GB2490044A

GB2490044A - A chest compression device having force indication

Info

Publication number: GB2490044A
Application number: GB1206667.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Lohr; Christian Hagl
Original assignee: SEBASTIAN MA AMER
Current assignee: SEBASTIAN MA AMER
Priority date: 2011-04-16
Filing date: 2012-04-16
Publication date: 2012-10-17
Also published as: GB201206667D0

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for controlled cardiopulmonary reanimation or heart massage in which during application a mechanical pressure K is exerted on the upper surface of a pressure-transmission means 2, and when a predetermined minimum and/or maximum force is achieved, the device generates a signal that is perceptible by human senses, it may be the sound made by the sudden inversion of a resilient part 13, 10", or by a pressure sensor 10 and associated circuitry.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLED HEART-LUNG

REANIMATION IN THE EVENT OF A CARDIAC ARREST

The present invention deals with an apparatus and a method for controlled heart-lung reanimation in the event of a cardiac arrest, in particular with an apparatus that can be operated simply and quickly and supports the user wIth aids that are easy to understand.

Such apparatuses are known in the prior art from that from WO 91/19473 P1. This document discloses a resuscitation unit which is suitable in particular for the reanimation of a patient with a cardiac arrest and comprises a frame that is equipped with at least one plunger acting cyclically on the thorax of a patient, wherein the whole apparatus is integrated in a corset which is laid around the upper part of the human body with various straps.

A further apparatus for heart massage and respiration has become known from DE 36 17 327 Al. With this apparatus both a cyclic heart massage and resuscitation is carried out by a single person.

Furthermore, a portable heart-massage unit has become known from DE 1491611 that consists of a base plate and a plunger arranged over it, wherein the plunger is actuated cyclically by means of a pneumatic mechanism and thus acts on the thorax of the human body. As generally in the : *. 25 event of a cardiac arrest it is important to carry out **s.

reanimation as quickly as possible, often the units that are available are too elaborate to handle and complicated *:.. to operate so that as a result valuable time for resuscitating the human body can be lost, this having far-reaching consequences.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a unit for heart-lung reanimation that is simple and is easy to operate and is able to cause a controlled pressure to act cyclically on the thorax of the human body.

This object is achieved with the characterising features S of the main claims. Further features that are important for the invention can be inferred from the subclaims and

the detailed description.

The apparatus in accordance with the invention for controlled heart-lung reanimation in living beings, in particular of the human body, in the event of a cardiac arrest is characterised by at least one pressure-transmission means with a pressure-indicator that is arranged at a predetermined point at least directly and/or indirectly with respect to the rib cage that is to be treated and generates a signal (5) that can be perceived by sense organs when a limit pressure (Kmax) occurs. The method that operates with this apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterised by the following method steps: P1 positioning of the apparatus on the rib cage of the human body; P2 exertion of mechanical pressure (K) on the surface of the apparatus until a limit pressure (Kmax) is °. : reached; and * *.... 25 P3 generation of a signal (S3, 53') that can be * * perceived by human sense organs; * ** * * S * P4 complete withdrawal of the mechanical pressure (K) after perception of the signal (5) ; * PS renewed exertion of mechanical pressure (K) on the S. S*** * *. 30 surface of the apparatus, with steps P2 to P4 * being repeated.

In this connection, it is advantageous for the apparatus that at least one pressure-transmission means is a relatively rigid element that communicates directly or indirectly with at least one further Pressure-transmission means.

A further advantage can be seen in the fact that at least one pressure_transmission means communicates directly with the body to be treated, wherein the contact face of the Pressure-transmission means is adapted to the anatomical conditions.

It is also advantageous that the pressure-indicator and/or limit-pressure_indicator is formed so as to be both electronic and mechanical and/or optical.

It is further advantageous that the unit generating the signal (S) is equipped at least with one element that picks up pressure.

A further advantage lies in the fact that at least one pressure-transmission means is formed so as to expand back.

It is further advantageous that arranged at a predetermined point, preferably on the underside or in the edge region on the upper side, there is a marking element that determines the correct Positioning of the apparatus on the rib cage.

It is advantageous, furthermore, that the apparatus can have an integrated electronics unit with at least one sensor that picks up. the mechanical pressure and generates a signal by way of the electronics unit.

A further advantage can be seen in the fact that the electronics unit is supplied by an internal or external battery.

The invention will now be explained in greater detail in the following with the aid of drawings, in which: 4jjej shows a diagramma side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus (1) in accordance with the invention with at least one Pressure_transmission means (2); Y!_? shows a diagrarnjai plan view of the apparatus (1) from Figure i; Figure 3 shows a diagram0 side view of a further exemplary embodiment of the apparatus (1'); Figure 4 shows a exploded representation of a further exemplary embodiment (1'') of the present invention with a conical ring element (20) and an element (lOFt) picking up pressure; Figures shows a diagraa block representation of lb the individual method steps ci -PS) during the reanimation process.

Figure 1 shows a diagrama side view of a pcssible exemplary embodiment of the apparatus i with its important components. This apparatus i consists of a first Pressure_transmission means 2, which is formed in a curved manner and is connected at the ends to a flat, relatively rigid element 3. The rigid element 3, which can also be formed in a curved manner, has on its underside a further pressure_transmission means 4 which is produced from a : 25 flexible material, for example a special foamed material, such as resistant cellular rubber. Arranged on the * *, underside of this flexible element 4 in accordance with the anatomical conditions of the rib cage there is a shaped portion 5 which thus guarantees correct and more reliable Positioning of the apparatus i on the thorax of *t...

* the rib cage. The flexible element 4 and the shaped portion can also be formed as a single shaped portion from a suitable foamed material which does not slip on the skin of the human body.

The curved pressure-transmission means 2 is formed in such a way that when a mechanical pressure (K) is exerted the surface of the pressure-transmission means 2 first experiences a mechanical tension and when the limit pressure (Kmax) occurs a partial region of the surface bends in suddenly and thereby generates a clearly perceptible clicking sound that signals to the user that the maximum pressure (Kmax) is reached. In this case the transmission means 2 that is formed in an arched manner is used inter alia as a resonant body which significantly increases the acoustic signal (S3). A portion 23 of the surface then bends inwards or similarly as far as the broken line 12 and thus generates a clearly audible clicking signal (S3). In a refined exemplary embodiment of the present invention, arranged at the end of the pressure-transmission means 2 there are sensors 20, 20' picking up pressure, for example strain gauges, that supply a signal to the electronics unit 7 and as a result a clearly perceptible acoustic or optical signal (S3fl is generated. The electronics unit 7 that is integrated, for example, in the pressure-transmission means 3 is fed by a battery B which is likewise internal or external. The electrical contact 9 is connected inter ajia to the sensors 10, 10' and can also be formed as a TJSB socket in order to transmit further cardiologically important signals therewith.

**. *..

* * Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic plan view of the apparatus 1 * ** shown in Figure 1. In the present exemplary embodiment a. the rigid element 3 and the force-transmission means 2 are constructed in a round or oval manner, although this * merely represents a symbolic indication so any other a.....

:.° appropriate shaping of the individual components also * comes into consideration. It is crucial that the form is adapted to the ergonomic forms of the hand and the rib cage so that all the pressure-transmission elements bring about optimum pressure-exertion and uniform pressure- transmission in the first instance to the pressure-transmission element 3, on the one hand, and to the rib cage, on the other hand. The flat rigid force-transmission element 3 in the present exemplary embodiment is slightly larger than the diameter of the force-transmission element 2, thereby forming a small edge.

Arranged on this edge or at another suitable point of the apparatus 1 there are two marking elements 11, 11' that are used as positioning aids for correctly setting the apparatus 1 down on the thorax of the human body. A further positioning aid can be a flexible element, for example a band or a cord that is laid around the neck of the patient in order to locate the correct position of the heart thereby. The concentric circle 12 represents the boundary line for the element 13 generating the clicking sound that can either be a notch in the material of the pressure-transmission means 2 or be similar to a perforation so that when there is given pressure-loading (Knax) the material portion 13 or the pressure-indicating device drops down suddenly and thereby generates a signal sound (S3) . Any other embodiment of a mechanical pressure-and measurement-indicator likewise lies within the meaning of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus 1'. Fixedly arranged on the relatively rigid flat pressure-transmission element 3 there are at least : * three struts 14 arranged on whose upper ends there is a further flat plate-like element 15 over which an arched pressure-transmission means 2' extends whose ends 16 are arranged so as to be slightly displaceable on the flat * element 15. When a force K is exerted on the surface of the pressure-transmission means 2', the latter sinks down so far until it has reached the surface of the flat element 15 and thus contacts a sensor 17 that generates a signal that is supplied to the electronics unit 7 which in turn generates a signal of an optical and/or acoustic nature. The other reference numerals correspond to those in Figure 1 and in Figure 2 respectively.

Figure 4 diagrammatically shows a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an exploded representation of the important constructive elements. In this case, the arched pressure-transmission means 2'' has on the underside 18 an annular web 19 that acts on a conical ring element 20 with a central bore 21 when pressure is generated (K) . I\rranged between a further flat ring disc 22 there is an element 10' picking up pressure which in the present exemplary embodiment is formed as a raised plate spring made from spring steel that turns over when there is predetermined loading (K,T,ax) and strikes against the conical ring element 20. The strike is thus transmitted by way of the annular web 19 to the first pressure-transmission element 2' that serves as a resonant body and generates a clearly audible sound.

The guide rod 23, which points downwards in this representation and on which ribs, not shown here, are arranged in the form of rays, is used inter alia for centric and homogeneous force-transmission to the shaped portion 4 or 5 respectively that has in the centre a recess 24 into which the guide rod 23 dips when force is exerted on the first pressure-transmission means 2' . The . : 25 plate spring 10' or the element picking up pressure can assume any outer form. The outer form can be round, oval polygonal or star-shaped. it is, however, important that * * in the case of predetermined loading (Kmax) it generates a * signal, of whatever kind, as described above.

* 30 Figure 5 shows a block representation of the important * method steps (P1 -PS) when the apparatus 1 in accordance with the invention is applied. The first step P1 consists in setting and positioning the apparatus effectively on the rib cage at a predetermined point. The second step P2 consists in exerting by hand a mechanical pressure on the surface of the pressure-transmission means 2, 2', 2'' of

B

the apparatus i, i', i'' until a limit pressure (Kmax) is reached, wherein the limit pressure lies between 30 and 40 kilopond, although is Preferably applied at 35 kilopond.

After the limit pressure (Kmax) is reached, a signal (33, 33') that is perceptible by a human sense organ is generated by the apparatus either mechanically and/or electrically that says to the user that the limit pressure (Rmax) is reached. As soon as this limit pressure has been reached, the mechanical pressure is to be immediately completely withdrawn (P4) and after a predetermined time in a further method step (P5) the pressure process is then to be repeated cyclically.

There is put forward with the present invention a method and an apparatus 1 for controlled cardiopulmonary reanimation that is in a position to be able to carry out rapid and uncomplicated reanimation of a human body in the event of a cardiac arrest. The geometric dimensions of the apparatus in accordance with the invention lie substantially between 10 and 20 centimetres in diameter and approximately 6 to 12 centimetres in height. During application a mechanical pressure K, or a force, is exerted on the pressure-transmission means, which pressure, when a maximum exertion of force Kax is achieved, generates a signal, for example an acoustic signal, that is perceptible with human organs. This can result from the sudden bending in or from the deformation of a portion of the pressure_transmission means. * 0

S S.. *

S

S 0 * *S S

S

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for controlled heart-lung resuscitation in mammals, in particular in the human body, in the event of a cardiac arrest, having pressure-transmission means (2, 3, 4, 5) for transferring pressure to the thorax, and a sensor means associated with or incorporated into the pressure-transmission means, that generates a perceptible signal (S3) when a predetermined minimum pressure or force (Krnax) is applied.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means includes a deformable part (2; 10'') which generates a sound, or activates a sensor (17), when deformed in response to the applied pressure or force.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sensor means deforms suddenly but reversibly on reaching the said minimum pressure or force.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, further including an electrical sensor (10; 17) for generating a signal.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is or includes an acoustic signal.
6. An apparatus (1) for controlled heart-lung reanimation in living beings, in particular in the human body, in the event of a cardiac arrest, having at least one pressure-transmission means (2, 3, 4) and at least one element that picks up pressure having a pressure-indicator that generates a signal (S3), which is perceptible by human sense organs, when a limit pressure or force (K) occurs.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which at least one pressure-transmission means (3) is a relatively rigid element (3) that is connected in series to at least one other pressure-transmission means (2, 4, 5)
8. An apparatus according to any preoeding olaim, in whioh the, or one of the, pressure-transmission means (4) is adapted to lie directly or indirectly on the body to be treated and is shaped to oonform to the anatomy of the body.
9. An apparatus aooording to any preoeding claims, in whioh the pressure-indioator and/or limit-pressure-indioator (10'', 13) is formed so as to be electrical, meohanioal or optioal, or a oombination of these.
10. An apparatus aooording to claim 1, in which at least one pressure-transmission means (2, 3, 4) is associated with the element (10, 10', 10'') picking up pressure in such a way that, when the limit pressure (Kmax) is reached, a signal (S3, S3') is generated.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the, or one of the, pressure-transmission means (2, 10'') is formed so as to expand back when pressure is released, thereby generating a second signal (S4, S4').
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which, arranged at a predetermined point of the apparatus (1), preferably on the underside or in the edge region on the upper side, there is a marking element (11) that determines the correct positioning of the apparatus (1) on the rib cage.
13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further including an integrated electronics unit (7) and at least one sensor (10, 10') that picks up the mechanical pressure (K) and generates a signal (S) by way of the electronics unit (7)
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the electronics unit (7) is powered by an internal or external battery (8)
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which arranged at a suitable point there is at least one electrical contact (9) that communicates with at least one element (10, 10', 10'') picking up pressure.
16. A method for controlled heart-lung resuscitation in living beings, in particular the human body, characterised by the following method steps: P1 positioning of the apparatus on the rib cage above the heart; P2 exertion of mechanical pressure (K) onto the surface of the apparatus (1) according to claim 1 until an adjustable limit pressure (Krnax) is reached; P3 generation of a signal (S3, S3') that can be perceived by human sense organs; P4 complete withdrawal of the mechanical pressure (K) from the surface of the apparatus (1) after perception of a signal (S4, S4'); PS renewed exertion of mechanical pressure (K) on the surface of the apparatus (1), with steps P1 to P4 being repeated cyclically.
17. A method according to claim 16, in which the apparatus (1) is arranged at a predetermined point with respect to the rib cage that is to be treated at least directly and/or indirectly.
18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, in which the apparatus has a switch such that, when the adjustable limit pressure (Knax) is reached, at least one electrical contact is actuated.
19. A method or apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the attached drawings.