Project Scope
Our goal is to design a prototype accessory for an existing defibrillator unit that can be used by a physician to defibrillate the heart during cardiac surgery through a mini-thoracotomy and partial sternotomy. The deliverables for this design will be in the form of CAD drawings, circuit diagrams, materials analysis, manufacturing analysis, cost analysis, and a procedure of use.
The necessary shock should cause minimal skeletal muscle activation to the patient (which could cause the patient to “jump”) as well as minimal damage to the myocardium. When used correctly, the device should be able to defibrillate the heart within an appropriate amount of time and cause no harm to the patient during insertion and removal. The device should be compatible with the Lifepak 20e defibrillator/monitor (Physio Control) for power and pulse generation. The device should be either disposable or able to be sterilized by conventional methods. Finally, the device should be safe for the administering physician and the rest of the operating room staff.
The necessary shock should cause minimal skeletal muscle activation to the patient (which could cause the patient to “jump”) as well as minimal damage to the myocardium. When used correctly, the device should be able to defibrillate the heart within an appropriate amount of time and cause no harm to the patient during insertion and removal. The device should be compatible with the Lifepak 20e defibrillator/monitor (Physio Control) for power and pulse generation. The device should be either disposable or able to be sterilized by conventional methods. Finally, the device should be safe for the administering physician and the rest of the operating room staff.