This article describes the special aspects of algorithm development for cardiac function defibrillation and its performance optimization with a next-generation microcontroller. In accordance with the project’s terms and conditions, the developed algorithm should fully comply with the requirements of the IEC 60601-2-4-2013 for subsequent certification.
An automatic external defibrillator is a portable electronic device that detects cardiac abnormalities and, if necessary, produces an electrical discharge while concurrently displaying recommendations for further action. Early defibrillation is a key factor in successful cardiac resuscitation, which is why how precisely a defibrillator can define shockable rhythms (rhythms that are correctable through defibrillation) and how reliably it can work in the absence of such rhythms are critically important. These are key requirements while developing operation algorithms for such devices.
There are two main approaches to working with a digital electrocardiogram (ECG) in cardiac rhythm recognition: QRS-complex detection and the analysis of certain signal characteristics. Combining these approaches makes it possible to define with high precision not only shockable rhythms—namely ventricular fibrillation (VF/VFL) and ventricular tachycardia (VT)—but also rhythms for which defibrillation is contraindicated—normal sinus rhythms (N), asystole (ASYS), idioventricular rhythms (IVR), and atrial fibrillation (AFIB).
This is a tech article written by Alexander Naumov and Anastasia Lebedeva, software engineers at Auriga.
The article was initially published at www.mpo-mag.com.
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