Passive physiological monitoring (P2M) system

Abstract

Passive physiological monitoring apparatus and method has a sensor for sensing physiological phenomenon. A converter converts sensed data into electrical signals and a computer receives and computes the signals and outputs computed data for real-time interactive display. The sensor is a piezoelectric film of polyvinylidene fluoride. A band-pass filter filters out noise and isolates the signals to reflect data from the body. A pre-amplifier amplifies signals. Signals detected include mechanical, thermal and acoustic signatures reflecting cardiac output, cardiac function, internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse, apnea, and temperature. A pad may incorporate the PVDF film and may be fluid-filled. The film converts mechanical energy into analog voltage signals. Analog signals are fed through the band-pass filter and the amplifier. A converter converts the analog signals to digital signals. A Fourier transform routine is used to transform into the frequency domain. A microcomputer is used for recording, analyzing and displaying data for on-line assessment and for providing realtime response. A radio-frequency filter may be connected to a cable and the film for transferring signals from the film through the cable. The sensor may be an array provided in a MEDEVAC litter or other device for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the body of a patient for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, home, remote monitoring.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Minimization of the time between injury occurrence and transport to the appropriate level of medical care is necessary to ensure that wounded and sick soldiers obtain the prompt medical attention essential for their survival. During that time, aeromedical care in a MEDEVAC helicopter environment is used to identify and transport casualties. [0002] Military units conduct aeromedical evacuations daily during times of war and peace, exposing the patient and flight / medical crew to noise or environmental stress and difficult monitoring conditions. As in the civilian community, military nurses depend on reliable and efficient monitoring devices to provide accurate patient care in various environments, some of which are hostile and obtrusive to the use of conventional monitoring instrumentation. While aeromedical evacuation is a life-saving process for many, it is nearly impossible for medical personnel to monitor vital signs in a high noise environment. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a new monitoring device called Passive Physiological Monitoring, P2M, which uses piezoelectric film and data processing to measure blood pressure and other vital signs. The device can be used in high-noise and vibration environments, as well as in medical facilities and in the field by medical personnel. It is designed to assist medical personnel in monitoring the physiological condition of patients in real-time, without causing any disturbance to the patient. The invention uses the principle of water hammer to analyze the data collected from the device. The technical effects of the invention include improved accuracy in blood pressure monitoring and the ability to isolate heart energy from other parts of the body."

Problems solved by technology

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