Wearable cardioverter defibrillation (WCD) system with proximate programming device which stores ECG data that the WCD system normally discards
Inventors
Finch, David Peter • Engman, Zoie • Sjoquist, Steven E. • Stewart, Angela M. • Breske, Pamela • Niegowski, Jonathan Paul • Gustavson, Laura Marie
Assignees
West Affum Holdings DAC • Stryker Corp • Kestra Medical Technologies Inc
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Publication Number
US-11607554-B2
Publication Date
2023-03-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
In embodiments, a wearable medical system (WMS) for an ambulatory patient, which can be a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system, analyzes the patient's ECG signal to generate a detection outcome. The WMS also has an ambulatory user interface that outputs a human-visible indication. A programming device, such as a PC, a tablet, etc., establishes a communication link with the WMS during an in-person session with the patient. The programming device may include a programming screen that reproduces the human-visible indication in real time. An advantage can be that the person programming the WMS need not strain to look also at the ambulatory user interface at the time they are looking at the programming device. Another advantage can be that the patient will recognize that he or she is better protected, and have their confidence in the WMS increased, and therefore better comply with wearing the WMS as required.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system configured to be worn by an ambulatory patient and a programming device for a person other than the patient to program the WCD system. Electrodes coupled to a support structure sense an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, and a defibrillator including an ambulatory processor analyzes the sensed ECG signal to generate a detection outcome. The defibrillator discharges an electrical charge through the patient via the electrodes to deliver a shock to the patient responsive to the detection outcome having a particular value while the support structure is worn by the patient.
The invention manages ambulatory ECG storage by storing first ECG data about a first portion of the ECG signal and then, after a buffer period, erasing the first ECG data from the ambulatory memory by overwriting the first ECG data with second ECG data about a second portion sensed subsequently. In parallel, an ambulatory communication module transmits the first ECG data over a local communication link shorter than 99 feet in length to enable reception by the programming device. The programming device is distinct from the defibrillator and is operable while not coupled to the support structure.
The programming device receives the transmitted first ECG data via a programming communication module and stores the received first ECG data in a programming memory for a time at least twice as long as the buffer period. The invention further reconstructs an ambulatory human-visible indication by displaying an image of the first portion of an ECG signal constructed from the received first ECG data, together with detection outcomes and event marker icons including event determinative data. The ambulatory processor and programming device support real-time parameter programming by transmitting commands and updated detection outcomes, while managing ECG retention beyond the buffer period when the detection outcome has a certain value.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claim sets: clm-00001, clm-00009, and clm-00018. Across these, there are at least five core inventive features.
Wearable cardioverter defibrillator shock delivery responsive to detection outcome
A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) system with electrodes sensing an ECG signal and a defibrillator having an ambulatory processor that analyzes the sensed ECG signal to generate a detection outcome, and discharges an electrical charge through the patient via the electrodes to deliver a shock responsive to the detection outcome having a particular value while the support structure is worn by the patient.
Ambulatory ECG buffering with overwrite erasure after buffer period
An ambulatory memory where the ambulatory processor stores first ECG data about a first portion of the ECG signal, and then after a buffer period erases the first ECG data from the ambulatory memory by storing second ECG data over the first ECG data, where the second ECG data is about a second portion sensed subsequently to the first portion.
Transmit first ECG data over a local communication link shorter than 99 feet
An ambulatory communication module configured to transmit the first ECG data over a local communication link shorter than 99 feet in length to a programming device distinct from the defibrillator and operable while not coupled to the support structure.
Programming device stores received first ECG data at least twice the buffer period
A programming device with a programming communication module receiving the transmitted first ECG data over the local communication link, and a programming processor configured to cause a programming memory to store the received first ECG data for a time at least twice as long as the buffer period.
Outcome-dependent retention of second ECG data longer than buffer period
The ambulatory processor further configured to store in the ambulatory memory the second ECG data for a time longer than the buffer period, responsive to the detection outcome having a certain value.
Collectively, the independent claims cover a wearable cardioverter defibrillator system that temporarily buffers ECG data and then erases it by overwriting, while transmitting first ECG data over a local link shorter than 99 feet to a separate programming device that retains the received ECG data for at least twice the buffer period, with further retention of second ECG data longer than the buffer period when the detection outcome has a certain value.
Stated Advantages
Improves usability by reproducing an ambulatory human-visible indication on a programming screen in real time.
Improves patient confidence via the reproduced human-visible indication.
Documented Applications
Supporting in-person programming sessions for a person other than the patient to program the WCD system via short-range communication, with real-time display of reconstructed ECG images and detection outcomes on a programming screen.
Enabling reconstruction and display of ECG information (including event marker icons with determinative data) associated with detection outcomes after ambulatory erasure from the WCD's ambulatory memory.
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