Semi-autonomous vehicle apparatus which is controlled by a plurality of control sources includes a vehicle which may function autonomously and apparatus for control of the vehicle by either an onboard driver or a driver not situated onboard. The vehicle may also be controlled by an off-vehicle computational device. Hierarchy setting apparatus determines which one or combination of the possible control entities take priority. Persons using the apparatus are identified by either a password or, preferably by providing identification based on a biologic feature. Management of impaired vehicle operators is provided for.

A system for assisting a rescuer with treatment of a patient is described. An example system includes a mobile computing device that includes a user interface and a processor coupled to memory. The processor is configured to cause the user interface to prompt the rescuer to select a proficiency level from among multiple proficiency levels including a basic proficiency level and at least one non-basic proficiency level. The basic proficiency level includes basic resuscitation instructions for the rescuer. The system is further configured to receive an input from the rescuer of the selected proficiency level. The system provides, if the rescuer selects the basic proficiency level, the basic resuscitation instructions to the rescuer, and provides, if the rescuer selects the at least one non-basic proficiency level, non-basic instructions to the rescuer. The system transmits signals to control a defibrillator according to the selected proficiency level.

Several defibrillators, defibrillator architectures, defibrillator components and methods of operating defibrillators are described. In one aspect, a modular defibrillator architecture is described. A base unit provides a fully functional defibrillator. The functionality of the base unit can be supplemented by attaching an interface unit to the base unit or by connecting a smartphone the base unit. Such devices provide connectivity as well as a screen for displaying supplementary graphics and/or videos which are useful to support both emergency and maintenance & monitoring activities. In some embodiments a battery pack may also or alternatively be coupled to the base unit to prolong the unit's shelf life before recharging or replacement of its batteries is required. If necessary the base unit can be powered from a connected external device such as a mobile communication device.

An example method includes establishing a communications link between an electrophysiology (EP) monitoring system and an implantable medical device (IMD). IMD electrical data is received at the monitoring system via the communications link. The IMD electrical data may be synchronized with EP measurement data to provide synchronized electrical data based on timing of a synchronization signal sensed by an IMD electrode and/or EP electrodes. The method also includes computing reconstructed electrical signals for locations on a surface of interest within the patient's body based on the synchronized electrical data and geometry data. The geometry data represents locations of the EP electrodes, a location of the IMD electrode within the patient's body and the surface of interest.

A chip package structure includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface being opposite surfaces of the substrate; a housing disposed on the first surface of the substrate and enclosing a chip region; and a chip set disposed in the chip region and electrically connected to the substrate. The chip set includes a first chip and a second chip, and an active surface of the second chip faces the active surface of the first chip.

The invention disclosed here relates in general to the field of medical devices. In particular, to devices and methods for improving the clinical outcome of patients suffering from cardiac dysrhythmias without cardiac arrest. This method and/or device integrates mechanical, pneumatic, acoustic and/or electrophysiologic capabilities with electrical countershock or pacing capabilities such that the probability of successful cardioversion or pacing is increased. The sequence, forces, and electrical properties of the subsystems can be computer controlled and adjusted in response to biomarker inputs.

A respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a method for operating a respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The respiration device (1) has a control and regulation unit (7) in order to actuate an expiratory metering unit (3), and an inspiratory metering unit (2) such that, in a first phase, a current value of pressure is increased relative to a first pre-defined value (16) and such that, in a second phase, the current value of the pressure is reduced relative to the first pre-defined value (16).

A respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a method for operating a respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The respiration device (1) has a control and regulation unit (7) in order to actuate an expiratory metering unit (3), and an inspiratory metering unit (2) such that, in a first phase, a current value of pressure is increased relative to a first pre-defined value (16) and such that, in a second phase, the current value of the pressure is reduced relative to the first pre-defined value (16).

A system for facilitating resuscitation includes: a first electrode assembly having a therapy side and a first motion sensor; a second electrode assembly having a therapy side and a second motion sensor; processing circuitry operatively connected to and programmed to receive and process signals from the first and second motion sensors to estimate at least one of a chest compression depth and rate during administration of chest compressions and to compare the chest compression depth or rate to a desired range; and an output device for providing instructions to a user to administer chest compressions based on the comparison of the estimated chest compression depth or rate to the desired range. One or both of the electrode assemblies may be constructed so that the conductive therapeutic portion is able to maintain substantial conformance to the anatomy of the patient when coupled thereto. For example, at least a portion of the flexible electrode pad may be able to flex from a more rigid sensor housing, or the sensor housing itself may be relatively small compared to the flexible electrode pad so as not to cause lift off of the therapeutic side from the patient.

A patient support apparatus having a support structure with a primary support surface for a patient, and an extension manually movable by a user relative to the support structure from a stowed position to an extended position so that the extension provides auxiliary support for the patient in the extended position. A locking device is operable to releasably hold the extension relative to the support structure in the stowed position and the extended position. A release mechanism is operable to manipulate the locking device to release the extension for movement relative to the support structure, and is movable with the extension from the stowed position to the extended position.