Therapeutic techniques using electrical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring medical treatments performed by wearable devices using electrical probes. In one example, a pulmonary physiotherapy device implements the function of gating and modulating treatment protocols using impedance sensors and measurements. The sensors operate to measure the electrical impedance of body tissues. An electronic controller controls the operation of the wearable device. Medical treatments can be modified based on impedance measurements to maximize efficacy.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The measurement of biotissue electrical impedance is known to hold significant promise for characterizing and diagnosing a wide range of clinical conditions and disease processes. Different tissues are known to possess characteristic impedance fingerprints, which can be used for clinical interpretation. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the use of impedance sensors to monitor medical treatments administered by wearable devices. The sensors operate to measure the electrical impedance of body tissues. Medical treatments can be modified based on the impedance measurements to maximize efficacy.

[0003] In one aspect, a medical treatment system includes: a wearable medical treatment device comprising: one or more electromechanical components configured to administer medical treatment to a patient; a plurality of impedance sensors configured to monitor the medical treatment, each impedance sensor including a source, a guard ring, and a probe; an electronic controller and a power supply operable to the one or more electromechanical components and the plurality of impedance sensors, the electronic controller and power supply being configured to generate and modulate electrical signals to excite the one or more electromechanical components and the plurality of impedance sensors; and a computing device communicating with the wearable medical treatment device, the computing device including: a processing device; and a storage device including: a data storage including a physiological parameter lookup table; and instructions, when executed by the processing device, causing the computing device to: a) based on the patient's physiological parameters and the lookup table... a) Determine the initial frequency range using a table; b) Send instructions to multiple impedance sensors to scan the initial frequency range; c) Receive impedance measurements from the impedance sensors and plot them against their respective frequencies; identify the resonant points, features, and shape characteristics of the curves generated on the patient in the plots; d) Send instructions to a wearable medical device to initiate a treatment protocol based on the curves; e) Monitor the efficacy of the treatment protocol by measuring changes in impedance over time using multiple impedance sensors; f) Create a measurement matrix representing the impedance measurements between pairs of impedance sensors; g) Analyze the measurements to determine the efficacy of the treatment protocol on physiological regions of the body associated with the sensor locations; h) Adjust or modify the treatment protocol based on the results of step g; and i) Return to step e) and repeat until the treatment reaches a measurable value or ends.

[0004] On the other hand, a method for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of a wearable medical device includes: a) determining an initial probe frequency range based on the patient's physiological parameters and a lookup table; b) sending instructions to multiple impedance sensors to scan the initial probe frequency range using a vernier technique; c) identifying the patient's resonant point and determining the order of impedance measurement curves; d) sending instructions to a wearable chest percussion device to initiate a treatment protocol, which includes at least duration and intensity; e) using multiple impedance sensors to monitor the patient's respiratory cycle and the efficacy of the treatment protocol by measuring impedance changes over time, segmenting the analysis into analysis periods consistent with the patient's respiratory cycle, and recording impedance measurements during the end-inspiratory peak volume; f) creating a measurement matrix representing the impedance measurements between pairs of impedance sensors; g) analyzing the measurements to determine the efficacy of the treatment protocol on physiological regions of the chest cavity associated with sensor locations; h) adjusting or modifying the treatment protocol based on the results of step g by adjusting one or more of the duration and intensity; and i) returning to step e) and repeating until the treatment reaches a measurable metric or ends.

[0005] In another aspect, the pulmonary physiotherapy system includes: a wearable chest percussion device for removing mucus buildup in the airways of a human patient, the device comprising: a garment fitted onto the patient's chest cavity; at least one frame element including a flat, rigid layer attached to the outer surface of the garment; a plurality of electromechanical actuators held by the at least one frame element, wherein the electromechanical actuators are positioned to provide intermittent percussion to the chest cavity; and an electronic controller and power supply operable to the plurality of electromechanical actuators for generating and modulating electrical signals to excite at least one actuator; a plurality of impedance sensors positioned proximate to the plurality of electromechanical actuators, the impedance sensors including: a source electrode; a protective ring spaced apart from the source and circularly surrounding the source; and a probe electrode forming a semicircle around a portion of the protective ring; and a computing device communicating with the wearable chest percussion device and the plurality of impedance sensors, the computing device including: a processing device; and a storage device including: a data storage including a physiological parameter lookup table; and When executed by the processing device, the instruction causes the computing device to: a) determine an initial probe frequency range based on the patient's physiological parameters and a lookup table; b) send instructions to multiple impedance sensors to scan the initial probe frequency range using a vernier technique; c) identify the patient's resonant point; d) send instructions to a wearable chest percussion device to initiate a treatment protocol; e) monitor the patient's respiratory cycle and the efficacy of the treatment protocol using multiple impedance sensors by measuring impedance changes over time, segmenting the analysis into analysis periods consistent with the patient's respiratory cycle, and recording impedance measurements during the end-inspiratory peak volume; f) create a measurement matrix representing the impedance measurements between pairs of impedance sensors; g) analyze the measurements to determine the efficacy of the treatment protocol on physiological regions of the chest cavity associated with sensor locations; and h) adjust or modify the treatment protocol based on the results of step g by adjusting time, intensity, and / or frequency; i) return to step e) and repeat until the treatment reaches a measurable metric or has ended.

[0006] Details of one or more technologies are set forth in the following figures and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of these technologies will be apparent from the description, figures, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system for performing lung treatment on a patient.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A more detailed schematic diagram of the computing system.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example impedance sensor.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for implementing a pulmonary physiotherapy protocol.

[0011] Figure 5 An example of a wearable device for treating lung diseases is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the placement of an example impedance sensor relative to a patient's lung.

[0013] Figure 7 The graph shows the impedance curve for frequency plotted using a conventional sequential method for a scanning frequency range.

[0014] Figure 8 The graph shows the impedance curve for frequency for a time-sequence frequency hopping technique across a scanning frequency range.

[0015] Figure 9 It can be used to implement Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an example computing device in terms of system aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0016] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring medical treatments performed by wearable devices using electrical probes. In some embodiments, the pulmonary physiotherapy device implements the function of using impedance sensors and measurements to gate and modulate treatment protocols.

[0017] Impedance spectroscopy

[0018] Impedance is measured as the reaction force a circuit provides to a current when a voltage is applied. One technique for measuring impedance involves applying a sinusoidal voltage waveform to the circuit to be measured and measuring the returned current and phase shift. Measurements are typically taken at multiple different frequencies to obtain accurate impedance values ​​in any linear system.

[0019] In some cases, measurements are performed by continuously sweeping across the target frequency range. For example, biological tissue might be scanned for frequencies ranging from 100 Hz to 2 MHz, where ionic and dipole forces dominate. Using this technique, a region called the resonant point is located on the frequency-to-impedance composite graph. The resonant point indicates where, under test conditions, the object transitions from acting as a capacitor to acting as an inductor. This point and the region directly surrounding it are significant for physiological and biological measurements. The characteristics and sequence of the curves can reveal the boundaries between clinical conditions and adipose / dense tissue, perfusion, air, bone, etc. The curves can also distinguish between extracellular and intracellular fluids.

[0020] Lung diseases

[0021] Lung disease is usually a chronic inflammatory lung condition that obstructs airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. There are three main forms of lung disease: airway disease, lung tissue disease, and pulmonary circulation disease. Airway disease affects the pathways (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases in and out of the lungs. They often lead to narrowing or obstruction of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis. Lung tissue disease affects the structure of the lung tissue.

[0022] Scarring or inflammation of tissues can prevent the lungs from fully expanding (restrictive lung disease). This makes it difficult for the lungs to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue diseases. Pulmonary circulatory diseases affect the blood vessels within the lungs. They are caused by blood clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. These diseases can also affect heart function. An example of a pulmonary circulatory disease is pulmonary hypertension.

[0023] Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, chronic disease that affects human patients and causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and other parts of the body. If left untreated, the mucus can block the airways and lead to complications such as tissue inflammation or infection, or other symptoms such as cough, excessive sputum, and impaired cardiopulmonary function. In particular, CF is a good target for mechanical therapy to release and drain secretions from the lungs.

[0024] physiotherapy

[0025] Medications for treating lung diseases are well-known. Additional lung care includes physical therapy and mechanical manipulation. Lack of adherence to maintenance therapy, including physical therapy, or poor efficacy can be multifactorial, including a heavy treatment burden or a lack of understanding of the importance of such therapy. Because lung deterioration can still occur even with optimal adherence, it is important for patients to continue appropriate maintenance therapy. Airway clearance is accompanied by airway surface hydrating agents / mucolytics. These have specific electrical impedance properties.

[0026] One technique for managing CF (coughing up) is chest physiotherapy (CPT), which involves manipulating the patient's chest cavity to remove mucus buildup in the airways and promote expectoration. CPT may need to be performed several times a day, each lasting 10 to 45 minutes. CPT can be performed manually by a therapist who repeatedly taps the patient's chest cavity with their hands. However, manual CPT requires physical strength and time and can only be performed by properly trained therapists. Alternatively, CPT can be performed using handheld or wearable mechanical devices. Wearable devices offer the advantage of allowing the therapist or patient to operate the device during treatment, compared to handheld devices.

[0027] One type of physical therapy can be administered to patients at home using wearable devices that provide the mechanical means for CPT without requiring a trained therapist. This device can be lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit the anatomy of the chest region. Figure 5 An example of such a wearable device is described in the text.

[0028] The methods and systems described in this article can be applied to other diseases and treatment devices. Treatment of lymphedema, i.e., fluid retention in tissues (common in cancer patients), can be achieved using a peristaltic device. This massages the patient's legs to promote fluid drainage. An example of this treatment can be monitored using electrical impedance spectroscopy, a spectrum located in a part of the body other than the chest cavity.

[0029] Another example is a cough assist device. This mechanical blow-in / blow-out device helps clear mucus and other secretions from a patient's lungs by simulating a cough. The machine increases air pressure to inflate the lungs, then quickly switches to negative pressure to remove the secretions from the airway. Impedance spectroscopy can be used to monitor the patient's chest cavity to determine if modifications or termination of treatment are needed.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example system 100 for performing lung treatment on patient P. Although the figure shows an example specific to lung treatment, other types of devices can be used with the principles described above, as stated above.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, system 100 includes a plurality of impedance sensors 102 attached to a wearable medical therapeutic device 104. The impedance sensors 102 communicate with a computing system 106 via a communication network 108. The impedance sensors 102 operate to measure the impedance of tissues of the patient P wearing the medical therapeutic device 104. In some embodiments, the impedance sensors 102 are strategically positioned on the medical therapeutic device 104 to target specific areas of the patient's body.

[0032] In this example, the wearable medical treatment device 104 is a vest comprising multiple electromechanical actuators configured to deliver intermittent percussion to a patient's chest cavity. The operation of the electromechanical actuators and impedance sensor 102 is controlled by a computing system 106. In some embodiments, the computing system 106 communicates directly, via a wired connection, with the wearable clothing 104. In some embodiments, the computing system 106 is a handheld electronic device attached to the clothing 104 for controlling the operation of the treatment. In some embodiments, the computing system 106 operates as part of a smartphone, laptop, or other wireless communication-enabled device, and can be used to operate the clothing 104 via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication methods.

[0033] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A more detailed schematic diagram of the computing system 106 is provided. The computing system 106 operates to send instructions to the impedance sensor 102 and other components of the wearable medical therapy device 104. The computing system 106 also operates to receive data from various electronic components of the wearable medical therapy device 104. The computing system 106 includes a lookup table 152, a frequency controller 154, a therapy monitor 156, and a therapy controller 158.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more components of the computing system 106 are housed in a separate remote system that communicates with the computing system 106. For example, lookup table 152 may reside on a remote server rather than being stored locally on the computing system 106. In some embodiments, all components of the computing system 106 are integrated into a single computing device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. In some embodiments, the computing system 106 is housed in a remote control that communicates with the wearable medical device 104 via wired or wireless communication.

[0035] Lookup table 152 stores initial probe frequency ranges corresponding to the patient's physiological parameters. In some embodiments, the patient's weight, height, age, and clinical status are used to find the appropriate initial probe frequency range for treatment. This provides optimal signal response in the region between mucosal surface conduction and cellular conduction. In some embodiments, lookup table 152 is stored on a remote server and accessed via a wireless connection to computing system 106. A non-limiting example of a portion of such a lookup table for female patients is provided in Table 1 below.

[0036] Table 1: Female Patient Lookup Table

[0037]

[0038]

[0039] Frequency controller 154 operates to control the operation of impedance sensor 102. Frequency controller 154 sends commands to impedance sensor 102 to scan an initial frequency range to find the resonant point. Frequency controller 154 also sends commands to impedance sensor 102 to measure the impedance between pairs of impedance sensors 102. Figure 4 Further details regarding the functionality of the frequency controller 154 are provided in the document.

[0040] Treatment monitor 156 operates to monitor impedance measurements recorded by impedance sensor 102 throughout the treatment. Impedance is measured to determine the respiratory cycle and treatment efficacy. An algorithm is used to determine the extent to which secretions are cleared from the patient's lungs. While measurements are being taken, treatment monitor 156 determines whether the treatment intensity or duration should be modified. For example, if the algorithm calculates that the extracellular fluid volume is not decreasing rapidly enough, the treatment intensity may need to be increased. Alternatively, if the extracellular fluid volume is decreasing very rapidly, the treatment duration may need to be shortened.

[0041] The treatment controller 158 sends instructions to the garment device to initiate and modify the treatment plan. The treatment plan is selected based on the curve resonant points and sequence determined by scanning the initial frequency range (by the frequency controller 154). The treatment plan is modified based on information received from the treatment monitor 156 indicating that the treatment is better or worse than expected.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example impedance sensor 102. The impedance sensor 102 includes a source 202, a guard ring 204, and a probe 206. The signal from the source 202 propagates through all possible paths in the body and is recorded at the probe 206. The probe 206 is advantageously located within the same sensor, eliminating the need for separate sources and probes. To eliminate excessive current flowing directly from the source 202 to the probe 206, the guard ring surrounds the source 202. This allows the source 202 of the first sensor to send current to the probe 206 of the second sensor. For example, using… Figure 6 The probe layout shown allows for two possible measurements: one from the source of the upper left sensor to the probe of the upper right sensor, and the other from the source of the upper right sensor to the probe of the lower left sensor. Measure and record all possible pairs.

[0043] The advantage of this sensor design is that each sensor includes both a source and a probe, thus requiring fewer electrodes. Furthermore, the guard ring reduces the amount of signal recorded between the source and probe of the same sensor.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example method 250 for implementing a pulmonary physiotherapy treatment protocol. In some implementations, it uses... Figure 1 The system 100 is used to perform this method 250.

[0045] In step 252, an initial probe frequency range is determined. The patient's physiological parameters are used to look up the initial probe frequency range in a lookup table. In some implementations, these physiological parameters include the patient's weight, height, age, and clinical status. An initial probe frequency is selected to provide optimal signal response in the region between mucosal surface conduction and cellular conduction.

[0046] In operation 254, the initial frequency range is scanned. In some implementations, this is done using a cursor technique. In some implementations, a time-order-based frequency hopping technique is used. See reference. Figure 8 The example scanning technique is described in more detail. This step occurs after the wearable garment 104 is placed on the patient so that the impedance sensor 102 comes into contact with the patient's body. Therefore, the target of the wearable physiotherapy device is the patient's chest cavity.

[0047] In operation 256, the resonant point is located. The resonant point represents the point of maximum impedance. The resonant point is used to identify the curve in the impedance versus frequency graph. The order of the curves in this graph is used to determine the treatment plan.

[0048] In operation 258, the treatment plan is initiated. In some implementations, commands are sent from a computing system to the treatment device. The computing system may communicate wirelessly with the device or may be an attached remote control. A treatment plan is selected based on the patient's physiological parameters and the results of the initial frequency scan. Following the treatment plan prompts, the tapping actuator begins actuation to tap the patient's chest.

[0049] In operation 260, impedance measurements are performed using an impedance sensor. The sensor can be a dry or wet electrode that comes into contact with the patient's body. These measurements are used to monitor the patient's respiratory cycle and treatment efficacy. The respiratory cycle is measured to determine when impedance is recorded to monitor treatment. Measurements are segmented into analysis cycles defined by the respiratory cycle. Measurements are performed at the same point in the respiratory cycle to ensure consistency. In some implementations, measurements are performed during the peak volume at the end of inspiration.

[0050] In operation 262, a measurement matrix is ​​created representing the impedance measurements between each pair of impedance sensors. In some implementations, four impedance sensors are placed in the four quadrants of the patient's lungs. The matrix can be constructed such that each pair has a measurement value, where the pairs include: top left to bottom left, top left to top right, top left to bottom right, bottom left to top right, bottom left to bottom right, and top right to bottom right. Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the location of the impedance sensor.

[0051] In operation 264, the measurements in the matrix are analyzed to determine the efficacy of the treatment regimen. An algorithm is used to determine whether the intensity or duration of treatment needs to be modified. For example, if the therapy proves highly effective, the duration can be shortened. If the treatment does not progress as quickly as expected, the duration can be extended or the intensity increased. In some implementations, the algorithm can determine whether the recommended treatment frequency for the patient is higher or lower.

[0052] In operation 264, if necessary, the treatment plan is modified. Then, the method returns to operation 260 and continues looping until the treatment plan ends. Once treatment stops, the patient can remove the wearable device 104.

[0053] Figure 5 An example of a wearable device 104 for treating lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) is shown. In this example, the wearable device 104 takes the form of a vest 300 having a front frame element 320 and a rear frame element 330 interconnected with the vest 300 material. The frame elements 320, 330 include a plurality of electromechanical actuators 360 configured to deliver a percussion to a patient's chest cavity at a specific location. A plurality of impedance sensors 102 are attached to the vest 300 at the same locations as the electromechanical actuators 360. In this example, there are four electromechanical actuators 360 on the front frame element 320 and four on the rear frame element 330. Therefore, similarly, there are four impedance sensors 102 on the front frame element 320 and four on the rear frame element 330. The co-location of the impedance sensors 102 with the electromechanical actuators 360 ensures that impedance measurements are specific to each treatment location.

[0054] Vest 300 may include various fasteners and adjusters to facilitate garment placement into the patient's chest cavity and to position frame elements 320, 330 on the user's body when the garment is worn. The front of vest 300 may be opened and closed using hook-and-loop fasteners or other conventional fasteners such as zippers, clips, or buttons to allow the patient to put on vest 300. Alternatively, the garment may be made of an elastic material to allow the user to easily put on or take off vest 300, or to adjust to an individual's body shape, or both.

[0055] Vest 300 is preferably made of a lightweight, flexible, and elastic material to conform to the contours of the chest cavity. Vest 300 can separate actuator 360 from the user to protect the user from pinch injuries from moving parts or electronic components associated with actuator 360. Alternatively, the clothing may define an opening through which the actuator can contact the user. In some embodiments, impedance sensor 102 contacts the patient's skin. In some embodiments, the sensor utilizes a wet electrode for better conductivity. In some embodiments, a dry electrode is used to provide greater patient comfort.

[0056] Figure 6 An example placement of impedance sensor 102 relative to a patient's lung is shown. This placement can be used to treat CF, COPD, or similar lung diseases. In this example, the sensor is placed in the upper left, upper right, lower right, and lower left of the patient's chest cavity. These placements correspond to attachments such as... Figure 5 The location of the electromechanical actuator in clothing such as a vest (300).

[0057] Figure 7 The diagram shows impedance curves plotted on the y-axis for frequencies on the x-axis. The graph illustrates five different frequency scans using an existing REIS scanning mechanism. The frequencies are scanned in order from lowest to highest. The result is noisy data and signal acquisition artifacts. The order of the obtained curves exhibits significant variability, preventing the acquisition of reliable resonant points. Theoretically, the noise is a consequence of conventional resonance techniques. Biological tissue does not behave as a linear system, making it difficult to simplify the model to either series or parallel impedances.

[0058] Due to the presence of the alternating current itself, the dielectric potential and polarization potential alternately deplete and amplify. Ultimately, inducing current at too close a frequency will not allow the dielectric to recover from depletion. This leads to variability and noise, thus requiring averaging of multiple readings to obtain reliable results. However, this requires a larger bandwidth regardless of which system employs this technique.

[0059] To address this issue, a time-sequential frequency hopping technique is used to spread the induced noise across the entire target region. This allows complex chemical substances at the sampling time to recover from electrochemical polarization in any frequency region before exposure to similar frequencies. To mitigate the forced bandwidth loss while waiting for results, the algorithm can optionally be combined with a cursor priority mechanism, where the region of curve interest is quickly located and the scan is intensified, while interpolation is performed on regions of no interest. This appropriately modifies the scanning process.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a graph illustrating an example of how time-sequence frequency hopping can be implemented. (Example:) Figure 7 As shown, the frequencies are plotted against impedance. The target frequency range is "scanned" out of order rather than sequentially. A first frequency is selected and measured, then a second frequency with the smallest distance from the first is selected and measured, and so on. In this example, the first frequency selected for measurement is higher, the second lower, the third even higher than the first, the fourth in the middle, and so on. Finally, the entire range is sampled to provide measurements for all frequencies.

[0061] In some implementations, the algorithm controls the operation of scanning the modified frequency range. The following are the parameters of one such algorithm:

[0062] • Exclusion Zone (ROE: a fixed or dynamic region that cannot be continuously detected within a "time window"; Hertz)

[0063] • Time window (TW: the amount of time to wait before re-probing the frequency region; sample unit)

[0064] • Vernier area size (VRS: the size of the target area for a continuous probe, measured in Hertz)

[0065] • Random seed (RS: the frequency at which the probe is activated, randomly obtained and gated from other parameters; Hertz)

[0066] In the example base case, ROE can be 0, TW can be 0, and VRS can be 100%. This results in a simple random frequency hopping mechanism. The system will randomly probe the entire spectrum of the request, then classify the results and reproduce the regular curve. This yields some benefits. However, increasing ROE and TW will prevent random, repeated localized hits, thus increasing the specificity of the results.

[0067] If implemented properly, these mechanisms increase both the specificity of the test and the effective bandwidth (total test time). All obtained samples are sorted (classified) after measurement. This places them on a conventional spectrum or Nyquist diagram.

[0068] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the physical components of a computing device 400. The computing device 400 may be a combination of... Figure 1 Any computing device used in the example system 100 for treating a patient's lungs. The computing device 400 can operate as part of a computing system 106 for controlling the operation of the wearable therapeutic device 104.

[0069] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, computing device 400 includes at least one central processing unit (“CPU”) 402, system memory 408, and a system bus 422 that connects system memory 408 to CPU 402. System memory 408 includes random access memory (“RAM”) 410 and read-only memory (“ROM”) 412. A basic input / output system containing basic routines that facilitate the transfer of information between elements within computing device 400, for example, during startup, is stored in ROM 412. Computing system 400 also includes mass storage device 414. Mass storage device 414 can store software instructions and data, such as treatment plans and lookup tables.

[0070] Mass storage device 414 is connected to CPU 402 via a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to system bus 422. Mass storage device 414 and its associated computer-readable storage media provide non-volatile, non-transitory data storage for computing device 400. While the description of computer-readable storage media herein refers to mass storage devices such as hard disks or solid-state drives, those skilled in the art will understand that computer-readable data storage media can include any available tangible, physical device or article of manufacture from which CPU 402 may read data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, computer-readable storage media include entirely non-transitory media.

[0071] Computer-readable storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable software instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Examples of computer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (“DVD”), other optical storage media, magnetic tape, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible by the computing device 400.

[0072] According to various implementations, computing device 400 can operate in a networked environment using a logical connection to a remote network device via network 108 (e.g., a wireless network, the Internet, or other types of network). Computing device 400 can be connected to network 108 via network interface unit 404 connected to system bus 422. It should be understood that network interface unit 404 can also be used to connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. Computing device 400 also includes an input / output controller 406 for receiving and processing input from various other devices, including touch user interface displays or other types of input devices. Similarly, input / output controller 406 can provide output to touch user interface displays or other types of output devices.

[0073] As described above, the mass storage device 414 and RAM 410 of the computing device 400 can store software instructions and data. The software instructions include an operating system 418 suitable for controlling the operation of the computing device 400. The mass storage device 414 and / or RAM 410 also store software instructions that, when executed by the CPU 402, cause the computing device 400 to provide the functions discussed herein. For example, the mass storage device 414 and / or RAM 410 can store software instructions that, when executed by the CPU 402, cause the computing system 400 to control the operation of an impedance sensor and a pulmonary physiotherapy device.

[0074] Although various embodiments are described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications can be made to them within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way by way of the examples provided.

Claims

1. A medical treatment system, comprising: A wearable medical treatment device, comprising: One or more electromechanical components configured to administer medical treatment to a patient; Multiple impedance sensors configured to monitor medical treatments, each impedance sensor including a source, a guard ring, and a probe; An electronic controller and a power supply, operably connected to the one or more electromechanical components and the plurality of impedance sensors, for generating and modulating electrical signals to excite the one or more electromechanical components and the plurality of impedance sensors; and A computing device communicating with the wearable medical treatment device, the computing device comprising: Processing equipment; and Storage devices, including: This includes data storage for physiological parameter lookup tables; and Instructions, when executed by the processing device, cause the computing device to perform the following operations: a) Determine the initial frequency range based on the patient's physiological parameters and the lookup table; b) Send commands to the plurality of impedance sensors to scan the initial frequency range; c) Receive impedance measurements from the impedance sensors and plot them at their respective frequencies; d) Identify the resonant points, features, and shape characteristics of the curves generated in the patient within the graph; e) Sending instructions to the wearable medical treatment device to initiate a treatment plan based on the curve; f) Using the plurality of impedance sensors, the efficacy of the treatment regimen is monitored by measuring the change in impedance over time; g) Create a measurement matrix representing the impedance measurements between the impedance sensor pairs; h) Analyze the measurements to determine the efficacy of the treatment regimen on physiological regions of the body associated with the sensor location; i) Based on the results of step h), adjust or modify the treatment plan; and j) Return to step f) and repeat until the treatment reaches a measurable metric or ends.

2. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the wearable medical treatment device is a pulmonary physiotherapy garment, and the electromechanical component is an electromechanical actuator configured to provide high-frequency percussion to the patient's chest cavity.

3. The medical treatment system of claim 2, wherein the pulmonary physiotherapy garment comprises a vest and at least one frame element, the frame element comprising a flat, rigid layer attached to the vest.

4. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the impedance sensor comprises a substantially flat substrate having the source, guard ring and probe arranged in a single plane, wherein the source is positioned at a central portion of the substrate, the guard ring is spaced apart from the source and forms a circumferential barrier around the source, and the probe is spaced apart from the guard ring and forms a semicircle around a portion of the guard ring.

5. The medical treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological parameters include the patient's weight, height, age, and clinical condition.

6. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the initial frequency range is scanned by selecting and measuring multiple frequencies one at a time within the initial frequency range, using a time-sequence-based frequency hopping technique, wherein each subsequent frequency is at a minimum distance from the preceding frequency.

7. The medical treatment system of claim 6, wherein a vernier technique is used to select the frequency to increase the selectivity of frequencies near the target region.

8. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the treatment regimen is modified by increasing or decreasing one or both of the intensity and duration.

9. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the wearable medical treatment device is a cough assist device configured to manipulate the air pressure in the patient's lungs to expel secretions.

10. The medical treatment system of claim 1, wherein the wearable medical treatment device is a peristaltic device configured to facilitate the drainage of fluid from the patient's leg.

11. A pulmonary physiotherapy system, the system comprising: A wearable chest percussion device for removing mucus buildup from the airways of human patients, the device comprising: Clothing that fits snugly against the patient's chest cavity; At least one frame element, the at least one frame element comprising a flat rigid layer attached to the outer surface of the garment; A plurality of electromechanical actuators held by the at least one frame element, wherein the electromechanical actuators are positioned to provide intermittent percussion to the thoracic cavity; and An electronic controller and a power supply, operatively connected to the plurality of electromechanical actuators, for generating and modulating electrical signals to excite the at least one actuator; A plurality of impedance sensors positioned close to the plurality of electromechanical actuators, the impedance sensors comprising: Source electrode; A guard ring, spaced apart from the source electrode and circularly surrounding the source electrode; and A probe electrode, the probe electrode forming a semicircle around a portion of the protective ring; and a computing device communicating with the wearable chest percussion device and the plurality of impedance sensors, the computing device comprising: Processing equipment; and Storage device, the storage device comprising: This includes data storage for physiological parameter lookup tables; and Instructions, when executed by the processing device, cause the computing device to perform the following operations: a) Determine the initial probe frequency range based on the patient's physiological parameters and the lookup table; b) Send commands to the plurality of impedance sensors to scan the initial probe frequency range using vernier technology; c) Identify the patient's resonant points; d) Sending commands to the wearable chest percussion device to initiate the treatment protocol; e) Using the plurality of impedance sensors, the respiratory cycle of the patient and the efficacy of the treatment regimen are monitored by measuring the change of impedance over time, dividing the analysis into analysis cycles consistent with the patient's respiratory cycle, and recording the impedance measurement during the end-inspiratory peak volume. f) Create a measurement matrix representing the impedance measurements between the impedance sensor pairs; g) Analyze the measurements to determine the efficacy of the treatment regimen on the physiological regions of the pleural cavity in relation to the sensor location; and h) Based on the results of step g), adjust or modify the treatment regimen by adjusting the time, intensity, and / or frequency; and i) Return to step e) and repeat until the treatment reaches a measurable metric or has ended.

Images