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Abstract

An external defibrillator for applying a multiphasic defibrillation pulse to a patient uses a single semiconductor switching element in combination with a relay switching element. The semiconductor switching element is used to stop the flow of current from the energy storage device to the patient in between the phases of the multiphasic defibrillation pulse. The relay element is used to switch the leads of the energy storage device so as to create the different phases of the multiphasic defibrillation pulse. In various examples, the relay element is shown to be in the form of: a double-pole, double-throw relay; two single-pole, double-throw relays; or four reed relays. The timing between the activation of the semiconductor switching element and the relay switches may be delayed, so as to give the relatively slower relay switches time to respond. In the embodiment utilizing the two single-pole, double-throw relays, in the resting positions the relays may be coupled to the same terminal of the energy storage device, and a pair of diodes may be used so as to prevent short circuiting of a defibrillation pulse from a second defibrillator.

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First Claim