Estimation of blood flow and hemodynamic parameters from a single chest-worn sensor, and other circuits, devices and processes

Abstract

An electronic monitoring device includes an electronic processor (520) having at least one signal input for body monitoring, and a memory (530) holding instructions for the electronic processor coupled to the electronic processor so that the electronic processor is operable to isolate a cardiac signal including cardiac pulses combined with other cardiac signal variations, and the electronic processor further operable to execute a filter (730) that separates a varying blood flow signal from the cardiac pulses and to output information (790) based on at least the varying blood flow signal. Other devices, sensor assemblies, electronic circuit units, and processes are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. patent applications as follows:[0002]This application is related to U.S. patent application: “Heart Monitors And Processes With Accelerometer Motion Artifact Cancellation, And Other Electronic Systems” Ser. No. 12 / ______ (TI-68518) filed Aug. 24, 2010 simultaneously herewith, for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 120 and all other applicable law, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0003]This application is related to U.S. patent application “Motion / Activity, Heart-Rate And Respiration From A Single Chest-Worn Sensor, Circuits, Devices, Processes And Systems” Ser. No. 12 / ______ (TI-68552) filed Aug. 24, 2010 simultaneously herewith, for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. 120 and all other applicable law, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.[0004]This application is related to provisional U.S. patent application “Motion Artifact Cancella...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an electronic monitoring device that can isolate and filter out cardiac signals from other body monitoring signals. This allows for the accurate measurement of blood flow and other hemodynamic parameters. The device can also include an accelerometer sensor that delivers a signal that is free of heart pulses, making it easier to analyze. Overall, the invention improves the accuracy and reliability of monitoring living body signals.

Problems solved by technology

Most current solutions for heart rate monitoring involve cumbersome equipment, such as heart rate recording belts to be worn around the chest, electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and leads, and in most cases electrical contact to the skin.

However, such methods remain obtrusive, and are not optimal for long-term and ambulatory monitoring.

Current solutions for not only heart rate monitoring but also respiration monitoring are believed to involve cumbersome and expensive equipment e.g., respiration and heart rate monitoring belts to be worn around the chest, spirometers and canulas to be worn around the mouth and nose, and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and leads to be taped on the body.

Not only are these solutions obtrusive and expensive, but may also be too restrictive to be well-suited for ambulatory monitoring.

Noise mixed with signals received by the sensors used in heart monitoring, respiration monitoring, body motion and other monitoring applications can adversely affect the accuracy of each type of signal.

Such arrangements are very difficult to establish in a real setting and can cause poor rejection of the motion signal and body motion artifacts.

Some conventional single-channel de-noising techniques reinforce all major signal peaks and fail to distinguish body motions from heart sounds.

Hemodynamic data also challenge the art to find methods and devices for obtaining, isolating, determining and monitoring more simply, economically and more efficiently.

Most current solutions for the measurement of blood flow and other hemodynamic parameters are believed to involve cumbersome and expensive equipment e.g., Impedance Cardiography (calls for electrodes to be connected on the skin), Doppler Echo Cardiography, Continuous Blood Pressure Monitoring etc.

Not only are these solutions obtrusive and expensive, but may also be too restrictive to be well-suited for ambulatory monitoring applications.

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