Method and apparatus for processing respiration data and assessing autonomic function

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention concern methods and apparatuses for deriving respiratory data from both single lead and multi-lead ECG data recordings. Other embodiments of the invention address the assessment of respiration rate from respiratory data such as respiratory data derived from ECG data. Still other embodiments of the invention address methods and apparatuses for the assessment of autonomic function. These last embodiments involve the derivation of respiratory data from ECG data, comparing the respiration rate to key threshold values, and the final derivation of one or more HRV parameters from the ECG data. The embodiments of the invention have implementations applicable to data previously recorded data as well as data recorded and processed in a real-time manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10 / 842,294, entitled “Method and apparatus for measurement of autonomic nervous system function”, filed on May 10, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for deriving respiratory data and respiratory rates from both single lead and multi-lead ECG recordings, as well as related methods and apparatuses for the assessment of autonomic function. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is primarily responsible for the fine-tuned regulation of many human organs and systems. An individual whose autonomic nervous system correctly regulates such organs and systems is said to have good autonomic function. Improper autonomic function may be referred to as autonomic dysfunction, which can be the result o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] Unfortunately, the derivation of EDR from ECG is not without limitations such as susceptibility to noise and other false signals. Therefore, a need exists for obtaining an EDR signal that has high signal fidelity so that a more accurate representation of respiration can be derived from ECG signals. In addition, a need exists for a reliable way to calculate respiration rate from respiratory data. If these needs are met, HRV testing methods could profit from the use of EDR by decreasing reliance on spirometers. In addition, EDR could be derived from past ECG recordings that were not taken in an attempt to assess HRV. The EDR could then be used to verify that certain respiration requirements for HRV studies were met, even though no respiration signal was acquired at the time of the test. Then, HRV analysis could be properly conducted on the ECG data.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, background data from a population of patients is obtained. The population of patients may be comprised of patients with both normal and abnormal autonomic function. Then, the invention may receive ECG data from the same population of patients. HRV parameters such as NNmin SB and SD may be measured from the ECG data. Afterwards, discriminant analysis may be performed on the HRV parameters and background data to determine ...

Problems solved by technology

AN can result in improper regulation of organs and systems, which in turn may lead to the malfunction of those organs and systems.

This results in a change in blood pressure.

While the methods for performing the Metronomic, Orthostatic and Valsalva tests produce valuable information regarding autonomic function, prior art methods and equipment fail to take full advantage of the available information.

As an illustration, the prior art does not attempt to determine normal VARmax values for patients according to such diverse factors as race, age, smoking history and gender.

Doing so may lead to an inaccurate assessment of the male patient's autonomic function.

Furthermore, the prior art does not attempt to link certain factors such as race, age and VARmax value with a risk factor for contracting, for example, hypertension.

An additional limitation in the prior art is the inability to provide normative databa...

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