WearableTherapeutic Device

Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 61/426,347 titled "Wearable Therapeutic Device," filed
December 22, 2010, and to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/345,947 titled

"Wearable Therapeutic Device," filed May 18, 2010, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
Backgrgund f ^thejnyention
1. Field of Invention
At least one embodiment of the present invention relates generally to a
wearable therapeutic device, and more specifically, to a wearable therapeutic device
configured to deliver an electric shock to a subject.
. Discuss on of Related A
Cardiac arrest and other cardiac health ailments are a major cause of death
worldwide. Various resuscitation efforts aim to maintain the body's circulatory and
respiratory systems during cardiac arrest in an attempt to save the life of the victim.
The sooner these resuscitation efforts begin, the better the victim's chances of
survival. These efforts are expensive and have a limited success rate, and cardiac
arrest, among other conditions, continues to claim the lives of victims.
Summary of the Invention
Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a wearable
therapeutic device with an external defibrillator. The wearable device includes
therapy electrodes that are configured to administer an electric shock to a subject.
The wearable device also houses receptacles proximate to the therapy electrodes. A
control system bursts the receptacles to release a conductive fluid. The conductive
fluid, when released from its receptacle, covers at least part of a surface of at least one
therapy electrode, reducing the impedance between that therapy electrode and the
subject's skin. Responsive to a cardiac event, the wearable device delivers an electric
shock to the subject via the therapy electrode and conductive fluid.
At least one aspect is directed to a wearable therapeutic device. The wearable
therapeutic device includes a garment that can be configured to contain an external
defibrillator. The garment includes a belt configured to house at least one of an alarm
module and a monitor. The belt is configured to house a first therapy electrode and a
second therapy electrode. The belt is also configured to releasably receive a
receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode, and to electrically couple the receptacle with the garment. The
receptacle houses a conductive fluid.
At least one other aspect is directed to a wearable therapeutic device. The
wearable therapeutic device includes a first therapy electrode and a second therapy
electrode. The first and second therapy electrodes are configured to be electrically
coupled to an external defibrillator. The wearable therapeutic device includes a
garment configured to house the first therapy electrode and the second therapy
electrode. The garment can releasably receive a receptacle configured to store a
conductive fluid in a location proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode
and the second therapy electrode.
At least one other aspect is directed to a method of facilitating care of a
subject. The method includes an act of providing a wearable therapeutic device
configured to contain an external defibrillator. The wearable therapeutic device has a
garment configured to house a first therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode.
The garment is further configured to releasably receive a receptacle proximate to at
least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode to electrically
couple the receptacle with the wearable therapeutic device. The receptacle is
configured to house a conductive fluid. The garment can include a belt.
In some embodiments, an induction coil is configured to electrically couple
the receptacle with the garment. A first winding of the induction coil can be disposed
in the belt, and a second winding of the induction coil can be disposed in the
receptacle. In one embodiment, a connector can electrically couple the receptacle
with the garment. In one embodiment, the wearable therapeutic device includes two
rear therapy electrodes and one front therapy electrode, and the belt includes one
receptacle disposed proximate to each of the two rear therapy electrodes and the front
therapy electrode. Each receptacle contains at least one dose of conductive fluid. A
receptacle control unit can release the doses of conductive fluid from each receptacle
onto its associated therapy electrode. In one embodiment, the receptacles are
disposed in the wearable therapeutic device's belt and electrically coupled with the
receptacle control unit. In one embodiment the receptacle control unit is contained on
exactly one receptacle where it can control the operation of that one receptacle and
other receptacles via electrical communication. The receptacle control unit may be an
integral part of one or more than one receptacle. The receptacle can include a battery,
a plurality of doses of conductive fluid, a pressure sensor, and a receptacle control
unit.
In one embodiment, one receptacle control unit controls the release of
conductive fluid from more than one receptacle onto more than one therapy electrode.
The receptacle control unit can be housed in the belt proximate to the first therapy
electrode. The receptacle control unit may also be housed proximate to other therapy
electrodes, or distal from therapy electrodes. In some embodiments, at least one of
the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode include conductive thread
sewn into the garment. The therapy electrodes may include only conductive thread,
or conductive thread as well as further conductive elements. In some embodiments,
the conductive thread forms a stitched pattern in the garment that includes at least one
of a quadrilateral shape, a polygonal shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, a round
shape, an oblong shape, and a triangular shape. The conductive thread can form a
stitched pattern in the garment that includes at least two substantially parallel stitched
lines. In one embodiment, the belt includes conductive thread configured to
electrically couple the receptacle with at least one of the first therapy electrode and
the second therapy electrode. In some embodiments, at least one therapy electrode
includes conductive thread facing toward the receptacle and away from a subject
wearing the device.
In one embodiment, the garment includes an elastic tension member
configured to hold the receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode. The belt can include an elastic material
configured to hold the receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode. The belt can include a breathable fabric.
At least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode can include
conductive thread sewn into the breathable fabric. In one embodiment, the belt is
removably attached to the garment.
In some embodiments, the first therapy electrode is disposed in a first pocket
of the garment and the second therapy electrode is disposed in a second pocket of the
garment. The first or second pocket can include conductive thread sewn into the
garment. The garment can include a sensing electrode, and the sensing electrode can
include conductive thread sewn into the garment. In one embodiment, the first and
second therapy electrodes are integral parts of the belt. The first and second therapy
electrodes can also be encased within the garment. The first and second therapy
electrodes can include a dry non-adhesive electrode.
In one embodiment, the garment has or can connect with at least one of a
shoulder strap and a holster, and at least one of the alarm module, the monitor, and the
external defibrillator are disposed in the shoulder strap or the holster. The monitor
can be configured to indicate that the receptacle is absent from the belt or improperly
inserted into the belt. The monitor can also indicate a need to replace the receptacle,
that tile receptacle is expired, that the receptacle is approaching an expiration date,
that the receptacle has a fault condition, or that the receptacle has expelled at least
some of the conductive fluid. In one embodiment, at least one magnet is disposed in
the garment. The garment includes a conductive pad proximate to the magnet, and the
conductive pad can electrically couple with a current source. The receptacle may
include a contact element.
In one embodiment, instructions to operate the wearable therapeutic device are
provided. The instructions include at least one instruction directing the subject to
dispose the receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the
second therapy electrode. The instructions may also include instructions to direct the
subject to interface with a user interface to prevent the delivery of an electric shock to
the subject.
Other aspects, embodiments, and advantages of these exemplary aspects and
embodiments are discussed in detail below. Both the foregoing information and the
following detailed description are illustrative examples of various aspects and
embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for
understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. The
accompanying drawings are included to provide illustration and a further
understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the remainder of
the specification, serve to describe and explain the claimed aspects and embodiments.
The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the
drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various
figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component
may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a wearable therapeutic device in
accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram depicting replaceable receptacle for a
wearable therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram depicting the therapy electrodes and external
defibrillator of a wearable therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram depicting the interface of the therapy
electrodes and the subject's skin in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram depicting components of a wearable
therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a receptacle of a wearable
therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a receptacle of a wearable
therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram depicting communication between a
receptacle of the wearable therapeutic device and an external defibrillator of the
wearable therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 9 is a schematic diagram depicting communication between a
receptacle of the wearable therapeutic device and an external defibrillator of the
wearable therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 10 is a schematic diagram depicting communication between a
receptacle of the wearable therapeutic device and an external defibrillator of the
wearable therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 11 is a schematic diagram depicting the wearable therapeutic device
accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting the wearable therapeutic device
accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram depicting electrodes of the wearable
therapeutic device that include conductive stitching in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram depicting electrodes of the wearable
therapeutic device that include conductive stitching in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 15 is a schematic diagram depicting electrodes of the wearable
therapeutic device that include conductive stitching in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 16 is a schematic diagram depicting electrodes of the wearable
therapeutic device that include conductive stitching in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting electrodes of the wearable
therapeutic device that are perforated to enhance airflow in accordance with an
embodiment;
Figure 8 is a schematic diagram depicting components of a wearable
therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 19 is a schematic diagram depicting components of a wearable
therapeutic device in accordance with an embodiment; and
Figure 20 is a flow chart depicting a method of facilitating care of a subject
accordance with an embodiment.
Detailed Description
The systems and methods described herein are not limited in their application
to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also,
the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" "comprising" "having"
"containing" "involving" and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the
items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate
embodiments consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively.
Various aspects and embodiments are directed to a wearable therapeutic
device. The wearable therapeutic device includes medical equipment such as an
external defibrillator and at least one therapy electrode configured to deliver a shock
to a subject. The wearable therapeutic device is configured to removably include at
least one receptacle housing a conductive fluid. Prior to delivering an electric shock,
a receptacle control unit directs the receptacle to release the conductive fluid onto at
least one therapy electrode, lowering impedance between the subject's skin and the
therapy electrode. After the conductive fluid is deployed, the external defibrillator
administers an electric shock to the subject via the therapy electrode and conductive
fluid. The therapy electrode can be housed in a belt of the wearable therapeutic
device, and spent receptacles can be removed from the wearable therapeutic device
and replaced with another receptacle that contains at least one dose of conductive
fluid.
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of wearable therapeutic device 100 in
accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, wearable therapeutic device
00 includes at least one garment 105. Garment 105 may have the shape of a vest or
a shirt. In one embodiment, garment 105 includes material with a low spring rate, so
that four or five different garment 105 sizes accommodate a wide range of subject
body sizes, (e.g., from a 26 to 56 inch chest circumference), and each size can
accommodate a 5 to 6 inch subject chest circumference size differential. In one
embodiment, when positioned on a subject, garment 105 exerts between 0.050 and
1.70 lb of force about the subject's rib cage. In one embodiment, garment 105 can
stretch approximately 16 inches when worn by a subject. Garment 105 may also
include a wicking material (e.g., microfiber, spandex nylon, or spandex polyester) to
enhance subject comfort by wicking moisture such as sweat away from the subject,
which can provide a cooling effect. In one embodiment, portions of garment 105
(e.g., corresponding to the subject's chest, or garment 105 components such as
electrodes or receptacles) include low spring rate material; and other portions of
garment 105 include a looser material to enhance subject comfort. In one
embodiment, garment 105 includes the garment described in commonly owned U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/,481,560 titled "Patent- Worn Energy Delivery Apparatus
and Techniques for Sizing Same," which was filed on May 2, 201 1, and which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In one embodiment garment 105 includes at least one belt 1 0. Belt 110 may
be worn about a subject's waist, at a higher location about the subject's chest, or at
other locations between the subject's waist and shoulders. Components of wearable
therapeutic device 100 can be worn under, over, or partially under and partially over a
subject's clothes.
The wearable therapeutic device 100 can include at least one of the following
elements: garment 105, belt 110, external defibrillator 115, alarm module 120,
monitor 125, receptacle control unit 130, first therapy electrode 135, second therapy
electrode 140, receptacle 145, sensing electrode 150, shoulder strap 155, and holster
160. In one embodiment, at least one of external defibrillator 115, alarm module 120,
monitor 125, receptacle control unit 130, sensing electrode 135, first therapy electrode
135, second therapy electrode 140, receptacle 145, sensing electrode 150, shoulder
strap 155, and holster 160 are included in or attached to belt 110. For example, at
least one of alarm module 120 and monitor 125 can be fitted to open or closed pockets
of belt 110 or otherwise attached to belt 110 via hook and loop fasteners, straps, or
sleeves that form part of belt 110. These elements may also be integrated into belt
110, and these elements may be a permanent part of belt 10, or releasable from belt
110. Wearable therapeutic device 100 may include one, more than one, or all of the
above mentioned elements, as well as additional elements.
In one embodiment, external defibrillator 115 is included in garment 105. For
example, external defibrillator 15 can be attached to shoulder strap 155, or disposed
in holster 160. Holster 160 may attach to or be part of garment 105, shoulder strap
155, or belt 110. In one embodiment, external defibrillator 115 is electrically coupled
to at least one of first therapy electrode 135, second therapy electrode 140, and
sensing electrode 150. Each of electrodes 135, 140, and 150 can include at least one
receptacle 145. In one embodiment, external defibrillator 115 includes the
defibrillator described in commonly owned U.S. Patent 6,280,461, titled "Patent-
Worn Energy Delivery Apparatus," which issued on August 28, 2001, and which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In one embodiment, monitor 125 or control circuitry of external defibrillator
115 monitors a subject's condition. For example, sensing electrode 150 can sense
electrical activity of the subject's heart signals. When an arrhythmic event is
detected, alarm module 120 can sound a warning that the subject wearing wearable
therapeutic device 100 is in danger of, or is experiencing, a heart attack, cardiac
arrest, or other form of cardiac distress. This warning may be audio, visual, haptic
(e.g., vibrating alarm module 120) or combinations thereof. The signals sensed by
sensing electrode 150 can be displayed as electrocardiograph signals on monitor 125.
This and other information can be stored in memory units associated with monitor
125 or external defibrillator 115 for analysis by a doctor, rescuer, or health care
provider.
In one embodiment, alarm module 20 provides an alarm that indicates that
the subject will receive an electric shock from external defibrillator 115 delivered by
at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140 unless the
subject wearing wearable therapeutic device 100 takes some action to prevent external
defibrillator 115 from applying the shock. For example, alarm module 120 or monitor
125 may include a user interface having at least one button or touch screen. In this
example, the subject can depress at least one button. This indicates that the subject is
conscious. In this example, the shock will not be applied while the subject depresses
the button for a sufficient amount of time, or until control logic of external
defibrillator 115 determines that the electrical heart activity of the subject (as detected
by sensing electrode 150) has returned to normal. Continuing with this example, if
the subject looses consciousness, the subject will release the buttons and external
defibrillator 115 will apply a shock via at least two electrodes, such as any of first
therapy electrodes 135 or second therapy electrodes 140. In one embodiment, first
therapy electrode 135 includes at least one front therapy electrode positioned in
garment 105 in front (e.g., anterior or about the chest) of the subject, and second
therapy electrode 140 includes at least one therapy electrode positioned in garment
105 at the rear (e.g. posterior or about the back) of the subject. Other anterior,
posterior, and lateral positioning with respect to the subject when the subject is
wearing garment 105 is possible. For example, first therapy electrode 135 and second
therapy electrode 140 may both be in an anterior position with respect to the subject.
In one embodiment, multiple therapy electrodes are disposed in an anterior position.
Multiple therapy electrodes may also be disposed in any position, e.g., anterior,
posterior, or lateral.
In one embodiment, first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode
140 are permanent components of wearable therapeutic device 100. Electrodes 135
and 140 can be housed anywhere in garment 105. For example, first therapy electrode
135 can be integral to garment 105 and disposed proximate to the subject's chest or
abdomen when the subject is wearing wearable therapeutic device 100. Second
therapy electrode 135 can be integral to garment 105 and disposed proximate to the
subject's back when the subject is wearing wearable therapeutic device 100. In one
embodiment, when a shock is applied, first therapy electrode 135, second therapy
electrode 140, the subject's body, and external defibrillator 115 form at least part of a
current path.
In one embodiment, wearable therapeutic device 100 includes at least one
receptacle 145. Receptacle 45 can be housed in garment 105. For example,
receptacle 145 can be disposed in belt 110, proximate to at least one of first therapy
electrode 135, second therapy electrode 140, and sensing electrode 150. In one
embodiment, electrodes 135, 140, and 150 are dry electrodes.
In one embodiment, receptacles 145 are replaceable. Figure 2 illustrates an
example receptacle 45 disposed in garment 105. In one embodiment receptacle 145
is disposed in belt 110. Receptacle 145 can include at least one dose 205 of a
conductive fluid, such as a gel, contained for example in a pod, pack, or capsule.
Receptacle 145 can also include at least one induction coil 210, battery 215,
receptacle control unit 130, and pressure sensor 220. In one embodiment, pressure
sensor 220 is part of receptacle control unit 130. Receptacle control unit 130 may
also include at least one sensing circuit 225, conductive fluid activator circuit 230,
and conductive fluid firing circuit 235. Induction coil 210 can form an electrical
connection between receptacle 145 and garment 105 including components thereof,
such as first therapy electrode 135, second therapy electrode 140, or sensing electrode
150. In one embodiment, induction coil 210 includes first and second windings, with
the first winding located on receptacle 145 and the second winding being located in
garment 105. For example, the second winding may be a permanent fixture of
garment 105 (e.g., part of belt 110) configured to form an electrical connection with
the first winding of induction coil 210 located on receptacle 145 when receptacle 145
is inserted into or garment 105. In one embodiment, a connector forms an
electromechanical or electrical connection between receptacle 145 and garment 105.
Garment 105 or elements housed therein or attached thereto such as external
defibrillator 115 may include additional batteries or power sources.
In one embodiment, receptacle control unit 130 includes a circuit to control the
release of conductive fluid from at least one receptacle 145. For example, receptacle
control unit 130 controls current from a current source to receptacles 145 to release
conductive fluid from doses 205. Receptacle control unit 130 may include a printed
circuit board. The current source can be integral to or remote from wearable
therapeutic device 100. For example, receptacle control unit 130 can activate the
current source to provide current to receptacle 145 sufficient to deploy conductive
fluid from receptacle 145. In this example, receptacle 145 may include a gas
cartridge, and the current can cause the gas cartridge to ignite. Pressure from this
small explosion bursts dose 205 and releases the conductive fluid. Receptacle 145
may include channels from the gas cartridge to doses 205, along which the pressure
from the ignited gas travels. These channels can include polystyrene foam or other
closed cell foam or semi-porous material to regulate the gas pressure.
In one embodiment, receptacle control unit 130 controls the release of
conductive fluid from at least one dose 205. The released conductive fluid covers at
least part of a surface of at least one of first therapy electrode 135, second therapy
electrode 140, and sensing electrode 150. This conductive fluid is part of an electrical
connection between the subject and at least one of electrodes 135, 140, and 150. For
example, the conductive fluid lowers impedance between the subject's skin and at
least one of electrodes 135, 140, and 150. In one embodiment, the conductive fluid
also covers at least part of garment 105, such as part of belt 110. In one embodiment,
the conductive fluid is released from receptacles 145 prior to application of a shock
from one of electrodes 134 and 140 to the subject. For example, alarm module 120
can indicate a shock is imminent. When the subject does nothing to abort the
impending shock, receptacle control unit 130 controls the release of conductive fluid
onto at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140, and
then instructs external defibrillator 115 to administer a shock to the subject via at least
two electrodes, such as first therapy electrodes 135 or second therapy electrodes 140.
The conductive fluid lowers impedance between the subject and first therapy
electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140, improving the effectiveness of the
shock and protecting the subject from associated burns.
In one embodiment, after the conductive fluid is released from receptacle 145,
receptacle 145 can be replaced with a new receptacle 145. Receptacle control unit
130 can determine if receptacle 145 needs to be replaced. Receptacle control unit 130
can also determine if receptacle 145 is positioned properly in belt 110 or elsewhere on
garment 105. Receptacle control unit 130 can also determine if receptacle 145 is
properly electrically coupled with garment 105. Garment 105 or belt 110 may be
soiled with conductive fluid and can be washed or cleaned after conductive fluid has
been released from receptacle 145. Receptacle control unit 130 can be configured as
part of one or more receptacles 145, and receptacle control unit 130 can be positioned
on a single receptacle 145 and can control the release of conductive fluid from the
single receptacle 145 where receptacle control unit 130 maybe located as well as
additional receptacles 145 that are electrically coupled to at least one of first therapy
electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140. In one embodiment, garment 105
includes two second therapy electrodes 140 and one first therapy electrode 135. In
one embodiment, receptacle control unit 130 is included in or coupled to garment 105,
separate from receptacles 145. In one embodiment, each receptacle 145 has its own
receptacle control unit 130. In one embodiment, receptacles 145 are disposed in
garment 105 proximate to at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second
therapy electrode 140. Receptacles 145 may also be disposed adjacent to at least one
of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140. In one embodiment,
receptacles 145 are disposed sufficiently close to at least one of first therapy electrode
135 and second therapy electrode 140 or sensing electrode 150 so that when the
conductive fluid is released from receptacle 145 at least some of the conductive fluid
contacts at least a portion of a surface of at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and
second therapy electrode 140. The conductive fluid may also contact portions of belt
110 or garment 105. In one embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135
and second therapy electrode 140 and sensing electrode 150 are permanently disposed
within garment 105, for example within belt 110, and receptacles 145 are replaceably
disposed within garment 105 so that they can be replaced after the conductive fluid is
released. In one embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second
therapy electrode 140 include conductive elements with at least one hole for the
conductive fluid to pass through when it is released from receptacles 145.
In one embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second
therapy electrode 140 electrode include conductive thread. In one embodiment, at
least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140 includes
only conductive thread. In one embodiment, at least one of first tlierapy electrode 135
and second therapy electrode 140 includes conductive thread as well as additional
electrode components, such as a conductive element that may be stitched into gannent
105 with the conductive thread.
With reference to Figure 3, in one embodiment, wearable therapeutic device
100 includes at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode
140 to deliver defibrillating energy, e.g. a shock, to a subject experiencing cardiac
arrhythmias or other cardiac event. In one embodiment, there is a single first therapy
electrode 135 configured in garment 105 as a front electrode proximate to the front
(e.g., chest side) of the subject's torso, with two second therapy electrodes 140
configured in garment 105 as rear electrodes proximate to the subject's back. In one
embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode
140 are dry non-adhesive electrodes inserted into garment 105 of wearable therapeutic
device 100.
In one embodiment, when the subject is defibrillated, the conductive fluid of
doses 205 reduces impedance between at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and
second therapy electrode 140 (or conductive thread, metallic surfaces, or
combinations thereof that form a surface of electrodes 135, 140) and the subject's
skin. The impedance reduction when doses 205 are released from receptacle 145
improves the efficiency of energy delivery from external defibrillator 115 to the
subject and reduces the chance of skin damage in the form of, for example, burning,
reddening, or other types of irritation to the skin.
Figure 4 depicts an example of conductive fluid entering the area between at
least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140 and the
subject's skin. Conductive fluid may also be similarly disposed between sensing
electrode 1 0 and the subject's skin. In one embodiment, conductive fluid enters the
area between conductive surface 405 of electrode 135 or 140 and the subject's skin
and forms a conduction path 410 from electrode 135 or 140 to the subject's skin. The
conductive fluid can cover conductive thread or mesh fabric 415 that is part of
garment 105 and portions of which can be disposed between subject's skin and
electrode 135 or 140.
In one embodiment, after the conductive fluid has been deployed to facilitate
treatment, receptacles 145 can be replaced without replacing additional garment 105
components, such as belt 110. For example, belt 110 need not be replaced, and soiled
areas of belt 110 can be cleaned. As a result the subject need not wait for a
replacement belt 10, and need not manually add conductive fluid to electrodes 135,
140 to maintain an appropriate electrical connection as a precaution in case additional
treatment (e.g., shocks) become necessary while waiting for a replacement belt.
In one embodiment, permanently housing at least one of first therapy electrode
135 and second therapy electrode 140 in belt 110 (or elsewhere in wearable
therapeutic device 100) ensures that they are properly inserted and configured to
deliver a shock to the subject because the subject cannot, in this example, tamper with
their location or configuration, or accidentally improperly insert them into belt 110
(e.g., backwards, not properly electrically coupled, or facing the wrong way). In one
embodiment, at least one surface or a pad associated with at least one of first therapy
electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140 faces the subject's skin to make a
sufficient low impedance current path between at least one of first therapy electrode
135 and second therapy electrode 140 and the subject's skin when the conductive
fluid is deployed. For example, first therapy electrode 135 or second therapy
electrode 140 can be housed in a pocket of garment 105, with a surface or side wall of
garment 105 between the subject's skin and electrode 135 or electrode 140 having a
metallic mesh pattern. The metallic mesh can include silver or other conductive
metals to lower impedance between the subject's skin and the conductive surface of
electrode 135 or electrode 140.
In one embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second
therapy electrode 140 are part of or integral to at least one of wearable therapeutic
device 100, garment 105, or belt 110, with doses 205 and a deployment mechanism
configured in replaceable receptacle 145.
Figure 5 illustrates components of wearable therapeutic device 100 according
to one embodiment, with sensing electrode 150 including at least one EKG (or ECG)
electrocardiogram sensor, conductive thread 505 woven into belt 110 of garment 105,
and receptacle 145 disposed proximate to first therapy electrode 135 in belt 110.
In one embodiment, receptacle control unit 130 instructs receptacle 145 to
release at least one dose 205 of conductive fluid. The released conductive fluid
reduces impedance between the subject's skin and at least one of first therapy
electrode 135 and second therapy electrode 140. External defibrillator 115 applies
treatment (e.g., a shock) to the subject via at least one of first therapy electrode 135
and second therapy electrode 140. During treatment, current follows a path between
the subject's skin and at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy
electrode 140, via the conductive fluid. In one embodiment, after treatment, the
subject removes and discards or recycles the spent receptacles 145, washes any soiled
areas of garment 105, such as portions of belt 1 0, and installs replacement
receptacles 145. The subject or wearable therapeutic device 100 may carry spare
receptacles 145. In one embodiment, the subject may wear a backup wearable
therapeutic device 100 during this changeover period.
In one embodiment wearable therapeutic device 100 indicates to the subject
whether or not receptacles 145 have been properly inserted. For example, audio,
visual, or haptic signals, or combinations thereof, can be provided by alarm module
1 0 or monitor 125. By incorporating at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and
second therapy electrode 140 and associated wiring into wearable therapeutic device
100, garment 105 is more comfortable for the subject wearing it. There are fewer
components to assemble and maintain, and to cause subject discomfort during use.
In one embodiment, receptacles 145 are replaceable subunits of garment 105.
The subject can be supplied with spare receptacles 145 so that spent or consumed
receptacles 145 can be quickly replaced in the event of their use during treatment,
providing continuous or essentially continuous protection without having to replace
belt 110, electrodes 135 or 140, or other wearable therapeutic device components.
Receptacle 145 may also include gel delivery mechanism 510, receptacle
control unit 130 to control conductive fluid delivery and to communicate with
external defibrillator 115, and conduction coil 210 (or other interface such as a
connector) to interface with garment 105. In one embodiment, receptacle control unit
130 controls gel delivery mechanism 510 to release a charge. The charge bursts a
capsule that includes at least one dose 205, releasing conductive fluid.
Figure 6 depicts receptacle 145 in accordance with an embodiment. In one
embodiment, receptacle 145 includes doses 205 of conductive fluid, such as an
impedance reducing gel. In one embodiment, receptacle 145 includes a plurality of
doses 205 of conductive fluid contained in packs or pods within receptacle 145. In
one embodiment, at least one of first therapy electrode 135 and second therapy
electrode 140 are formed by conductive thread (e.g., wires or other conductive
material) either disposed in or sewn into garment 105. First therapy electrode 35 and
second therapy electrode 140 can include conductive thread encased within garment
105 (for example within belt 110). In one embodiment, the conductive thread is
positioned within garment 105 between the subject and first therapy electrode 135 or
second therapy electrode 140 to afford the patient an increased level of comfort while
wearing wearable therapeutic device 100. For example, at least a portion of garment
105 can be disposed between conductive thread 505 and the subject so that conductive
thread 505 does not directly contact the subject.
Figure 7 illustrates conductive fluid release from doses 205 in one
embodiment. For example, the conductive fluid delivery mechanism (e.g., at least
one of receptacle control unit 130, sensing circuit 225, activator circuit 230, firing
circuit 235, and pressure sensor 220) cause the conductive fluid to release from their
containment capsules, pods, or packs and flow between at least one of therapy
electrodes 135 and 140 through garment 105 (e.g., a metallic mesh fabric) and onto
the subject's skin, reducing impedance between electrodes 135, 140, and the subject's
skin. In one embodiment, at least one of therapy electrodes 135, 140 are formed by
conductive material such as conductive thread 505 sewn, integrated, or disposed into
garment 105. In one embodiment, at least one of therapy electrodes 135, 140 are
formed entirely or essentially entirely of conductive thread 505. In one embodiment,
at least one of therapy electrodes 135, 140 include conductive thread 505 and
additional conductive elements, such as a metal plate.
In one embodiment, the conductive fluid includes a gel, liquid, or other
material that lowers impedance for energy transfer between electrodes 135, 140, and
the subject. The conductive fluid can remain on the subject's skin for a period of time
such as several hours before it is removed, and the conductive fluid remains
functional as an impedance reducing material during this time period. The conductive
fluid in one embodiment also has sufficient shelf life to remain dormant for a period
of time prior to use. In one embodiment, receptacle 145 indicates an expiration date
of the conductive fluid. Receptacle control unit 130 can determine the expiration date
and upon or prior to expiration indicates via alarm module 120 or monitor 125 that
receptacle 145 should be replaced.
In one embodiment, receptacle 145 includes receptacle control unit 0 to
communicate with external defibrillator 1 5 to release the conductive fluid at the
appropriate time. Information communicated between the receptacle 145 and external
defibrillator (via at least one receptacle control unit 130 located on receptacle 145,
external defibrillator 145, garment 105, or combinations thereof) includes: the
presence or absence of receptacle 145; whether or not the conductive fluid has been
released from receptacle 145; a fault condition that can occur if receptacle 145 has
been commanded to release the conductive fluid but the conductive fluid has failed to
release; the integrity of gas chambers associated with pressure sensor 220 that are
configured to deliver pressure to doses 205 to release the conductive fluid; and the age
of the conductive fluid based, for example, on the date of manufacture of the
conductive fluid or of receptacle 145. Figure 8 illustrates an example of the
connection between receptacle 145 and external defibrillator 115 via interface 805.
In one embodiment, pressure sensor 220 detects if pressure conduction or gas
chambers within conductive fluid activator 230 have been compromised. The
pressure conductor chambers can be purged such that their contents change color
when exposed to air. In one embodiment, there can be a vacuum on the pressure
conduction chambers of activator 2 0, and pressure sensor 220 detects when the
chamber has been compromised based on changes in its pressure. In one
embodiment, external defibrillator 115 detects when, or is informed that the
conductive fluid has been released, when receptacle 145 has a fault condition, is
missing, or improperly inserted, and when the conductive fluid is expired or
approaching expiration. External defibrillator 115 may then indicate this status
condition to the subject via its own monitor or interface, or via alarm module 120 or
monitor 125, so that the subject can take the appropriate action.
With reference to Figures 2 and 8, among others, the connection between
receptacle 145 and external defibrillator 115 via garment 105 can incorporate
induction coil 210, capacitively coupled IR link, other wireless connections, magnets,
or can be a hardwire connection using a connector. The connection allows receptacle
145 to be removed and replaced, for example after the conductive fluid has been
released at the appropriate time during treatment.
Portions of receptacle control unit 130 can be located entirely on receptacle
45, entirely external to receptacle 145, or both on receptacle 145 and external to
receptacle 145 at other locations of wearable therapeutic device 100. For example,
components of any of firing circuit 235, sensing circuit 225, pressure sensor 220,
positioning sensor 810, and activator circuit 230 can be part of receptacle 145,
external to receptacle 145, or connected to receptacle 145 via a connector such as
induction coil 210.
Figure 9 depicts an example where induction coil 210 connects receptacle 145
with garment 105 and external defibrillator 115. In one embodiment, receptacle 145
electrically couples with garment 105 via at least one induction coil 210. In one
embodiment, a first winding of induction coil 210 is disposed on receptacle 145 and a
second winding is disposed in garment 105. When receptacle 145 is inserted into
place in garment 105, the first and second windings are brought into position to form
an electrical coupling between receptacle 145 and external defibrillator 115 via
garment 105 and its wiring. In one embodiment, induction coil 210 permits close
proximity communication and power transfer between receptacle 145 and garment
105 (and garment 105's components) without a hardwired connection via a connector.
Induction coil 2 0 may be at least partially woven, sewn, or embroidered with
conductive elements into garment 105 or components thereof such as therapy pads of
electrodes 135, 140. In one embodiment, power for receptacle 145 is provided by
capacitor 905, with induction coil 210 transferring power to receptacle 145 from
power supply 905 to charge capacitor 905. In one embodiment, converter 910
converts AC power from power supply 905 to DC power that can be provided to any
of sensing circuit 225, pressure sensor 220, activator circuit 230, firing circuit 235, or
positioning sensor 810. Power for receptacle 145 can also be provided by battery
1005 as illustrated in Figure 10.
In one embodiment, receptacles 145 are packaged as individual self contained
units. For example, with one first therapy electrode 135 and two second therapy
electrodes 140, three receptacles 145 (one for each of the three therapy electrodes) can
be identical, as illustrated in Figure 11.
In one embodiment with one front therapy electrode 135 and two rear therapy
electrodes 140, the three therapy electrodes are connected as a group, with one of the
three (or other number) of therapy electrodes containing the electronics (e.g., at least
part of receptacle control unit 130) and interface (e.g., connection such as induction
coil 210 or hardwire connector) to connect with garment 105. In this example, the
remaining two therapy electrodes are slaves to the one therapy electrode containing
the electronics. After treatment, the group of three receptacles disposed proximate to
their corresponding electrodes can be replaced. The master receptacle 145 can be
proximate to one of front therapy electrode 135 or rear therapy electrodes 140, with
the master receptacle 145 and two slave receptacles 145 in wired electrical
communication with each other, as illustrated in Figure 12.
In one embodiment, garment 105 includes conductive thread 505 to form
electrical connections between areas of garment 105 and between wearable
therapeutic device 100 components. First therapy electrode 135, second therapy
electrode 140, and sensing electrode 150 can include conductive thread 505 or
metallic surfaces sewn into garment 105. Conductive thread 505 can also provide
connections between any of electrodes 134, 140, and 150 and battery powered
wearable external defibrillator 115. In one embodiment, sensing electrodes 150 pick
up the subject's ECG (EKG) signals and provide that signal to external defibrillator
115. Therapy electrodes 135, 140 and the conductive fluid form at least part of a
current path to transfer energy from external defibrillator 115 to the subject.
In one embodiment, electrodes 135, 140, and 150 include conductive stitching
505 in various patterns in order to achieve proper EKG sensing and to administer
therapy. Examples of this are illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, where the conductive
stitching 505 constitutes at least one of first therapy electrode 135, second therapy
electrode 140 and sensing electrode 150. In one embodiment, at least one of
electrodes 135, 140, and 150 include only conductive stitching 505. Garment 105
may include an elastic material. An example of this is illustrated in Figure 15, where
connection snap 1505 can electrically couple at least one of electrodes 135, 140, and
150 with other components of wearable therapeutic device 100 such as garment 105,
receptacles 145 or external defibrillator 115. In one embodiment, at least one of
electrodes 135, 140, and 150 include conductive stitching 505 that holds a metal foil
1605 or other conductive component in place in garment 105. In this example, at
least a portion of at least one of electrodes 135, 140, and 1 0 includes conductive
thread 505 and metal foil 1605. An example of this is illustrated in Figure 16.
In one embodiment, conductive thread 505 is sewn into garment 105 (e.g., belt
110) in a zigzag pattern that can stretch as part of garment 105. This stretchable
conductive thread stitching 505 connects therapy electrodes 135 and 140 with
receptacle control unit 130 or other garment 105 components (e.g., external
defibrillator 115, receptacle 145, sensing electrode 150) in the absence of additional
wires. Conductive thread (e.g., conductive wiring) 505 can face toward or away from
the subject's skin. In one embodiment, conductive stitching 505 faces toward
receptacle 145 and away from the subject's skin so as to not irritate the subject.
When the conductive fluid releases, it contacts the conductive thread 505 and spreads
through at least a portion of garment 105 and contacts the subject's skin. In one
embodiment, an elastic tension member of garment 105 is positioned proximate to
receptacle 145 to hold receptacle 145 in position proximate to one of electrodes 135
and 140. When conductive stitching 505 faces toward the subject's skin, electrical
contact between the electrodes 135 or 140 and the subject's skin can occur in the
absence of conductive fluid.
In one embodiment, garment 105 is formed of breathable fabric, or a material
that wicks heat away from the subject's body. This reduces heat buildup between
therapy electrodes 135, 140 and the subject's (e.g., patient's) skin. Using conductive
thread 505 for electrodes 135, 140 further reduces heat buildup in one embodiment
where therapy electrodes 135, 140 are formed from conductive thread 505 in the
absence of metallic foil 1605. In one embodiment, at least one of therapy electrodes
135, 140, sensing electrode 150, and receptacle 145 are made of perforated materials
that allow air flow proximate to the subject's skin. This air flow can dry the skin to
avoid rashes and other skin problems as a result of heat buildup and irritation. An
example of this is illustrated in Figure 17.
Figure 18 and Figure 19 are schematic diagrams depicting an embodiment
where garment 105 includes conductive pads 1805 and magnets 1810 to align garment
105 with receptacle 145 to facilitate electrical coupling between garment 105 and
receptacle 145. Conductive pads 1805 may include conductive thread 505 or other
textile materials woven into garment 105 to provide current from a current source to
receptacles 1 5. The current source can be housed within or remote from wearable
therapeutic device 100. In one example, magnets 1810 are disposed proximate to
conductive pads 1805. Receptacle 145 can also include magnets 1805. Magnets
1805 provide magnetic force (attractive or repulsive) between garment 105 and
receptacle 145 to align conductive pads 1805 with receptacle 145. For example,
attractive magnetic forces between magnet 1805 and conductive contact elements
1815 can indicate alignment between conductive pads 1805 and receptacle 145, or
repulsive magnetic forces can indicate improper alignment, facilitating the insertion
of receptacle 145 into garment 105. Receptacle 145 can include conductive contact
elements 1815 that align with conductive pads 1805 when receptacle is properly
positioned in garment 105. Forces from magnets 1810 align conductive contact
elements 1815 with conductive pads 1805 to provide an electrical connection between
garment 105 and receptacle 145. Current may pass via this electrical connection,
under control of receptacle control unit 130, to release conductive fluid from
receptacles 145. In one embodiment, receptacle 145 is disposed in a pocket of
garment 105, and magnets 1810 are disposed in garment 105 on opposite sides of
receptacle 1 5 when disposed in the pocket. In one embodiment, magnets 1810 are
coated, for example in plastic, to protect from wear, damage (e.g., during washing), or
high moisture conditions. In one embodiment, conductive pad 1805 is at least part of
electrode 135, 140, or 150.
In one embodiment, garment 105 includes snaps to align garment 105 with
receptacle 145 to facilitate electrical coupling between garment 105 and receptacle
145. For example, snaps can fix garment 105 in position with contact elements 1815
aligned with conductive pads 1805.
Figure 20 is a flow chart depicting a method 2000 of facilitating care of a
subject. In one embodiment, method 2000 includes an act of providing a wearable
therapeutic device (ACT 2005). In one embodiment, providing a wearable
therapeutic device (ACT 2005) includes providing a device configured to contain an
external defibrillator and having a garment configured to permanently house a first
therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode. Providing a wearable therapeutic
device (ACT 2005) can also include providing a device having a garment configured
to releasably receive a receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode. The receptacle can house a conductive
fluid, and the garment can electrically couple the receptacle with the wearable
therapeutic device.
In one embodiment, providing the wearable therapeutic device (ACT 2005)
includes providing the wearable therapeutic device, wherein the garment includes a
belt configured to permanently house the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode. The belt can be further configured to releasably receive the
receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode. The receptacle can house the conductive fluid, and the belt can
electrically couple the receptacle with the wearable therapeutic device.
In one embodiment, method 2000 includes an act of providing instructions
(ACT 2010). For example, providing instructions (ACT 2010) can include providing
instructions to operate the wearable therapeutic device. In one embodiment, the
instructions include at least one instruction directing the subject to dispose the
receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode (ACT 2015). In one embodiment, the instructions include at least
one instruction directing the subject to interface with a user interface to prevent the
delivery of an electric shock to the subject (ACT 2020).
The foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of
example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve
specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it is understood that those
acts and those elements may be combined in other ways. Acts, elements and features
discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not excluded from a similar
role in other embodiments.
Note that in Figures 1 through 20, the enumerated items are shown as
individual elements. In actual implementations of the systems and methods described
herein, however, they may be inseparable components of other electronic devices
such as a digital computer. Thus, actions described above may be implemented at
least in part in software that may be embodied in an article of manufacture that
includes a program storage medium. The program storage medium includes data
signals embodied in one or more of a carrier wave, a computer disk (magnetic, or
optical (e.g., CD or DVD, or both)), non-volatile memory, tape, a system memory,
and a computer hard drive. The program storage medium can include at least nontransient
mediums, and the signals can include at least non-transient signals.
From the foregoing, it is appreciated that the wearable therapeutic device
provided herein affords a simple and effective way to automatically apply and
immediately provide lifesaving care to a subject during a cardiac event without any
human intervention.
Any references to embodiments or elements or acts of the systems and
methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace embodiments including a
plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any embodiment or
element or act herein may also embrace embodiments including only a single element.
References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently
disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural
configurations.
Any embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with any other
embodiment, and references to "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an alternate
embodiment," "various embodiments," "one embodiment" or the like are not
necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be
included in at least one embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all
referring to the same embodiment. Any embodiment may be combined with any
other embodiment in any manner consistent with the aspects and embodiments
disclosed herein.
References to "or" should be construed as inclusive so that any terms
described using "or" may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the
described terms. Intervening embodiments, acts, or elements are not essential unless
recited as such.
Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are
followed by references signs, the reference signs have been included for the sole
purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and
claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting
effect on the scope of any claim elements.
One skilled in the art will realize the systems and methods described herein
may be embodied in various forms. The foregoing embodiments are illustrative rather
than limiting of the described systems and methods. Scope of the systems and
methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the
foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.
What is claimed is:
Claims:
1. A wearable therapeutic device, comprising:
a first therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode, each configured to be
electrically coupled to an external defibrillator;
a garment configured to house the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode and to releasably receive a receptacle configured to store a
conductive fluid in a location proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode
and the second therapy electrode.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the garment is configured to be worn on a thorax of
a subject and is configured to include the external defibrillator.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the garment includes a belt configured to include at
least one of an alarm module and a monitor, the belt further being configured to house
the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode, to releasably receive the
receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode, and to electrically couple the receptacle with the garment.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the belt includes conductive thread configured to
electrically couple the receptacle with at least one of the first therapy electrode and
the second therapy electrode.
5. The device of claim 3, further comprising:
an induction coil configured to electrically couple the receptacle with the
garment.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein a first winding of the induction coil is disposed in
the belt, and wherein a second winding of the induction coil is disposed in the
receptacle.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a connector configured to electrically couple the receptacle with the garment.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first therapy electrode is a front therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode is a first rear therapy electrode, the device
further comprising a second rear therapy electrode;
wherein the receptacle includes a first receptacle having a first dose of
conductive fluid disposed proximate to the first rear therapy electrode, a second
receptacle having a second dose of conductive fluid disposed proximate to the second
rear therapy electrode, and a third receptacle having a third dose of conductive fluid
disposed proximate to the front therapy electrode; and
wherein the garment is configured to include the receptacle, the second
receptacle, and the third receptacle.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising:
a receptacle control unit configured to release the first dose from the first
receptacle onto the first rear therapy electrode, to release the second dose from the
second receptacle onto the second rear therapy electrode, and to release the third dose
from the third receptacle onto the front therapy electrode;
wherein each of the first receptacle, the second receptacle, and the third
receptacle is disposed in the garment and electrically coupled with the receptacle
control unit; and
wherein the receptacle control unit is contained on exactly one of the first
receptacle, the second receptacle, and the third receptacle.
10. The device of claim 8, further comprising:
a receptacle control unit configured to release the first dose from the first
receptacle onto the first rear therapy electrode, to release the second dose from the
second receptacle onto the second rear therapy electrode, and to release the third dose
from the third receptacle onto the front therapy electrode;
wherein the receptacle control unit is housed in the garment proximate to the
front therapy electrode.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein:
the first receptacle includes a first receptacle control unit configured to release
the first dose from the receptacle onto the first rear therapy electrode;
the second receptacle includes a second receptacle control unit configured to
release the second dose from the second receptacle onto the second rear therapy
electrode; and
the third receptacle includes a third receptacle control unit configured to
release the third dose from the third receptacle onto the front therapy electrode.
12. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
at least one receptacle control unit configured to release the conductive fluid
onto at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first therapy electrode and the
second therapy electrode is formed from conductive thread sewn into the garment.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first therapy electrode and the
second therapy electrode includes conductive thread sewn into the garment.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the conductive thread forms a stitched pattern in
the garment that includes at least one of a quadrilateral shape, a polygonal shape, a
circular shape, an oval shape, a round shape, an oblong shape, a triangular shape, and
at least two substantially parallel stitched lines.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first therapy electrode and the
second therapy electrode includes a conductive element fixed to the garment by the
conductive thread.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein the conductive thread is disposed in the garment
between a subject wearing the device and at least one of the first therapy electrode
and the second therapy electrode, with at least a portion of the garment disposed
between the conductive thread and the subject.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the garment includes an elastic tension member
configured to hold the receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode.
1 . The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first therapy electrode is
disposed in a first pocket of the garment and the second therapy electrode is disposed
in a second pocket of the garment, at least one of the first pocket and the second
pocket including conductive thread sewn into the garment.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein the garment includes a sensing electrode, and
wherein the sensing electrode includes conductive thread sewn into the garment.
2 . The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a battery, a plurality of
doses of conductive fluid, a pressure sensor, and a receptacle control unit.
22. The device of claim 1, wherein the first therapy electrode and the second therapy
electrode are encased within the garment.
23. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a monitor, wherein the monitor is configured to indicate that the receptacle is
at least one of absent from the garment, and improperly inserted into the garment.
24. The device of claim 23, wherein the monitor is configured to indicate at least one
of a need to replace the receptacle, that the receptacle is expired, that the receptacle is
approaching an expiration date, that the receptacle has a fault condition, and that the
receptacle has expelled at least some of the conductive fluid.
25. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a magnet disposed in the garment, wherein the garment includes a conductive
pad proximate to the magnet, the conductive pad electrically coupled with a current
source, and wherein the receptacle includes a contact element, wherein a magnetic
force of the magnet is configured to mate the conductive pad with the contact
element.
26. The device of claim 1, wherein the garment exerts between 0.050 and 1.70 lb of
force on a subject, when the subject wears the garment.
27. The device of claim 1, wherein the first therapy electrode is a first front therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode is a rear therapy electrode, the device
further comprising:
a second front therapy electrode.
28. A method of facilitating care of a subject, comprising:
providing a wearable therapeutic device configured to include an external
defibrillator, the wearable therapeutic device having a garment configured to house a
first therapy electrode and a second therapy electrode, the garment further configured
to releasably receive a receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy
electrode and the second therapy electrode, the receptacle configured to house a
conductive fluid, wherein the garment is configured to electrically couple the
receptacle with the wearable therapeutic device.
29. The method of claim 28, comprising:
providing instructions to operate the wearable therapeutic device, the
instructions including at least one instruction directing the subject to dispose the
receptacle proximate to at least one of the first therapy electrode and the second
therapy electrode.
30. The method of claim 28, comprising:
providing instructions to operate the wearable therapeutic device, the
instructions including at least one instruction directing the subject to interface with a
user interface to prevent the delivery of an electric shock to the subject.
31. The method of claim 28, comprising:
providing the wearable therapeutic device, wherein the garment includes a belt
configured to house the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode, the
belt further configured to releasably receive the receptacle proximate to at least one of
the first therapy electrode and the second therapy electrode, the receptacle configured
to house the conductive fluid, wherein the belt is configured to electrically couple the
receptacle with the wearable therapeutic device.