473results about How to "Continuous monitoring" patented technology

Apparatus is provided for diagnosing or treating an organ or vessel, wherein a device having at least two optical fiber sensors disposed in a distal extremity thereof is coupled to processing logic programmed to compute a multi-dimensional force vector responsive to detected changes in the optical characteristics of the optical fiber sensors arising from deflection of the distal extremity resulting from contact with the tissue of the wall of the organ or vessel. The force vector may be used to facilitate manipulation of the catheter either directly or automatically using a robotic system.

A method and system for managing mechanical ventilation of patients with respiratory disorders is described. The main objective of the system is to generate executable instructions for patient care which take into account a large number of parameters of patient condition and ventilation. Data regarding the state of the patient are stored in a database. Patient data are processed according to a set of protocols which contain rules for patient care decisions arranged in a logical sequence to generate detailed, executable instructions for patient care. Instructions are updated when new data are entered into the database. The data can be acquired in an automated fashion, or the clinician can be instructed to collect and enter new data into the clinical database. Likewise, patient care instructions can be carried out automatically or manually, but it is preferred that instructions are carried out manually as a safety check. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a computer system, software for processing patient data, and a display device for presenting patient care instructions to the clinician. The system maintains a record of patient data, patient care instructions, whether instructions were followed by the clinical staff, and if not, a reason why.

A monitoring device, method and system for monitoring vital signs of a patient over a wireless network are disclosed herein. The monitoring device includes an adhesive patch sensor, typically mounted on a patient's head, and a processing component. The adhesive patch sensor typically includes an optical system that generates an optical waveform, and an electrode that generates an electrical waveform. The processing component processes the optical and electrical waveforms, along with a calibration table, to determine the patient's vital signs.

A device and method for measuring the concentration of analytes in the blood of a portion of tissue. The device includes a sensor module, a monitor, and a processor (separate from or integral with the sensor module). The sensor module includes a radiation source for emitting radiation to the tissue; a collimator and narrow band filter for processing the radiation after it has transmitted through or been reflected by the tissue; and one or more sensors for sensing the transmitted or reflected radiation. The one or more sensors send a signal to the processor which algorithmically converts the radiation using linear regression or orthogonal functions to determine the concentration of one or more blood analytes. The device self-calibrates to eliminate error caused by variables such as skin character. The sensor module is integrated to reduce size and weight such that it is inobtrusive, and the monitor is compact for transport

A system for long-term non-invasive heart monitoring includes (1) a disposable unit that has built-in electrodes, a built-in wire antenna, a watertight chamber that can be opened and closed, and an adhesive surface for cutaneous mounting; (2) an electronic controller that can acquire, process and store physiological signals, and can be fitted into the disposable unit to establish electrical contact with the built-in electrodes; and (3) a portable communication unit that can wirelessly communicate bi-directionally with the electronic controller, and further communicate bi-directionally with a remote service center.

An apparatus for enabling a user to control a machine, perform a procedure, interface with a predetermined object and monitor conditions. The apparatus includes a device which is fastened to at least one of the ear and the portion of skin adjacent the ear of the user. The device includes a sensing mechanism engageable with at least one of a human ear and a portion of skin adjacent the ear for at least one of identifying characteristics of a user and detecting removal of the sensing mechanism from the user. A control assembly is provided with a first portion mounted within the device and with the second portion mounted in a remote location. A transmitting mechanism is connected to the sensing mechanism for sending at least one signal to the predetermined object at least one of periodically, sporadically and continuously containing data gathered by the sensing mechanism.

The invention provides a system for measuring vital signs from a patient that includes: 1) a first adhesive patch featuring a first electrode that measures a first electrical signal from the patient; 2) a second adhesive patch featuring a second electrode that measures a second electrical signal from the patient; 3) a third adhesive patch, in electrical communication with the first and second adhesive patches, featuring an optical system that measures an optical waveform from the patient; and 4) a controller that receives and processes the first and second electrical signals and the optical waveform to determine the patient's vital signs.

A user's personal biometric information such as age, sex, weight, height as well as the user's lifestyle information, such as daily caloric input, job description, smoker status and physical fitness, is uploaded onto a host computer. Target heart rate, energy and / or caloric consumption levels related to desired fitness and weight loss goals for a particular individual are then selected having regard to fitness levels for an individual of comparable age, and consuming similar calories are then downloaded to a caloric monitoring unit. The caloric monitoring unit is provided for measuring the user's heart rate and dynamic energy and / or caloric expenditure over one to four weeks. The caloric monitoring unit includes a heart rate monitor, a unit accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS), and an audio and / or video output. The audio / video output is operable to provide information and / or motivational prompts to the user in the event the heart rate, energy expenditure and / or caloric expenditure falls below or exceeds pre-selected target expenditures over a particular time segment of the selected time period having regard to the calories which are consumed. A display provides a continuously updated visual indication of whether or not the use has achieved the pre-selected optimum caloric burn or energy expenditure for that particular time segment. An internal calendar / clock, a processor and / or memory in the caloric monitoring unit compares measured heart rate and energy expenditures for multiple time segments against target levels stored as the user-specific fitness programme tailored to achieve the desired weight loss. The comparison is then used to generate compliance output data to either the user and / or a nutritionist.

Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for monitoring the health of an employee. A method for monitoring the health of an employee including collecting health data corresponding to at least one of biometric health data and biomechanical health data for an employee acquired via a plurality of health sensors located throughout the employee's workstation, determining a health profile for the employee based at least in part on the collected health data, and serving, to an employee computer for display, health profile content comprising an avatar configured to communicate information relating to the health profile for the employee. The plurality of health sensors including at least one of biometric sensors and biomechanical sensors.

The present invention provides a system for monitoring blood pressure that preferably includes: 1) a blood-pressure monitor featuring a measuring component that generates blood-pressure information and a first short-range wireless component configured to wirelessly transmit the blood-pressure information; 2) a mobile device featuring a chipset that includes i) an embedded second short-range wireless component configured to receive the blood-pressure information; and ii) a long-range wireless component configured to transmit the blood-pressure information over a wireless network; and 3) a computer system configured to receive and display the blood-pressure information.

The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.

One aspect of the invention provides an airway management device including: an endotracheal tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a sheath adjacent to the endotracheal tube. The sheath includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the endotracheal tube extends beyond the distal end of the sheath. Another aspect of the invention provides a surgical kit including an airway management device and instructions for use. The airway management device includes: an endotracheal tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a sheath adjacent to the endotracheal tube. The sheath includes a proximal and a distal end. The distal end of the endotracheal tube extends beyond the distal end of the sheath.

Ambulatory monitoring of human health is provided by a multi-component multi-sensor wireless wearable biosignal acquisition system comprising a torso device and a peripheral device communicating wirelessly, and a mobile phone for receiving collected data and uploading it over cellular network or WiFi to a remote computer for multivariate analysis. Biosignals include EKG and PPG, from which a determination of pulse transit time can be made.

Apparatus is provided for diagnosing or treating an organ or vessel, wherein a device having at optical fiber contact force sensors disposed in a distal extremity thereof and a deflection mechanism configured to deflect the elongate body at a location proximal of the distal extremity. The optical fiber contact force sensors are configured to be coupled to processing logic programmed which computes a force vector responsive to detected changes in the optical characteristics of the optical fiber contact force sensors arising from deflection of the distal extremity resulting from contact with the tissue of the wall of the organ or vessel.

Apparatus for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in a user, the apparatus comprising:a housing;stimulation means carried by the housing for electrically stimulating at least one nerve;a pair of electrodes releasably mounted to the housing and connectable to the stimulation means for electrical stimulation of the at least one nerve;monitoring means for monitoring user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion;analysis means for analyzing the output of the monitoring means for determining user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion; andcontrol means for controlling the output of the stimulation means in response to the determined user gesture, electrode-skin contact integrity and transient motion.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

The invention provides a method for monitoring a patient, comprising the following steps: 1) outfitting the patient with a ambulatory blood pressure monitor that features an optical system for measuring blood pressure without using a cuff, and a wireless system configured to send and receive information sent from an Internet-based system through a wireless network; 2) sending from the Internet-based system to the ambulatory blood pressure monitor a signal that indicates a blood pressure level; 3) comparing a blood pressure value measured with the ambulatory blood pressure monitor to the blood pressure level; and 4) generating a signal in response to the comparing step.

A method of sensing an environmental agent, comprising obtaining a sample from the environment and transferring the sample into the working fluid for dispensation to a detection module. The sample and working fluid mixture is filtered through a porous polymer Bragg grating. By comparing the refractive index of the grating with the mixture to the refractive index of a grating without the sample, a difference in the refractive index aids in the identification of a hazardous agent in the environment. The sensor also acts as a chemical filter by trapping specific target agents by a highly specific reaction with a conjugate molecule. Recirculation of the working fluid throughout the system provides a sensor that is “always on.”

Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a computer mouse including, a temperature sensor, a blood condition sensor and a blood pressure sensor. A method for sensing health characteristics of a user using a computer mouse including receiving, from the temperature sensor, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the blood condition sensor, blood condition data corresponding to a sensed blood saturation level of the user, receiving, from the blood pressure sensor, blood pressure data corresponding to a sensed blood pressure of the user, and transmitting, to the computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the blood condition data, and the blood pressure data for use in determining the body temperature, the blood saturation level, and the blood pressure of the user.

A method of sensing an environmental agent, comprising obtaining a sample from the environment and transferring the sample into the working fluid for dispensation to a detection module. The sample and working fluid mixture is filtered through a porous polymer Bragg grating. By comparing the refractive index of the grating with the mixture to the refractive index of a grating without the sample, a difference in the refractive index aids in the identification of a hazardous agent in the environment. The sensor also acts as a chemical filter by trapping specific target agents by a highly specific reaction with a conjugate molecule. Recirculation of the working fluid throughout the system provides a sensor that is “always on.”

Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods to monitor the health of an employee. A method for monitoring the health of an employee while the employee is located in an employee workstation including collecting, from a plurality of biometric and biomechanical sensors disposed throughout an employee workstation, health data indicative of biometric and biomechanical characteristics of the employee. The plurality of biometric and biomechanical sensors adapted to sense biometric and biomechanical characteristics of the employee and output corresponding health data indicative of the biometric and biomechanical characteristics of the employee. The method including determining an employee health profile based at least in part on the collected health data, generating a health plan for the employee based at least in part on the health profile, and displaying health content including the employee health profile and the health plan for the employee.

A heart stimulator has an atrial and ventricular pulse generator for producing atrial and ventricular stimulation pulses, an atrial sensor for sensing atrial signals and an evoked response detector for detecting the occurrence of incipient fusion beats from measured ventricular signals. A determination unit determines an incipient fusion AV-interval from the sensed atrial signals and the detected fusion beats, and a controller controls the pulse generator to deliver stimulation pulses at a controlled AV-interval which is shorter than the incipient fusion AV-interval. The evoked response detector includes an averaging unit which forms an average amplitude value of the measured ventricular signals during a predetermined time window of each cardiac cycle, and a comparator which compares the average value for each cardiac cycle with a predetermined limit criterion, and supplies the result of the comparison to the determination unit for determining a measured ventricular signal resulted from an incipient fusion beat or a completely stimulated capture.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

Provided are embodiments of systems, computer medium and computer-implemented methods for sensing health characteristics of a user using a chair pad including a set of health sensors integrated therewith and including temperature sensors, body position sensors, and body fat sensors. A method for sensing health characteristics of a user including receiving, from the temperature sensors, temperature data corresponding to a sensed body temperature of the user, receiving, from the body position sensors, body position data corresponding to a sensed body position of the user, receiving, from the body fat sensors, body fat data corresponding to a sensed body fat of the user, and transmitting, to a computer workstation, health data corresponding to the temperature data, the body position data, and the body fat data for use in determining the body temperature, the body position, and the body fat of the user.

A blood pressure monitoring system includes a blood pressure measurement device for measuring blood pressure using a cuff, a memory for storing an externally inputted pulse wave propagation time fluctuation threshold, a time interval detection reference point detection section for detecting a time interval detection reference point in a pulse wave on the side of aortae of a living organism, a pulse wave detection section for detecting a pulse wave on the side of peripheral blood vessels appearing with a time lag with respect to the pulse wave on the side of aortae, a pulse wave propagation time measurement section for measuring a pulse wave propagation time based on respective detected outputs from the time interval detection reference point detection section and the pulse wave detection section, an operation device for calculating a pulse wave propagation fluctuation from two measured pulse wave propagation times, a judgment device for judging whether or not the calculated pulse wave propagation time fluctuation exceeds the pulse wave propagation time fluctuation threshold read from the memory, and a control device for controlling the blood pressure measurement device based on an output of the judgment device so that the blood pressure of a subject is measured using the cuff.

A device and method for measuring the concentration of analytes in the blood of a portion of tissue. The device includes a sensor module, a monitor, and a processor (separate from or integral with the sensor module). The sensor module includes a radiation source for emitting radiation to the tissue; a collimator and narrow band filter for processing the radiation after it has transmitted through or been reflected by the tissue; and one or more sensors for sensing the transmitted or reflected radiation. The one or more sensors send a signal to the processor which algorithmically converts the radiation using linear regression or orthogonal functions to determine the concentration of one or more blood analytes. The device self-calibrates to eliminate error caused by variables such as skin character. The sensor module is integrated to reduce size and weight such that it is inobtrusive, and the monitor is compact for transport.

The invention provides a real-time multiparameter remote water quality monitoring system and method. The system comprises an environmental monitoring control center and a plurality of field water quality monitoring devices arranged at a water source area in a distributed mode; each water quality monitoring device is used for sending real-time water quality data to the environmental monitoring control center, and comprises a plurality of sensor units, a signal modulation / amplification and AD (analog / digital) conversion unit, a data storage unit, a liquid crystal display unit, a keyboard input unit, a central control unit, a wireless communications unit, and a power supply module unit; each sensor unit is used for acquiring the parameters of the field water quality in real time; the signal modulation / amplification and AD conversion unit is used for carrying out modulation, amplification and AD conversion on the parameters (acquired in real time) of the field water quality so as to convert the parameters into digital signals, then sending the digital signals to the central control unit; and the central control unit is used for coordinating and controlling the operations of the other units of the field monitoring devices. The environmental monitoring control center is used for receiving, storing and then processing the real-time water quality monitoring data, and carrying out active remote control on the field water quality monitoring devices.