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070162390 Pancholy et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070169364 Townsend et al. Jul 2007 A1
20070197878 Shklarski Aug 2007 A1
20070239214 Cinbis Oct 2007 A1
20070239220 Greenhut et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070265671 Roberts et al. Nov 2007 A1
20080004536 Baxi et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080021532 Kveen et al. Jan 2008 A1
20080030656 Watson et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080033495 Kumar Feb 2008 A1
20080045815 Derchak et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080046015 Freeman et al. Feb 2008 A1
20080058884 Matos Mar 2008 A1
20080097793 Dicks et al. Apr 2008 A1
20080103402 Stickney et al. May 2008 A1
20080167535 Stivoric et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080177341 Bowers Jul 2008 A1
20080183090 Farringdon et al. Jul 2008 A1
20080249591 Gaw et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080287749 Reuter Nov 2008 A1
20080294019 Tran Nov 2008 A1
20080306560 Macho et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080312520 Rowlandson et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080312522 Rowlandson et al. Dec 2008 A1
20080312709 Volpe et al. Dec 2008 A1
20090018428 Dias et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090066366 Solomon Mar 2009 A1
20090073991 Landrum et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076336 Mazar et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076340 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076341 James et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076342 Amurthur et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076343 James et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076344 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076345 Manicka et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076346 James et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076348 Manicka et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076349 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076350 Bly et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076363 Bly et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076364 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076397 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076405 Amurthur et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076410 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090076559 Libbus et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090093687 Telfort et al. Apr 2009 A1
20090118808 Belacazar et al. May 2009 A1
20090138059 Ouwerkerk May 2009 A1
20090146822 Soliman Jun 2009 A1
20090212984 Baker Aug 2009 A1
20090231124 Klabunde et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090232286 Hurwitz Sep 2009 A1
20090234410 Libbus et al. Sep 2009 A1
20090264792 Mazar Oct 2009 A1
20090275848 Brockway et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090281394 Russell et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090287120 Ferren et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090292194 Libbus et al. Nov 2009 A1
20090295326 Daynes et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090307266 Fleizach et al. Dec 2009 A1
20090318779 Tran Dec 2009 A1
20100010559 Zhang et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100052892 Allen et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100052897 Allen et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100056881 Libbus et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100069735 Berkner Mar 2010 A1
20100076513 Warren et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100076533 Dar et al. Mar 2010 A1
20100081962 Hamaguchi et al. Apr 2010 A1
20100114243 Nowak et al. May 2010 A1
20100171611 Gao et al. Jul 2010 A1
20100234716 Engel Sep 2010 A1
20100241181 Savage et al. Sep 2010 A1
20100295674 Hsieh et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100298899 Donnelly et al. Nov 2010 A1
20100312297 Volpe et al. Dec 2010 A1
20110015533 Cox et al. Jan 2011 A1
20110022105 Owen et al. Jan 2011 A9
20110093840 Pynenburg et al. Apr 2011 A1
20110098765 Patel Apr 2011 A1
20110170692 Konrad et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110172550 Martin et al. Jul 2011 A1
20110288604 Kaib et al. Nov 2011 A1
20110288605 Kaib et al. Nov 2011 A1
20120011382 Volpe et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120016361 White et al. Jan 2012 A1
20120053479 Hopenfeld Mar 2012 A1
20120112903 Kaib et al. May 2012 A1
20120146797 Oskin et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120150008 Kaib et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120158075 Kaib et al. Jun 2012 A1
20120197353 Donnelly et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120283794 Kaib et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120289809 Kaib et al. Nov 2012 A1
20120293323 Kaib et al. Nov 2012 A1
20130013014 Donnelly et al. Jan 2013 A1
20130085538 Volpe et al. Apr 2013 A1
20130144355 Macho et al. Jun 2013 A1
20130231711 Kaib Sep 2013 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (24)
Number Date Country
396048 Nov 1990 EP
0295497 Sep 1993 EP
0335356 Mar 1996 EP
0707825 Apr 1996 EP
0761255 Mar 1997 EP
1455640 Jan 2008 EP
1720446 Jul 2010 EP
5115450 May 1993 JP
2002200059 Jul 2002 JP
9722297 Jun 1997 WO
9839061 Sep 1998 WO
9843537 Oct 1998 WO
9959465 Nov 1999 WO
0002484 Jan 2000 WO
0030529 Jun 2000 WO
2004054656 Jul 2004 WO
2004067083 Aug 2004 WO
2004078259 Sep 2004 WO
2005082454 Sep 2005 WO
2006050325 May 2006 WO
2007019325 Feb 2007 WO
2009034506 Mar 2009 WO
2010025432 Mar 2010 WO
2010077997 Jul 2010 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (6)
Entry
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, vol. 166, pp. 111-117 (2002), American Thoracic Society, ATS Statement: Guidelines for the Six-Minute Walk Test, available at http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/166/1/111.
DeBock, et al., “Captopril treatment of chronic heart failure in the very old,” J. Gerontol. (1994) 49: M148-M152.
Herlihy et al. The Art of Multiple Processor Programming. Chapter 1, p. 1. Mar. 3, 2008.
http://web.archive.org/web/20030427001846/http:/www.lifecor.com/imagelib/imageproduct.asp. Published by LifeCor, Inc., 2002, on a webpage owned by LifeCor, Inc.
O'Keeffe et al., “Reproducability and responsiveness of quality of life assessment and six minute walk test in elderly heart failure patients,” Heart (1998) 80: 377-382.
Wikipedia, Multi-core processor, Dec. 11, 2009, http://web.archive.org/web/20091211134408/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multicore—processor#Hardware.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20150148857 A1 May 2015 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60933310 Jun 2007 US
Divisions (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 13757105 Feb 2013 US
Child 14325041 US
Continuations (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 14325041 Jul 2014 US
Child 14607843 US
Parent 12082168 Apr 2008 US
Child 13757105 US