Methods And Systems For Predicting Hypovolemic Hypotensive Conditions Resulting From Bradycardia Behavior Using A Pulse Volume Waveform

Abstract

A method for identifying cardiac bradycardia behavior may include acquiring pulse volume wave data from a sensor associated with a patient, and calculating metrics associated with peaks detected therein. The metrics may include changes in peak amplitudes of pulse volume peaks and in the times of occurrence of pulse volume peaks. Alternative metrics may include changes in frequency domain parameters derived from the time domain pulse volume wave data. Peak amplitude values may be compared to an amplitude baseline, and differences in successive peak occurrence times may be compared to a time baseline. Cardiac bradycardia behavior may be identified by a combination of a decrease in the pulse volume peak amplitude and an increase in successive peak occurrence times. A system to implement the method may include a computing device in data communication with a photo-plethysmograph. Alternative sensors may include a blood pressure cuff and an ECG device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 302,411 filed Jun. 11, 2014 (pending) which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 833,680 filed Jun. 11, 2013 (expired), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Cardiac electrophysiology refers to the orchestration of electrical pulses that cause the myocardium to contract in a coordinated manner to efficiently pump blood into the arterial tree. Suboptimal physiological alterations that effect the cardiac myocyte milieu can compromise the myocyte function and adversely affect the electrical conduction tissue. As a result, the electrical pulse sequences of the heart may be altered leading to abnormal cardiac sinus rhythms that can cause dyssynchronous or suboptimal myocardial contractile behaviors.[0003]Contractile abnormalities, as observed in electrocardi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a method and system for predicting a condition called hypovolemic hypotension caused by slow heart rate. The system includes a sensor that collects data on the person's blood flow, a computing device that analyzes these data, and a computer-readable storage medium that contains programming instructions. The system uses pulse rate and strength metrics to determine if there are any abnormal patterns in the person's blood flow. If there are, the system predicts that the person may be at risk of hypovolemic hypotension. The technical effects of this invention include the ability to predict a potentially life-threatening condition and potentially prevent it.

Problems solved by technology

Suboptimal physiological alterations that effect the cardiac myocyte milieu can compromise the myocyte function and adversely affect the electrical conduction tissue.

As a result, the electrical pulse sequences of the heart may be altered leading to abnormal cardiac sinus rhythms that can cause dyssynchronous or suboptimal myocardial contractile behaviors.

Alternatively, cardiac arrhythmias can result from myocardial ischemic conditions and result in decreased cardiac output.

Decreased cardiac output may contribute to a hemodynamically unstable physiological state and predispose a patient to life threatening conditions.

The photoplethysmograph is not capable of capturing electrophysiological signals.

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