User-retainable temperature and impedance monitoring methods and devices

Abstract

A user-retainable monitoring system is disclosed. At least a pair of sensors is provided in association with a support member. The support member is preferably of a type that may be worn by or at least temporarily implanted in a patient. Possible sensor types include temperature sensors and impedance sensors. Temperature sensors may be used to detect a temperature differential between areas of tissue indicative of pathology. Impedance sensors are used to detect subcutaneous fluid detection. The support member may take the form of a bandage, drain or other structure. Monitor structures as described may have stand-alone utility or be connected to a processor or data recorder to enable various functions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to tissue monitoring, especially with apparatus suited for sustained or continued use by patients. Certain applications address concerns with wound healing including infection and subcutaneous fluid build-up, another addresses inflammation as in transplant rejection. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Fluid accumulation and infection at the site of a wound can significantly hinder wound healing. Fluid accumulation can exert a detrimental mass effect upon adjacent tissue and compress vital anatomy or structures. Infection can result in tissue morbidity, rejection, fever, gangrene and even death. [0003] Background discussion regarding fluid accumulation and tissue infection follows, in turn. That certain information is presented as background herein should not, however, be taken as indication that the present invention does not predate it. [0004] With respect to fluid accumulation, if detected before significant damage occurs...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In serving each such use, the present invention integrates sensors formats that are amenable to prolonged retention by a patient. Holding the sensors in close anatomic association with a subject or patient for an extended period through the use of an easily-retainable support allows for constant or periodic monitoring by a patient, physician or other care provider.

Problems solved by technology

Fluid accumulation and infection at the site of a wound can significantly hinder wound healing.

Fluid accumulation can exert a detrimental mass effect upon adjacent tissue and compress vital anatomy or structures.

Infection can result in tissue morbidity, rejection, fever, gangrene and even death.

However, this approach may not be desired for reasons ranging from drug interaction, to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

The devices involved and examination techniques disclosed are, however, by no means suited for long-term infection monitoring.

Furthermore, even if the prophesized sensor arrays come into being, they will only detect such forms of bacteria corresponding specifically to the array elements.

Accordingly the smart bandage approach taught in the article lacks general applicability.

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