Systems and methods for aligning sensors across the chest of a target patient.

Abstract

A device is provided for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor in a target region spanning a thorax of a target individual, the device comprising: a rear positioning element including: a collar sized and shaped for fitting at the base of a shoulder line and a posterior portion of the neck of the target individual; and an elongated element having a first end region and a second end region, the first end region being connected to the collar, the second end region having a location marker configured to correspond to a target anatomical feature of the spine of the target individual; wherein, in use, the elongated element is positioned parallel to and above a long axis of the spine on the back of the target individual, and at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor are positioned relative to the rear positioning element on the thorax of the patient to transmit and / or sense the target region.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 850,572, filed May 21, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technical Field and Background Technology

[0004] In some embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to sensor alignment, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to systems and methods for aligning sensors across the chest of a target patient.

[0005] Sensor alignment can affect the accuracy of measurements of target tissues located inside the body of an individual, for example, in measurement systems based on the transfer of energy through target tissue between two sensors located at different parts of the body, or using a single sensor (e.g., a transceiver that receives, transmits, and / or receives its own reflected signals). Errors in sensor alignment for accurate measurements can occur during sensor placement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, an apparatus for locating at least one front sensor and one rear sensor in a target region spanning a thorax of a target individual, the apparatus comprising: a rear positioning element including: (i) a ring sized and shaped for fitting at the base of a shoulder line and a posterior portion of the neck of the target individual; (ii) an elongated element having a first end region and a second end region, the first end region being connected to the ring, the second end region having a location marker configured to correspond to a target anatomical feature of the spine of the target individual; wherein, when in use, the elongated element is positioned parallel to and above a long axis of the spine on the back of the target individual, and at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor are positioned relative to the rear positioning element on the thorax of the patient to transmit and / or sense the target region.

[0007] According to a second aspect, a method for positioning at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor across a target region of a chest of a target individual, the method comprising: providing the device according to an embodiment of the first aspect; positioning the collar of the rear positioning element on the shoulder line and / or the base of the neck of the target individual; positioning the position mark of the elongated element of the rear positioning element at a predefined anatomical mark location of a spine of the target individual; positioning the arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism above a shoulder of the target individual such that at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor coupled to the retaining mechanism are positioned across the thorax; and adjusting the position of a tag element coupled to the elongated front portion of the retaining mechanism at a predefined anatomical location on the chest.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the device further includes: a retaining mechanism designed to be coupled to the rear positioning mechanism, the retaining mechanism including: (i) a generally arcuate portion for mounting above a shoulder of the target patient; (ii) an elongated front portion for connecting at least one front sensor to contact a chest of the target individual; and (iii) an elongated rear portion for connecting at least one rear sensor to contact a back of the target individual; wherein, when in use, the position of the retaining mechanism is set relative to the positioned rear positioning element, and through the retaining mechanism, the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor are positioned relative to the rear positioning mechanism on the patient's thorax, thereby transmitting and / or sensing the target region.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the device further includes: a non-transitory memory storing code that, when executed by at least one hardware processor of a computing device, causes the at least one hardware processor to: control the activation of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor, receive the outputs of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor, and calculate an estimate of a fluid content within the target tissue of the target individual based on the outputs of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the rear positioning element has an approximate Y shape, the collar has a shape with a short upper arm approximating the Y shape, and the elongated element of the rear positioning element has a shape with a long arm approximating the Y shape.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the retaining mechanism is shaped as a U-shape having a first arm shorter than a second arm, the front portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the first arm of the U-shape, the rear portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the second arm, and the arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the curve of the U-shape.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the rear positioning element further includes: an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between the holding mechanism and the elongated element of the rear positioning element.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of stop station selectors arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, each of the stop station selectors being set at a predefined position of the holding mechanism to set a different distance of the holding mechanism relative to the elongated element of the rear positioning element.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, each of the plurality of stop station selectors corresponds to a combination of at least one physical and / or anatomical patient parameter.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the holding mechanism in a two-dimensional plane substantially parallel to the back of the target individual.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the anterior element includes at least one tag element configured for use when the at least one tag element is positioned at a defined anatomical marker location on the target individual, and the at least one anterior sensor is positioned relative to the chest at a location corresponding to the target region.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the defined anatomical landmark location is selected from the group consisting of the suprasternal notch, clavicle, and sternum.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the size and shape of the retaining mechanism and the rear positioning element are configured to position the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor across the target region located within at least one location, the at least one location being selected from the group consisting of the left lung, right lung, right middle lobe, right upper lobe, right lower lobe, left upper lobe, right lower lobe, heart, trachea, and combinations thereof.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the device further includes: at least one front sensor positioning element coupled to the at least one front sensor to adjust an orientation of the at least one front sensor to contact the chest of the target individual corresponding to the target region, the at least one front sensor positioning element being coupled to the front portion of the holding mechanism and / or at least one rear sensor positioning element being coupled to the at least one rear sensor to adjust an orientation of the at least one rear sensor to contact the back of the target individual corresponding to the target region, and the at least one rear sensor positioning element being coupled to the rear portion of the holding mechanism.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the retaining mechanism includes a plurality of rigid regions connected by a plurality of spring-loaded hinges, the plurality of spring-loaded hinges being designed to adjust a distance between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor, and to apply a spring force to push the at least one rear sensor and / or the at least one front sensor toward the chest of the target individual.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the size and / or shape of the collar is configured to be an arc shape of about 40 to 60 degrees covering the rear portion of the neck of the target individual.

[0022] In further embodiments of the first and second aspects, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic (EM) transmitters and / or receivers, ultrasonic transmitters and / or receivers, radio frequency (RF) transmitters and / or receivers, therapeutic elements, chemical injectors, and imaging elements.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the retaining mechanism is made of an elastic material for increasing the distance between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor to accommodate the thorax, and for forcing the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor toward each other, wherein, when in use, the retaining mechanism applies force to the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor abutting against the thorax at a location corresponding to the target area.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the device is configured to position the at least one posterior sensor approximately 2 to 9 centimeters medial to a long axis of the spine and approximately 8 to 30 centimeters below an upper end of a vertebral protrusion of the target patient.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the sensor is an electromagnetic transducer, and approximately 30% of the effective electromagnetic capture and / or transmission area of ​​the electromagnetic transducer is located at the set position.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the device further includes: a plurality of additional sensors for calculating a distance between the front sensor and the rear sensor when using the device.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the method further includes: transmitting electromagnetic energy across the chest and through the target region of the target individual between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor; measuring the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the target region; and calculating a fluid content in the target region.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the method further includes: selecting one of the plurality of stop stations of the retaining mechanism relative to the elongated element of the rear positioning element, based on one of a plurality of stop stations corresponding to a combination of at least one anatomical and / or physical dimensions of the thorax of the target individual.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the first and second aspects, the retaining mechanism is connected to the rear positioning element via a connector inserted into one of the plurality of stop stations.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to this invention. While methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of this invention, the methods and / or materials described below are exemplary. In case of any conflict, the patent specification (including definitions) shall prevail. Furthermore, these materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be restrictive.

[0031] The implementation of the methods and / or systems of embodiments of the present invention may involve manually, automatically, or in combination thereof, performing or completing selected tasks. Furthermore, according to the actual instruments and equipment of embodiments of the methods and / or systems of the present invention, some selected tasks may be implemented using an operating system via hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0032] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented as a chip or circuit. As software, the selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented as a plurality of software instructions executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of the methods and / or systems described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or non-volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data, such as a magnetic hard disk and / or removable media. Optionally, a network connection is also provided. A display and / or a user input device, such as a keyboard or mouse, is also optionally provided. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Some embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now to the details of the drawings, it should be emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and are intended to illustrate embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the accompanying drawings are provided to enable those skilled in the art to clearly understand how to implement embodiments of the invention.

[0034] In the attached diagram:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a device for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across a thorax of a target individual according to some embodiments of the present invention, the device being used to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from a target region of the target individual;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exemplary embodiment of a device for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across a chest cavity of a target patient, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a separate retaining mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the retaining mechanism is not connected to the rear positioning element;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a side view of the device when it is not in use, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the retaining mechanism is depicted at a maximum distance between the front sensor and the rear sensor and / or during use;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a rear positioning element according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the retaining mechanism is connected to the rear positioning element via a connector;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a retaining mechanism of a device, independent of the rear positioning element, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figures 9A to 9C These are schematic diagrams and / or images illustrating examples of positioning devices on a target individual according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across a chest cavity of a target individual, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a collar for height positioning in a rear positioning mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a schematic close-up view of a collar for height positioning in a rear positioning mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the invention relates to sensor alignment, and more specifically, but not limited to, systems and methods for aligning sensors across the chest of a target patient.

[0048] One aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a device for positioning anterior and / or posterior sensors in a target region across the chest of a target individual, such as an electromagnetic (EM) transceiver (or other examples described herein) for sensing intrapulmonary fluid in a patient. The device includes elements designed to be positioned at corresponding anatomical landmark locations. The device is configured such that the anterior and / or posterior sensors are correctly positioned to sense the target region of the thoracic cavity when the elements are located at the anatomical landmark locations. The device includes a posterior positioning element comprising a ring designed to be applied to an anatomical location at the base of the posterior side of the shoulder line / neck, and an elongated element having a location marker in its base region (e.g., a notch), the elongated element being designed to be positioned on the spine of the target individual (in the back, e.g., at a specific vertebra), for example, parallel and / or along the long axis of the spine and / or on selected anatomical features of the spine, e.g., a specific vertebra. Optionally, the distance between the posterior sensor and the spinal anatomical feature closest to the posterior sensor is set. When the posterior positioning element is positioned, a selective holding mechanism coupled to the posterior positioning element is located in a predefined position, wherein the posterior and / or anterior sensors connected to the holding mechanism are positioned across the patient's thorax corresponding to the target region. The holding mechanism may be approximately U-shaped, selectively including a basic arcuate element designed to fit on the patient's shoulder, an elongated front portion for connection to the anterior sensor, and an elongated rear portion for connection to the posterior sensor. The sensors may be activated to transmit energy to the target region and / or sense energy from the target region, for example, transmitting EM energy to the lungs to calculate the fluid volume in the lungs. Alternatively, the holding mechanism may not be used, and the operator may manually hold the sensors in place based on the relative position between the sensors and the posterior positioning element. In another embodiment, the operator places a marker (e.g., a sticker made using a marker) on the patient's thorax based on the relative position between the sensors and the posterior positioning element, and then places the sensors on the marker using different securing mechanisms and / or manually.

[0049] Selectively, when the tag element and / or collar and / or position mark on the elongated element of the posterior positioning element are placed at their respective target anatomical locations (as described herein), the number of the anterior and / or posterior sensors is approximately 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, or other values ​​or ranges using reference values ​​or other values ​​at the target location corresponding to the target area for sensing and / or treatment.

[0050] Optionally, the device includes a tag element coupled to the front portion of the holding mechanism. The tag element is configured such that, in use, it is positioned at the patient's suprasternal notch, with the front sensor located in the correct anatomical position on the patient, for transmitting and / or receiving signals to and / or from the target area.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the device includes two tag elements (or other distance-measuring indicators or pointers) coupled to the front portion of the retaining mechanism and / or the front sensor. The tag elements are configured such that, when simultaneously positioned on the clavicle and sternum, the front sensor is in the correct anatomical position on the patient to transmit and / or receive signals from the target area. Optionally, the device is configured to apply a force pushing the sensor toward the patient's thorax, for example, a system of rigid elements connected by springs.

[0052] Selectively, the position of the retaining mechanism relative to the rear positioning element is adjustable, selectively in a two-dimensional plane substantially parallel to the back of the target individual, to accommodate thoracic cavities of different sizes.

[0053] Optionally, the posterior positioning element includes a loop designed to be positioned along the neck and / or one or both sides of the neck and / or the shoulder. The shape of the loop is adapted to fit at a target anatomical location. Optionally, the posterior positioning element includes a loop shaped to fit at a target anatomical marker location at the base of the shoulder line and / or the posterior side of the neck. The size and / or shape of the loop components can be fitted to both sides of the neck to help ensure that the loop is symmetrically fitted around the neck. The loop is optionally part of the posterior positioning element (which sets the vertical alignment of the sensor via the retaining element) and sets the height of the posterior positioning element relative to the base of the posterior side of the shoulder line / neck.

[0054] A tag element and / or location marker and / or collar (sometimes collectively referred to as a positioning element) located at the bottom of the elongated element is designed to be applied to predefined anatomical locations on the thorax of the target individual (optionally, as described herein, along the base of the suprasternal notch, spine, and posterior neck, respectively, based on visual and / or mechanical matching of the respective anatomical positioning element and anatomical marker locations). The positioning element and the mechanical element (i.e., the holding mechanism and the rear positioning element connected to the sensor) are mechanically coupled such that when the positioning element is in the appropriate anatomical location, the sensor connected to the holding mechanism is in an appropriate ideal position on the thorax relative to the target area. When the positioning element (i.e., one or more: tag elements and / or location markers and / or collars located at the bottom of the elongated element) is in the appropriate position, the front sensor and / or rear sensor are in the correct position, and the holding mechanism is in one or more slightly different orientations. The mechanical coupling of the holding mechanism and the rear positioning element can be adjusted (e.g., distance and / or orientation) such that the sensor position is adjusted relative to the positioning element.

[0055] As described herein, the retaining element can be adjusted such that the distance and / or relative position of the sensor can be changed. As described herein, the retaining element can apply force to better attach the sensor to the thorax.

[0056] One aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a method of positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across a target region of a target individual's chest. As described herein, the device may be provided. The rear positioning element is positioned on the patient's back based on a position mark at the bottom of an elongated element positioned at a target anatomical location on the spine, using a collar positioned at the shoulder line and / or base of the neck. Simultaneously, since the components of the device are connected, the elongated element of the device's rear positioning mechanism is parallel to and above the long axis of the target individual's spine. The arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism is positioned above one of the target individual's shoulders. The front sensor and / or rear sensor is positioned across the thorax. A tag element coupled to the elongated front portion of the retaining mechanism is positioned at the suprasternal notch, such that the front sensor coupled to the elongated front portion is further adjusted to cross the target individual's chest to reach the target location on the individual's chest. The sensor and / or therapeutic element can be activated to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from a target area, for example, electromagnetic (EM) energy is transmitted to the lungs and / or focused ultrasound is used for ablation and / or other options described herein. For example, the received signal can be processed to calculate the amount of fluid in the lungs. In another example, the signal can be calculated to adjust the therapeutic element, for example, adjusting the focused ultrasound. The patient can be diagnosed and / or treated based on the processed signal (e.g., based on diagnosis and / or treatment via energy transmitted through the sensor), for example, treating pulmonary edema and / or applying energy via the sensor.

[0057] As used herein, a terminology sensor may sometimes be interchangeable with a terminology therapy application element and / or may sometimes include a terminology therapy application element.

[0058] At least some embodiments of the device and / or method described herein address the technical problem of locating a sensor across a patient's chest, selectively improving the accuracy of correctly locating the sensor and / or therapeutic application elements (e.g., energy applicators for direct therapy, focused ultrasound, radiofrequency energy, radiotherapy, and / or for applying, administering, or extracting substances (e.g., via syringe or percutaneous application) and / or for imaging probes). Selectively, pressure is applied upon contact with the chest to actuate the sensor. The device can be repeatedly applied to different patients (selectively of different sizes) to accurately locate the sensor. The device can be repeatedly applied to the same patient in different treatment sessions to accurately repeat sensor positioning at the same location (within tolerances) in each session. This technical problem may involve rapid and / or easy and / or accurate positioning of the sensor across the chest to obtain measurements for patient treatment (and / or diagnostic and / or treatment monitoring) to assess fluid volume in one or both lungs of the patient.

[0059] At least some embodiments of the devices and / or methods described herein address medical problems related to treating patients, such as fluid in tissues within the thoracic cavity, such as the lungs or other tissues, transmitted via electromagnetic radiation (or other energy, such as ultrasound or electric current), directly treating target areas by applying energy (e.g., focused ultrasound, radiofrequency energy, radiation applicator), and / or selecting and / or guiding treatment based on sensor data obtained from the patient's thoracic cavity. Medical problems may relate to improving the accuracy of sensor data used to treat patients. Another medical problem may involve improving the process of acquiring sensor data. These medical problems are addressed by the device, which is easily and accurately positioned within the thoracic cavity to collect medical data for treating patients.

[0060] At least some embodiments of the device and / or method described herein address the technical problem through holding mechanisms and posterior positioning elements designed to be positioned accurately and / or repeatably at one or more anatomical landmark locations on the patient. In at least some embodiments, the device is positioned at a height relative to the base of the posterior side of the neck and transversely to the patient's spine on the back, and anteriorly relative to the patient's suprasternal notch. Once the predefined elements of the device are positioned as described herein, the anterior and / or posterior sensors (e.g., electromagnetic transceivers) can be positioned correctly relative to the anatomical landmark locations to sense target areas within the patient's body, such as the lungs.

[0061] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in application to the structural details and arrangements of the components and / or methods illustrated in the following description and / or drawings and / or embodiments. The invention can have other embodiments or be implemented or performed in various ways.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a device 100 (and / or system 100) for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across a thorax of a target individual according to some embodiments of the present invention, the device being used to transmit energy to and / or receive energy from a target region of the target individual.

[0063] The device 100 includes a rear positioning element 108, a ring 114, and a position marker located in the bottom region of an elongated element 150 of the rear positioning element 108, as described in other details herein.

[0064] Optionally, the rear positioning element 108 has an approximate Y shape, the collar has a shape with a short upper arm approximating the Y shape, and the elongated element 150 of the rear positioning element 108 has a shape with a long arm approximating the Y shape.

[0065] Optionally, the device 100 includes a retaining mechanism 102 that is connected (e.g., mechanically clamped to an integrated component using magnets) to a rear positioning mechanism 108, as described herein.

[0066] The retaining mechanism 102 is generally U-shaped and includes: a generally arcuate portion 102A (for mounting on the target patient's shoulder), an elongated front portion 102B for connecting at least one front sensor 104A to contact the chest of the target individual, and an elongated rear portion 102C for connecting at least one rear sensor 104B to contact the back of the target individual. Optionally, the position and / or orientation of the front sensor 104A and the rear sensor 104B are adjustable. Alternatively, the position and / or orientation of one sensor is fixed, while the position and / or orientation of the other sensor is adjustable; for example, the front sensor is fixed and the rear sensor is adjustable, or the front sensor is adjustable and the rear sensor is fixed.

[0067] A front sensor positioning element 106A can couple the front sensor 104A to the front portion 102B. The front sensor positioning element 106A can be designed to adjust the distance and / or orientation of the front sensor 104A in one or more degrees of freedom (e.g., six), for example, implemented as an expandable component and / or gimbal. A rear sensor positioning element 106B can couple the rear sensor 104B to the rear portion 102C. The rear sensor positioning element 106B can be designed to adjust the distance and / or orientation of the rear sensor 104B in one or more degrees of freedom (e.g., six), for example, implemented as an expandable component and / or gimbal. The front sensor positioning elements 106A and / or rear sensor positioning elements 106B can adjust the distance and / or orientation of their respective front sensor 104A and / or rear sensor 104B to conform to the shape of the surface of the thorax they contact.

[0068] Exemplary sensors 104A and / or 104B include an electromagnetic transceiver and an ultrasonic transmitter. Alternatively or additionally, sensors 104A and / or 104B are interchangeable and / or can be combined with therapeutic elements. Exemplary sensors and / or therapeutic elements 104A-B include: a therapeutic application element, an energy applicator for direct treatment, ultrasound focused by an ultrasonic transmitter, radiofrequency energy emitted by a radiofrequency transmitter, a radiotherapy applicator via a radiation element, and / or for applying, administering, or extracting substances, such as via a syringe or percutaneously, and / or for use as an imaging probe.

[0069] Sensors 104A and / or 104B can be connected to the holding mechanism 102 using manual and / or automatic extension arms (e.g., anterior and posterior sensor positioning elements 106A-B) to better conform to and / or fit a patient's thorax. The extension arms may optionally include a measuring element (e.g., a ruler, a sensor), thereby allowing the extension to be quantified to assess its impact on sensor positioning.

[0070] Sensors 104A and / or 104B may extend from their respective housings toward the body of the object to produce an effect that increases adhesion, for example, by being propelled by a spring.

[0071] The front portion 102B (or the front sensor positioning element 106A) may include a tag element 112. The tag element 112 is configured such that, in use, when the tag element contacts the suprasternal notch of the target individual, the front sensor 104A (or the front sensor positioning element 106A) is further adjusted relative to the chest to a position corresponding to the target area. The tag element 112 facilitates the accurate further adjustment of the position of the front sensor 104A.

[0072] The rear positioning element 108 includes a collar 114 located in its tail region, the collar 114 being designed for application to an anatomical position at the base of the shoulder line and / or the posterior aspect of the neck; and / or an elongated element 150 having a position marker 150A for positioning at a defined anatomically marked location on and parallel to the long axis of the spine of the target individual's back. In use, the rear positioning element 108 is configured to position the rear portion 102C of the holding mechanism in a defined position relative to the target individual, with the front sensor 104A and / or the rear sensor 104B correctly positioned to transmit energy to and / or sense energy from the target area. In use, the collar 114 sets the height of the rear positioning element 108 and replaces the height of the rear portion of the holding mechanism 102 and the rear sensor 104B.

[0073] The position mark 150A can be implemented as, for example, a notch, a hole, a mark, and / or other visually visible and / or physically unique features of the elongated element 150 of the rear positioning element 108.

[0074] The rear positioning element 108 may include an adjustment mechanism 110 for adjusting the position of the holding mechanism 102 relative to the rear positioning element 108, selectively in a two-dimensional plane substantially parallel to the back of the target individual (e.g., continuously and / or stepped). The adjustment is made to accommodate different thoracic sizes, ensuring that the front and / or rear sensors are positioned in the correct target area for different thoracic sizes. As described herein, the adjustment mechanism 110 may be integrated within the elongated element 150.

[0075] The size and shape of the retaining mechanism 102 and the rear positioning element 108 are configured to position the front sensor 104A and / or the rear sensor 104 within the target area spanning a portion, such as the left lung, right lung, right middle lobe, right upper lobe, right lower lobe, left upper lobe, right lower lobe, heart, trachea, and groups of combinations thereof.

[0076] The device 100 can be used to achieve accurate positioning of the applicator, probe, sensor, etc., at any location on the thorax of the object, including, for example, on the left side of the thorax of the object.

[0077] The positioning of device 100 on the thoracic cavity allows for the positioning of external components in relation to the internal organs of the body, such as the right lung, left lung, heart, and trachea. The positioning can be designed to avoid specific organs, such as the diaphragm, spine, and clavicle.

[0078] Variations to the device 100 include, for example, replacing and / or including, in place, an applicator and / or therapeutic element and / or probe in addition to the front and / or rear sensors, a single sensor located on the front and / or back side, or multiple sensors located on the front and / or back side.

[0079] Other additional optional components that can be connected to device 100 are now described.

[0080] Optionally, device 100 includes and / or is connected to a computing device 116, such as one or more: servers, cloud computing, mobile devices, desktop computers, virtual machines, virtual servers, thin clients, smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable computers, glasses computers, and watch computers. Computing device 116 may be integrated into device 100 (all or some of its components and / or features). Computing device 116 may be implemented as an add-on to existing workstations and / or other devices, for example, for presenting a GUI created from the processing of sensor data.

[0081] The computing device 116 may receive the outputs of sensors 104A and / or 104B (e.g., raw signals and / or processed signals, such as digital signals converted from analog measurements generated by the sensors), selectively via one or more sensor interfaces 130, such as wired connections (e.g., physical ports, such as cables connecting sensors and ports), wireless connections (e.g., antennas), local buses, ports for connecting data storage devices, network interface cards, other implementations of physical interfaces, and / or virtual interfaces (e.g., software interfaces, virtual private network (VPN) connections, application programming interfaces (APIs), and software development kits (SDKs).

[0082] The device 100 may be made of materials including, for example, plastics, metals, rubber parts, nylon, silicone, PU polyurethane, polycarbonate, ABS, ABS (separate from PC), PC-ABS and combinations thereof, depending on mechanical performance considerations (such as stiffness, weight, durability, etc.).

[0083] The computing device 116 can control the power transfer of sensors 104A and / or 104B, for example, by sending signals via sensor interface 130. The sensor interface may optionally include electronic modules for generating and / or receiving and / or processing analog or digital sensor signals.

[0084] Computing device 116 may include: software locally stored (e.g., code 132A stored in memory 132 when executed by hardware processor 120) executing one or more computing features described herein and / or acting as one or more servers (e.g., network server, web server, computing cloud, virtual server) that provide services to one or more clients 140 and / or one or more servers 138 (e.g., references to...). Figure 1 (Described one or more actions), such as central processing of remotely collected sensor data. This service may be provided via network 136, for example, by providing software as a service (SaaS) to client terminal 140, providing client terminal 140 with an application for local download, as an add-on to a web browser and / or other sensor processing application, and / or providing functionality to client terminal 140 using a remote access session, such as through a web browser, application programming interface (API), and / or software development kit (SDK).

[0085] Selectively, the computing device 116 controls the activation of the front sensor 104A and / or the rear sensor 104B and / or receives the output of the front sensor 104A and / or the rear sensor 104B, and calculates an estimate of the amount of fluid in the target tissue (e.g., lung) of the target individual based on the output.

[0086] For example, the hardware processor 120 may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 120 may include one or more processors (homogeneous or heterogeneous), which may be configured to process in parallel, as a cluster, and / or as one or more multi-core processing units.

[0087] Memory 132 (also referred to herein as program memory and / or data storage device) stores code instructions for execution by hardware processor 120, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and / or storage devices, such as non-volatile memory, magnetic media, semiconductor storage devices, hard disks, removable storage, and optical media (e.g., DVD, CD-ROM). For example, memory 132 may store code 132A that implements one or more computing functions described herein.

[0088] The computing device 116 may include a data storage device 122 for storing data, such as signals received from sensors. The data storage device 122 may be implemented as, for example, a memory, a local hard disk, a removable storage device, an optical disk, a storage device, and / or as a remote server and / or a computing cloud (e.g., accessible via network 136).

[0089] The computing device 116 may include a data interface 134, optionally a network interface for connecting to a network 136, such as a network interface card, a wireless interface for connecting to a wireless network, a physical interface for connecting to a cable for network connectivity, a virtual interface implemented in software, network communication software providing a higher network connectivity layer, and / or one or more other implementations. The computing device 116 may use the network 136 to access one or more remote servers 138, for example, to obtain updates to code 132A and / or to obtain other data (e.g., patient medical data from the patient's EMR).

[0090] It should be noted that sensor interface 130 and data interface 134 can be implemented as a single interface (e.g., a network interface, a single software interface) and / or two independent interfaces, such as a software interface (e.g., as an API, a network port) and / or a hardware interface (e.g., two network interfaces) and / or a combination of both (e.g., a single network interface and two software interfaces, two virtual interfaces on a common physical interface, a virtual network on a common network port). The term / component sensor interface 130 may sometimes be used interchangeably with the term data interface 134.

[0091] The computing device 116 may communicate with one or more of the following devices via network 134 (or another communication channel, such as via a direct link (e.g., cable, wireless) and / or an indirect link (e.g., via an intermediate computing device, such as a server and / or via a storage device): server 138, client terminal 140 and / or sensors and / or other devices, for example, according to different architectures described herein.

[0092] The computing device 116 includes and / or communicates with a user interface 118, which includes mechanisms designed for a user to input data (e.g., input patient identity) and / or view data (e.g., analysis of signals collected by sensors). For example, exemplary user interfaces 116 include one or more of a touchscreen, a display, a keyboard, a mouse, augmented reality glasses, virtual reality glasses, and voice-activated software using speakers and microphones. User interface 116 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) presented on a display, designed for a user to input and / or view data.

[0093] Now for reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an exemplary embodiment of a device for positioning a front sensor 204A and / or a rear sensor 204B across a chest cavity of a target patient, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Multiple components of the device 200 may be based on references... Figure 1 The components of the described device 100, combined with and / or replaced therewith.

[0094] Device 200 includes a holding mechanism 202, which includes an arcuate portion 202A, an elongated front portion 202B, and an elongated rear portion 202C as described herein. The holding mechanism 202 is shaped as a U-shape with a first arm shorter than a second arm. The front portion 202B of the holding mechanism 202 corresponds to the first arm of the U-shape. The rear portion 202C corresponds to the second arm. The arcuate portion 202A corresponds to the curve of the U-shape.

[0095] An optional front sensor positioning element 206A couples the front sensor 204A to the front portion 202B. The front sensor positioning element 206A is configured to adjust the orientation of the front sensor 204A to contact the chest of the target individual corresponding to the target area, for example, by including a gimbal. An optional rear sensor positioning element 206B couples the rear sensor 204B to the rear portion 202C. The rear sensor positioning element 206B is configured to adjust the orientation of the rear sensor 204B to contact the back of the target individual corresponding to the target area, for example, by including a gimbal.

[0096] Optionally, the front sensor positioning element 206A includes a tag element 212 as described herein.

[0097] The device 200 includes a rear positioning element 208 as described herein, the rear positioning element 208 including an elongated element 250, an optional adjustment mechanism 210 and an optional collar 214.

[0098] The device 200 may include an optional extendable arm 280 as described herein to better conform to and / or adapt to the patient’s thorax.

[0099] Now for reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a separate retaining mechanism 202 according to some embodiments of the present invention, which is not connected to the rear positioning element.

[0100] Now for reference Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a side view schematic diagram of the device when not in use, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The retaining mechanism 202 includes a plurality of rigid regions (e.g., arcuate portion 202A and / or elongated front portion 202B and / or elongated rear portion 202C) connected by a plurality of spring-loaded hinges 252, the plurality of spring-loaded hinges being designed to adjust a distance between the front sensor 204A and the rear sensor 204B, and selectively apply a spring force to push the rear sensor 204B and / or the front sensor 204A toward the thorax of the target individual. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining mechanism 202 is configured to bias to cause the front sensor 204A and / or the front sensor positioning element 206A, and the rear sensor 204B and / or the rear sensor positioning element 206B to move closer to each other. For example, the retaining mechanism 202 is made of a material with elastic properties, wherein the retaining mechanisms 202 may be spaced apart to increase the distance 254 to accommodate the individual's ribcage, such as a metal with elastic properties, a plastic and / or rubber combined with a spring. In use, when the distance 254 is increased to accommodate the ribcage, the retaining mechanism 202 applies a force to cause the front sensor 204A and / or the front sensor positioning element 206A, and the rear sensor 204B and / or the rear sensor positioning element 206B to move closer to each other, which causes the front sensor 204A to press against the chest and the rear sensor 204B to press against the back.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, the front sensor positioning element 206A and / or the rear sensor positioning element 206B may include a mechanism (e.g., a spring, an inflatable member) for extending the respective sensors 204A-B from the housing toward the ribcage to produce an effect of increased contact force.

[0102] Optionally, the elongated front portion 202B and / or the elongated rear portion 202C include multiple rigid regions connected by hinges, optionally spring-loaded. Such a design can be better adapted to accommodate the shape and / or size of the thorax.

[0103] For example, other variations in structural design may include: fewer or more rigid areas, other mechanical structures that allow for changes in distance 254 and / or force, such as using tightening bands to apply force directly between sensors and / or through retaining mechanisms and / or using lead screws with similar clamp designs.

[0104] The force applied by the elements 202B-C of the holding mechanism 202 can be used to achieve proper contact with the thorax (e.g., effectively coupling energy into and / or out of the thorax, such as electromagnetic, electric, ultrasonic, etc.) and / or to achieve a stable application in which the device 200 is applied and held on the thorax.

[0105] Now for reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a device 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the holding mechanism 202 is depicted in use at a maximum distance 254 and / or a distance 254 between the front sensor 204A and the rear sensor 204B. It should be noted that, in most cases, the maximum distance may not be reached in use.

[0106] Optionally, device 200 includes one or more elements for calculating a distance 254 between front sensor 204A and rear sensor 204B when the device is in use. Exemplary elements for calculating distance 254 include: automatically measuring circumferential distance directly from a sensor located in a holding mechanism, based on information obtained from an angular or linear measurement sensor (e.g., using a potentiometer-based optical encoder or an extendable arm located in a hinge of a multi-section hinge design described herein), the holding mechanism including an adjustable component (e.g., including an extension element) that allows the position and / or orientation of the sensor relative to the holding mechanism to be adjusted in a measurable manner.

[0107] Now for reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a rear positioning element 208 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0108] The rear positioning element 208 includes an adjustment mechanism 210 for adjusting the rear portion of the retaining mechanism. Figure 6 The relative position between the retaining mechanism 202 (not shown in the image) and the rear positioning element 208. The retaining mechanism 202 can be connected to the adjusting mechanism 210 via a connector 258.

[0109] The adjustment mechanism 210 can be designed to adjust the position of the rear portion of the holding mechanism 202C within a dimension substantially parallel to the back of the target individual and / or in a two-dimensional plane substantially parallel to the back of the target individual. Optionally, the adjustment mechanism 210 is implemented as a plurality of stop selectors 210A-D arranged in a two-dimensional pattern parallel to the back of the target individual, for example, shown as “A” 210A, “B” 210B, “C” 210C, and “D” 210D. It should be noted that the connector 258 is described as connecting to a fifth stop selector. Each stop selector 210A-D (and stop selectors not shown) is positioned at a predetermined location on the elongated portion 250 of the rear positioning element 208 to set different relative positions of the rear portion of the holding mechanism 202C relative to the rear positioning element 208. For example, the position of the stop selectors can be selected to accommodate different patient groups with thicker (anterior-posterior measurement) and / or longer (head-to-toe measurement) chests.

[0110] As described herein, the tail region (i.e., facing the head) of the posterior positioning element 208 is connected to a collar 214, which is configured to fit the base and / or shoulder line of the posterior side of the target individual's neck. The size and / or shape of the collar 214 is adapted to the target anatomical location of the base and / or shoulder line of the posterior side of the neck. Optionally, the collar 214 is made of a substantially rigid material, such as plastic and / or metal, as referenced. Figure 11 Further details are described below.

[0111] In use, the posterior positioning element 208 is positioned on the back of the target individual by aligning the position markings of the elongated element 250 with the target anatomical location on the spine and / or aligning the collar 214 with the target anatomical location on the dorsal side of the neck. For vertical positioning, the posterior positioning element 208 is applied to the patient's back, wherein the collar-shaped rigid and / or semi-rigid element 214 is positioned on and rests against one or both sides of the subject's neck and / or shoulder line. The collar 214 is configured to position the posterior positioning element 208 relative to the base of the neck / shoulder line. For proper lateral positioning, the elongated element 250 is aligned with the spine; alternatively, a notch-aligned spine element can be used to allow simultaneous positioning of the spine by touch and alignment of the posterior positioning element 208. As an alternative to notch alignment, alignment with the spine can be accomplished through a hole in the posterior positioning element 208 in which a finger can be fitted to feel the spine and / or point to the markings.

[0112] In other embodiments, the lateral positioning of the rear positioning element is achieved using only symmetrical collar elements (e.g., using upper portion elements, such as 1104) to center the rear positioning element when positioned at the anatomical marker location.

[0113] Another adjustable connector 256 is designed to connect to the retaining mechanism 202 to further stabilize the retaining mechanism 202 relative to the rear positioning element 208.

[0114] Now for reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a device 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the retaining mechanism 202 is connected to the rear positioning element 208 via connectors 256 and 258. As described herein, connectors 256 and 258 may be adjustable for adjusting the position and / or orientation of the retaining mechanism 202 relative to the rear positioning element 208. Connectors 256 and 258 may form a permanent connection or may be detachable, for example, using a click mechanism.

[0115] Optionally, the rear positioning element 208 may be detachable and / or separable from the holding mechanism 202, and the correct positioning of the sensors 204A-B may be achieved by applying the positioning mechanism 208 alone to the thorax of the target individual according to the anatomical markings described herein (e.g., a collar fixed to the base of the posterior side of the neck), and by positioning the holding mechanism 202 relative to the rear positioning element 208 by mechanically coupling the holding mechanism 202 to the rear positioning element 208 as described herein, and / or by visually aligning the markings on the holding mechanism 202 with the markings on the rear positioning element 208.

[0116] The phrase "mechanical coupling" as used herein may sometimes refer to the use of elements described herein (e.g., connectors) by which the rear positioning element is used to position itself on the thoracic rim and the retaining mechanism is positioned relative to the rear positioning element, for example by mechanical connection and / or by alignment of elements, wherein the retaining mechanism and the rear positioning element do not necessarily have physical contact.

[0117] The coupling of the rear positioning element with the holding mechanism including the sensor selectively positions the rear sensor relative to the rear positioning element in order to achieve a specific predefined position of the rear sensor associated with the location of the anatomical marker.

[0118] Using the adjustment mechanism 210, the mechanical coupling can be adjusted to achieve different, determined and / or quantifiable positions of the sensor relative to the anatomical marker location.

[0119] Now for reference Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the retaining mechanism 202 of the device 200, independent of the rear positioning element, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8As shown, tag element 212 is mechanically coupled to front sensor positioning element 206A (e.g., connected to the front side of front sensor positioning element), which is connected to front sensor 204A. As described herein, the position of tag element 212 is configured such that during use, when tag element 212 is positioned at the suprasternal notch of the target individual, front sensor 204A is positioned correctly to transmit and / or receive energy from the target area of ​​the patient.

[0120] Now for reference Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a collar 114 for height positioning in a rear positioning element according to some embodiments of the present invention. The collar 1114 is attached to a portion of the rear positioning element, selectively attached to its upper (i.e., tail-direction) region, as described herein. Reference numeral 1100A is a side view of an object 1102 wearing the collar 1114. Reference numeral 1100B is a rear view of the object 1102 wearing the collar 1114. The collar 1114 includes an upper portion 1104 made of a relatively softer material, and a lower portion 1106 made of a relatively harder material. The upper portion 1104 is designed to fit against the upper rear side of the neck, and the lower portion 1106 is designed to fit against the base of the neck / shoulder.

[0121] The collar 1114 is designed as a height locator based on an anatomical marker at the base of the shoulder line and / or neck, used to define the height relative to the anatomical marker. The collar 1114 includes a lower portion 1106, the size and shape of which are adapted to be placed on the shoulder of the subject. Optionally, the height of the attached posterior positioning element is defined as approximately 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 cm or other values. The upper portion 1104 is designed to selectively position the attached posterior positioning element at the center of the neck. Optionally, the spine serves as a centering anatomical marker. Optionally, the upper portion 1104 is designed to at least partially surround both sides of the neck, to a degree sufficient to center the rear positioning element, for example, in an arc or other value of approximately 40 to 60 degrees, or approximately 80 to 100 degrees, or approximately 150 to 210 degrees, or approximately 215 to 300 degrees, or approximately 245 to 270 degrees, or approximately 245 to 315 degrees, or more than 40 degrees, or more than 50 degrees, or more than 90 degrees, or more than 120 degrees, extending around the circumference of the neck with the rear side of the neck as the center, or other range values. The upper portion 1104 is designed to conform to different sizes of necks, for example, with a diameter of approximately 6 to 18 centimeters. Optionally, the upper portion 1104 has a semi-circular design, wherein at least one area along the collar has a rigidity of less than approximately 100, 400, or 1000 kN × mm. 2 Or other values.

[0122] Now for reference Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic close-up view of a collar for height positioning in a rear positioning element according to some embodiments of the present invention. The collar 1214 is connected to the rear positioning element as described herein. The collar 1214 can be implemented as... Figure 11 The ring 1114 Figure 1 114 rings Figure 2 The collar 214 (and as shown in other figures), other implementations described herein, and / or combinations thereof.

[0123] Now for reference Figures 9A to 9C , Figures 9A to 9C These are schematic diagrams and / or images illustrating examples of a positioning device 200 depicting a target individual 970 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The device 200 is as described herein, for example, as referenced... Figures 1 to 8 As described herein, device 200 can be positioned on individual 970, for example, as referenced. Figure 10 As described herein, cable 972 connects the device to the computing device. Figure 9A This is a stereoscopic image of patient 970 wearing device 200. Figure 9B This is the front view. Figure 9C This is the rear view.

[0124] Now for reference Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for positioning a front sensor and / or a rear sensor across the thorax of a target individual, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 10 The method can be used with the device described herein, for example, as referenced. Figures 1 to 9A As shown in Figure 9c.

[0125] At point 1002, select a patient, for example, to treat them via sensors and / or to collect data via sensors.

[0126] At position 1004, an adjustment mechanism can be selectively used to select a possible preset position relative to the holding mechanism and relative to the rear positioning element. This can be selected based on chest size.

[0127] The selection of the holding mechanism can be based on various data related to the characteristics of the target individuals, such as anatomical dimensions, weight, height, chest size, physical condition, age, illness, and / or medical conditions, for example, conditions affecting the patient's anatomy. For example, for taller individuals (e.g., those exceeding 155 cm), multiple stopping stations can be selected, for example, referring to... Figure 6The lower stop station 210C or 210D is mentioned. In other examples, for objects with a chest circumference greater than a threshold, for example, if the circumferential distance between the sensors is greater than another threshold, the rightmost stop station 210B or 210D can be selected. The stop station can be automatically selected by code based on automatic (e.g., angle sensor from the hinge of the holding mechanism) or manual input of the target individual's characteristics.

[0128] In other embodiments, the holding mechanism may be of a fixed size (e.g., disposable), wherein holding elements of different sizes may be used, and the holding element may be selected for each target individual based on data relating to the characteristics of the target individual, such as anatomical dimensions, weight, height, chest size, physical condition, age, illness and / or medical conditions, such as conditions affecting the patient's anatomy.

[0129] At position 1006, the posterior positioning element is positioned on the patient's back.

[0130] Optionally, a position mark located at the bottom region of the elongated element of the rear positioning element is positioned at a target location on the spine. When the positioning mark is in place, the elongated element is parallel to and above the long axis of the target individual's spine. Alternatively or additionally, the collar of the rear positioning element is positioned at the base of the neck on the dorsal side and / or at the shoulder line of the target individual.

[0131] At position 1008, the retaining mechanism is positioned above the patient's thorax. The retaining mechanism may be positioned on the patient's left or right side.

[0132] The arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism is positioned on the left or right shoulder of the target individual, thereby positioning the front and rear sensors across the chest cavity.

[0133] In one example, the device is configured to position the posterior sensor approximately 2 to 9 centimeters medial to the long axis of the spine and approximately 8 to 30 centimeters below the upper end of the vertebral prominence of the target patient, for example, when the sensor is an electromagnetic sensor and approximately 30% of the effective electromagnetic capture and / or transmission area of ​​the electromagnetic sensor is within the set target area.

[0134] It should be noted that 1006 and 1008 can be performed substantially simultaneously and / or repeatedly and / or sequentially, for example, by connecting the retaining mechanism to the connector of the rear positioning element, 1006 is performed first and then 1008 is performed.

[0135] At 1010, the position of the tag element of the retaining mechanism is adjusted to the suprasternal notch, placing the anterior sensor in the correct anatomical position.

[0136] At point 1012, energy (e.g., RF, EM, ultrasound) can be transmitted from the front and / or rear sensors to a target area of ​​the target individual, such as the lungs, lung lobes, anatomical regions of the lungs, heart, trachea, and / or other locations. The energy can be transmitted for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes (e.g., ablation).

[0137] At 1014, the front sensor and / or rear sensor measure the energy transmitted through and / or reflected from the target region.

[0138] At 1016, one or more values ​​are calculated based on the output of the sensor, such as the amount of fluid in the target area (e.g., the lung, the base of the lung), and / or instructions for adjusting the applied therapeutic energy.

[0139] At 1018, the target individual (i.e., the patient) can be diagnosed and / or treated based on calculated values, for example, by treating to remove excess fluid from the lungs and / or by ablation energy.

[0140] It is anticipated that many related sensors will be developed during the patent term of this application, and the scope of the term "sensor" will encompass all such new technologies.

[0141] As used in this article, the term "about" means ±10%.

[0142] The terms “including,” “contains,” “comprising,” “having,” and their variations mean “including but not limited to.”

[0143] The term "composed of" means "including and limited to".

[0144] The term "consistently made of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or portions, provided that such additional ingredients, steps and / or portions do not materially alter the basic and novel features of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0145] As used herein, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. For example, the terms “compound” or “at least one compound” can include a variety of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0146] In this application, various embodiments of the invention are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the range description should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges and the individual values ​​within those ranges. For example, a description of a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges, such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., and individual numbers within that range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0147] Whenever a range of numbers is indicated herein, it is intended to include any referenced numbers (fractions or integers) within the indicated range. The phrases “range between the first indicated number and the second indicated number” and “range from the first indicated number to the second indicated number” are used interchangeably herein and are intended to include the first indicated number and the second indicated number, as well as all decimals and integers in between.

[0148] As used herein, the term “method” refers to the manner, means, techniques, and procedures used to accomplish a given task, including but not limited to those known or readily developed from known manner, means, techniques, and procedures, and techniques and procedures employed by practitioners in the fields of chemistry, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, and medicine.

[0149] As used herein, the term “treatment” includes eliminating, substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially improving the clinical or aesthetic symptoms of a condition, or substantially preventing the occurrence of the clinical or aesthetic symptoms of a condition.

[0150] It should be understood that, for clarity, certain features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or in embodiments suitable for any other description of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiments would be inoperable without these elements.

[0151] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, any reference or designation of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art to the invention. The use of section headings should not be construed as necessarily limiting. Additionally, any priority documents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A device for locating a front sensor and / or a rear sensor in a target region spanning the thorax of a target individual, characterized in that: The device includes: A rear positioning element, including: (i) A ring, the size and shape of which are used to fit at the base of a shoulder line and a rear part of a neck of the target individual; (ii) An elongated element having a first end region and a second end region, the first end region being connected to the collar, and the second end region having a location mark, the location mark being configured to correspond to a target anatomical feature of the spine of the target individual. In use, the elongated element is positioned parallel to and above a long axis of the spine on the back of the target individual, and at least one front sensor and / or at least one rear sensor is positioned relative to the rear positioning element on the thorax of the target individual to transmit and / or sense the target region; and A retaining mechanism is designed to be coupled to the rear positioning element, the size, shape, and arrangement of the retaining mechanism and the rear positioning element being adapted to position the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor in the target area.

2. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism includes: (i) An arc-shaped portion for fitting above one shoulder of the target individual; (ii) an elongated front portion for connecting the at least one front sensor to contact a chest of the target individual; and (iii) An elongated rear portion for connecting the at least one rear sensor to contact a back of the target individual; When in use, the position of the holding mechanism is set relative to the rear positioning element after positioning, and the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor are positioned relative to the rear positioning element on the thorax of the target individual through the holding mechanism, thereby transmitting and / or sensing the target area.

3. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes: a non-transitory memory storing code that, when executed by at least one hardware processor of a computing device, causes the at least one hardware processor to: control the activation of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor, receive the outputs of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor, and calculate an estimate of a fluid content in a target tissue of the target individual based on the outputs of the at least one rear sensor and the at least one front sensor.

4. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The rear positioning element has an approximate Y shape, the collar has a short upper arm shape approximate to the Y shape, and the elongated element of the rear positioning element has a long arm shape approximate to the Y shape.

5. The device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism is shaped as a U-shape with a first arm shorter than a second arm, the front portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the first arm of the U-shape, the rear portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the second arm, and the arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism corresponding to the curve of the U-shape.

6. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The rear positioning element further includes: an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a distance between the holding mechanism and the elongated element of the rear positioning element.

7. The device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of stop station selectors arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, each of the stop station selectors being set at a predefined position of the holding mechanism to set a different distance of the holding mechanism relative to the elongated element of the rear positioning element.

8. The device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of stop station selectors corresponds to a combination of at least one physical and / or anatomical patient parameter.

9. The device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the holding mechanism in a two-dimensional plane that is substantially parallel to the back of the target individual.

10. The device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The elongated front portion includes at least one tag element configured to be positioned at a defined anatomical landmark location on the target individual when in use; and the at least one front sensor is positioned relative to the chest at a location corresponding to the target region.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The defined anatomical landmarks are selected from the group consisting of the suprasternal notch, clavicle, and sternum.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The target region is located in at least one location selected from a group consisting of the left lung, right lung, right middle lobe, right upper lobe, right lower lobe, left upper lobe, right lower lobe, heart, and trachea.

13. The device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The device further includes: at least one front sensor positioning element coupled to the at least one front sensor to adjust an orientation of the at least one front sensor to contact the chest of the target individual corresponding to the target region; the at least one front sensor positioning element being coupled to the front portion of the holding mechanism and / or at least one rear sensor positioning element being coupled to the at least one rear sensor to adjust an orientation of the at least one rear sensor to contact the back of the target individual corresponding to the target region; and the at least one rear sensor positioning element being coupled to the rear portion of the holding mechanism.

14. The device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism includes multiple rigid regions connected by multiple spring-loaded hinges, which are designed to adjust a distance between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor and to apply a spring force to push the at least one rear sensor and / or the at least one front sensor toward the chest of the target individual.

15. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The size and / or shape of the collar is configured to be an arc shape of 40 to 60 degrees covering the rear part of the neck of the target individual.

16. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The front sensor and the rear sensor are selected from the group consisting of electromagnetic (EM) transmitters and / or receivers, ultrasonic transmitters and / or receivers, radio frequency (RF) transmitters and / or receivers, therapeutic elements, chemical injectors and imaging elements.

17. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism is made of an elastic material that increases the distance between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor to accommodate the thorax and forces the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor toward each other, wherein, when in use, the retaining mechanism applies force to the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor abutting against the thorax at a position corresponding to the target area.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The device is configured to position the at least one posterior sensor between 2 and 9 centimeters inside a long axis of the spine and between 8 and 30 centimeters below an upper end of a vertebral protrusion of the target individual.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that: The front sensor and the rear sensor are electromagnetic transducers, and 30% of the effective electromagnetic capture and / or transmission area of ​​the electromagnetic transducers is located at a set position.

20. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes: a plurality of additional sensors for calculating a distance between the front sensor and the rear sensor when using the device.

21. A method for positioning at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor in a target region spanning the chest of a target individual, characterized in that: The method includes: Provide the device of claim 2; Position the collar of the rear positioning element on the shoulder line and / or the base of the neck of the target individual; The position mark of the elongated element of the post-positioning element is positioned at a predefined anatomical mark location on a spine of the target individual; Positioning the arcuate portion of the retaining mechanism above one shoulder of the target individual, such that at least one front sensor and at least one rear sensor coupled to the retaining mechanism are positioned across the thorax; and Adjust the position of a tag element coupled to the elongated front portion of the retaining mechanism at a predefined anatomical location on the chest.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that: The method further includes: transmitting electromagnetic energy across the chest and through the target region of the target individual between the at least one front sensor and the at least one rear sensor; measuring the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the target region; and calculating a fluid content within the target region.

23. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that: The method further includes: selecting one of the plurality of stop stations of the holding mechanism relative to the elongated element of the rear positioning element, based on one of a plurality of stop stations corresponding to a combination of at least one anatomical and / or physical dimensions of the thorax of the target individual.

24. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that: The retaining mechanism is connected to the rear positioning element via a connector that is inserted into one of the plurality of stop stations.

Images