Patient Monitoring Devices

Abstract

The patient monitoring device includes a housing including a first opening, a snap located in the first opening for connecting an electrode through the first opening, and a dielectric potting compound covering the snap. A method of manufacturing the patient monitoring device includes attaching wires to the snap, providing a housing, providing a substrate including a connector and circuit components, installing the snap in the housing, installing the substrate in the housing, providing the dielectric potting compound on the housing such that the dielectric potting compound covers the snap and the substrate, and curing the dielectric potting compound.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient-worn monitoring device that is temporarily affixed or adhered to the skin of a patient. [Background technology]

[0002] Many different types of patient monitoring systems require a direct electrical interface to the patient's skin. In some applications, the direct electrical interface to the patient's skin senses an electrical signal present at the skin location. In yet other applications, the direct electrical interface applies a current stimulation signal to the skin location. As such, patient monitoring systems generally require a patient-worn sensor assembly that detects, records, and communicates patient data. As such, the patient-worn sensor assembly may include several structural features that may provide high signal quality, low signal noise, improved patient comfort, high reliability, and high adhesion to the patient's skin.

[0003] Patient-worn sensors may receive vital signs information such as blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rhythm, heart rate, blood glucose levels, and hydration (bioimpedance) levels. Patient-worn sensors may also track and record additional information about the patient, such as the patient's movements, activities, and sleep patterns.

[0004] A conventional patient-worn sensor collects information sensed on the patient's skin and wirelessly transmits data to another device of a monitoring system (e.g., a bedside monitor, a tablet device, a cell phone, a central processing server, etc.), which in turn may be connected to a network system in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or home-based monitoring system. Such a patient-worn sensor may include an adhesive electrode assembly with multiple individual electrodes attached to the patient's skin, a sensor assembly that contains all of the sensing, processing, and communication electronics, and a power source within the on-board sensor-transmitter device. In this conventional patient-worn sensor, the electrode assembly provides the direct electrical interface, an adhesive for attachment to the patient's skin, and a platform to which the sensor assembly is connected and supported.

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a conventional patient-worn sensor of an ECG monitoring system, including an adapter-sensor assembly 1000 with a separate adapter 1110 and sensor 1120, as well as several leads for connecting to the patient's skin. The two-piece adapter-sensor assembly 1000 includes a sensor 1120 attached to the adapter 1110. The adapter 1110 can be attached to the patient's skin by adhesive monitoring electrodes. As shown in FIG. 1, the leads can include, for example, a Mod lead for sensing respiration sensing, as well as ECG leads, such as RA, LL, and V leads. The leads are located at the end of a cable that is connected to the adapter-sensor assembly 1000. The leads snap onto electrodes that are adhered to the patient's skin. As described below, the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 includes a snap 1111 at the rear that attaches to the electrodes. As shown, the patient-worn sensor can also include a pulse oximeter (ox) sensor 1131 that can be clipped onto the patient's finger to measure oxygen saturation. FIG. 2 shows that the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 can be attached to the patient's chest 1180 with the cable 1140 connected to a lead attached to a site near the patient's waist on the patient's right hand side. The cable 1130 for the pulse ox sensor 1131 is attached to the patient's left hand side. Conventional patient-worn sensors are awkward because the pulse ox sensor cable 1130 is attached only to the left side of the patient-worn sensor, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, routing the pulse ox sensor 1131 to the patient's right hand in the configuration shown in FIG. 2 requires awkward routing of the cable 1130 over or around the top of the adapter-sensor assembly 1000, resulting in unnecessary excessive slack in the wiring.

[0006] All patient-worn sensors must be comfortable for the patient, and the components must be flexible, small in size, chemically inert, resistant to disinfectants, non-toxic, hypoallergenic to the human body, easy to use, rugged enough to survive impacts from being dropped, and provide one or more methods for attachment to the patient.

[0007] Conventional patient-worn sensors can have adhesion and electrical contact issues, i.e., they need to be reliable and maintain contact with the patient throughout all normal conditions of use, e.g., while the patient is moving. Additionally, they need to minimize changes on the electrodes due to patient movement that induce mechanical stress on the electrodes or patient contacts.

[0008] FIG 3 is a perspective view of a conventional adapter 1110, and FIG 4 is a perspective view of a conventional sensor 1120. The adapter 1110 may include a push tab 1114, a socket connector (hidden in the figure but located near the push tab 1114), an arm 1116, and an area to which the lead cable 1140 and the cable 1130 of the pulse ox sensor 1131 are attached. The socket connector receives a mating electrical connector 1123 on the sensor 1120. The push tab 1114 on the adapter 1110 is used in conjunction with the push tab 1124 on the sensor 1120 to mate and detach the sensor 1120 from the adapter 1110. The arms 1116 are located on opposite sides of the adapter 1110 to align and secure the sensor 1120.

[0009] 4, the sensor 1120 can include an electrical connector 1123 and a push tab 1124. The electrical connector 1123 plugs into a socket connector on the adapter 1110 and is used to send and receive power and electrical signals between the sensor 1120 and the adapter 1110. As shown, the sensor 1120 also includes a receptacle 1125 that can be used to charge a battery (not shown) in the sensor 1120 or to send / receive data when the sensor 1120 is not connected to the adapter 1110.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates how the sensor 1120 is aligned by the arm 1116 of the adapter 1110 and engages the connector 1123 with the socket connector of the adapter 1110. MoveAs shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 1120 slides into the adapter 1110 from above. Sensor 1120 The pulse ox cable 1130 needs to be on the side of the adapter 1110 to avoid interference with the sensor 1120 as it slides into the adapter 1110. Because the pulse ox cable 1130 is on the side of the adapter 1110, the sensor 1120 can only be used on the patient's left arm. Figure 6 shows the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 with the sensor 1120 in place and fully engaged with the adapter 1110.

[0011] Figure 7 shows a rear view of the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 showing two snaps 1111-RL and 1111-LA surrounded by soft boots 1119 embedded in the rear of the adapter 1110 that connect to the RL and LA electrodes, respectively. Figures 8A-8C show a conventional skin electrode 1141 placed on a patient's chest and a conventional approach to avoid pop-off problems that can occur when a patient's skin stretches during movement, causing relative movement between conventional skin electrodes.

[0012] A conventional skin electrode assembly is connected by an electrical wire and a corresponding cable of a monitoring system. In this conventional skin electrode assembly, the patient application assembly generally includes an electrode assembly having one or more electrodes that can be adhered to the patient's skin, and an associated connector assembly having a number of contacts associated with the one or more electrodes of the electrode assembly. The connector assembly can be connected to a monitoring system lead and provide an electrical connection between the one or more electrodes of the electrode assembly and the sensing and processing circuitry of the monitoring system.

[0013] FIG. 8A shows two adjacent electrodes 1141 positioned to be placed on the patient's chest and attached to snaps 1111 embedded in the rear of a conventional adapter 1110 as shown in FIG. 7. The adapter 1110 snaps onto the skin-mounted electrodes 1141, and the soft boot 1119 absorbs motion caused by bending by the patient's skin and may absorb shock from motion due to other patient movements such as walking, running, rolling over, etc. Additionally, the soft boot 1119 also absorbs momentary mechanical shock to the snaps 1111 and the interconnected traces caused by snapping and unsnapping the mating snap connector of the mounting electrode 1141. The soft boot 1119 may be made using an over-molding process from a material that is less rigid than the material used to form the rest of the adapter housing, such that the soft boot 1119 is integrated with a portion of the housing of the adapter 1110 to form a unitary piece.

[0014] Once attached to the patient, the patient may be free to move, which may shift the relative location of the contacts on the patient's skin where each electrode 1141 attached to the multiple adhesive electrode pads contacts the patient. However, as shown in FIG. 8B, the skin across the upper side of the patient's chest may stretch when the patient moves their arm or shoulder, causing two adjacent electrodes 1141 to separate horizontally. As shown in FIG. 8C, the soft boot 1119 is flexible, thereby absorbing some or all of the motion between the skin-placed electrodes and the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 due to patient movement, thereby reducing adverse effects on the integrity and quality of the signal received by the electrodes 1141 of the adhesive electrode pads.

[0015] In the conventional arrangement described above, the snaps 1111 on the rear of the adapter 1110 can become dislodged from the skin-placed electrode 1141. That is, some skin electrodes can become dislodged from the adapter 1110 due to interference between the soft boot 1119 and the mating snaps 1142 on the skin-placed electrode 1141.1110 The snaps 1111 on the inside of the adapter 1110 are typically female and the mating snaps 1142 on the electrode 1141 are typically male. Furthermore, if the diameter of the holes in the soft boot 1119 is made larger to prevent such interference and resulting popping off, the snaps 1111 of the adapter 1110 may come loose from the soft boot 1119 when removing the adapter 1110 from the skin-placed electrode 1141. A detailed discussion of the popping and pop-out issues is provided with respect to FIGS. 9A-12.

[0016] 9A and 9B show two conventional skin electrode configurations. The configuration shown in FIG. 9A has a metal snap 1142A, and the configuration shown in FIG. 9B has a plastic snap 1142B. An example of a skin electrode with a metal snap is 3M RED DOT 2560, and an example of a skin electrode with a plastic snap is 3M RED DOT 2570. The skin electrode with a plastic snap 1142B can be radiolucent, i.e., transmits X-rays. FIG. 10A shows a top view of the metal snap 1142A on the left and the plastic snap 1142B on the right, and FIG. 10B shows a side view of the metal snap 1142A on the left and the plastic snap 1142B on the right. As shown in FIG. 10A and 10B, the geometries of the metal snap 1142A and the plastic snap 1142B are different, and the diameter and thickness of the plastic snap 1142B are larger than the diameter and thickness of the metal snap 1142A. Although the soft boot 1119 may work well with the metal snaps 1142A, the holes in the conventional soft boot 1119 are too small to allow the snaps 1111 of the adapter 1110 to properly engage with the plastic snaps 1142B. Thus, the skin placement electrode 1141 with the plastic snaps 1142B may easily pop off and become detached from the adapter 1110.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 11B, the size of the holes in the soft boot 1119 may be increased, where the diameter of the holes in the soft boot 1119' of the adapter 1110' is larger than the holes in the soft boot 1119 of the conventional adapter 1110 shown in FIG. 11A. While the larger hole size reduces the occurrence of the plastic snaps 1142B popping out of the soft boot 1119', the flexible soft boot 1119' with the larger holes may not be strong enough to keep the snaps in the soft boot 1119' in some circumstances. That is, the snaps 1111 tend to pop out of the soft boot 1119' with the larger holes when disengaging the adapter 1110 from the skin placement electrode 1141. An example of this failure is shown in FIG. 12, where it is shown that even with the original hole diameter of the soft boot 1119 shown in FIG. 11A, pop-out may occur if an abnormally high pulling force is applied to the snaps 1111 of the adapter 1110. do.

[0018] 13 and 14 are views of the adapter 1110 with the top cover removed. As shown, the adapter 1110 includes a connector 1123 (for connecting to the sensor 1120) placed on a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) 1121. The rigid PCB 1121 is connected to a flex (flexible) PCB 1122 by a mating pair of stacking connectors 1126 shown in FIG. 14. Although not shown, the flex PCB 1122 includes wiring and electronic components that are attached to the flex PCB 1122. The flex PCB 1122 may be partially reinforced with a stiffener. The wiring includes interconnect traces that are connected to solder pads 1127, where the ends of the wires for the leads may be directly soldered or where connectors for the leads are soldered. The wiring also includes interconnects to electrode snaps 1111 that are held by soft boots 1119.

[0019] When a patient requires defibrillation while attached to a patient monitoring device, high voltage resistors 1128 are located in the connecting wires between each electrode 1141 and the main circuitry 1129 of the adapter-sensor assembly 1000 (except for the RL lead, which is the common electrode for the right leg drive) to reduce current flow from the high voltage applied during defibrillation. The high voltage resistors 1128 (not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, but shown in FIG. 15) are placed on the flex PCB 1122 and are encased, including on the side facing the flex PCB 1122, with a dielectric material, e.g., glue (not shown). The solder pads 1127 of the wires are also covered with a dielectric material, e.g., glue, to prevent voltages from arcing between nearby solder pads 1127 or circuit components. However, the snaps 1111 are not covered with a dielectric material, e.g., glue, allowing the snaps 1111 and the soft boot 1119 to move. To minimize the chance of arcing voltages between (a) the snaps 1111 and the connecting wires between each of the snaps 1111 and the corresponding high voltage resistors 1128, and (b) other uncovered conductor surfaces, the design requires sufficient distance between (a) the snaps 1111 and the connecting wires between each of the snaps 1111 and the corresponding high voltage resistors 1128, and (b) other uncovered conductor surfaces. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the high voltage resistors 1128 are provided between the electrodes 1141 and the main circuit 1129, and the conductor surfaces within the region 1150 must be covered by an insulator or be sufficiently distant from each other. Due to the risk of arcing voltages, extra space is required around each snap 1111, which makes the adapter 1110 larger than it would be if the adapter 1110 did not require the extra space required for the high voltage resistors 1128. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0020] To overcome the above-mentioned problems, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a patient monitoring device that uses a potting compound to cover the internal circuitry while protecting the internal circuitry from high voltages and electrical arcs during defibrillation, while achieving significant weight and size reduction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient monitoring device includes a housing including a first opening, a snap located in the first opening for connecting an electrode through the first opening, and a dielectric potting compound covering the snap.

[0022] The patient monitoring device may further include a plane surrounding the first opening.The patient monitoring device may further include a protrusion defining the plane. The housing may further include a plurality of ribs spaced about the first opening. The patient monitoring device may further include a second opening, where the first opening and the second opening are vertically or substantially vertically aligned when the patient monitoring device is attached to a patient. The patient monitoring device may further include a first cavity defining the first opening and a second cavity defining the second opening.

[0023] The patient monitoring device may further include a battery pack that is detachable from the housing, the battery pack may include a battery for powering the patient monitoring device. The housing may include a first connector, the housing may align and limit an orientation in which the battery pack is detached from the first connector. The housing may include a first lock, the battery pack may include a second lock that communicates with the first lock to lock the battery pack to the housing. The battery pack may include a second connector that mates with the first connector, the battery pack may include structure to prevent insertion of an incompatible connector.

[0024] The housing may include structure to prevent insertion of an incompatible connector. The battery pack may be attached to or detached from one side of the housing. When the battery pack is attached to the housing, a portion of the housing may not overlap with the battery pack in a plan view.

[0025] The patient monitoring device may further include an antenna within a portion of the housing that does not overlap, in plan view, with the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the housing. The dielectric potting compound may not cover the antenna. The dielectric constant of the dielectric potting compound may be less than 4. The housing may further include an antenna, and the dielectric potting compound may not cover the antenna.

[0026] The patient monitoring device may further include a printed circuit board that may be located within the housing. The printed circuit board may include a hole. The dielectric potting compound may cover the printed circuit board. The patient monitoring device may further include a secondary printed circuit board within the housing, and the dielectric potting compound may be provided so as not to cover the secondary printed circuit board. The housing may include a retaining wall that extends around the printed circuit board, and the dielectric potting compound may be within the retaining wall. At least a portion of the housing may be transparent. At least one of the top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and back of the battery pack may not be opposed to the housing. The housings may be of the same shape and may each include an opening that may receive a cable or plug.

[0027] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a patient monitoring device includes attaching wires to snaps, providing a housing, providing a substrate including a connector and circuit components, installing the snaps in the housing, installing the substrate in the housing, providing a dielectric potting compound on the housing such that the dielectric potting compound covers the snaps and the substrate, and curing the dielectric potting compound.

[0028] In the method, the housing may include an opening, the snap may be located adjacent the opening, the opening may be covered prior to providing the dielectric potting compound, and the dielectric potting compound may cover the snap without flowing through the opening. In the method, the dielectric constant of the dielectric potting compound may be less than 4. The method may further include providing a secondary substrate and placing the secondary substrate in the housing, and the dielectric potting compound may be provided without covering the secondary substrate. The housing may include a retaining wall that contains the potting compound in an area surrounding the substrate.

[0029] The above and other features, elements, characteristics, steps, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 shows a conventional patient-worn sensor for an ECG monitoring system. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a conventional patient-worn sensor in contact with the patient's skin. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a conventional adapter. [Figure 4] 1 shows a conventional sensor. [Diagram 5] 1 shows a conventional adapter-sensor assembly. [Figure 6] 1 shows a conventional adapter-sensor assembly. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a rear view of a conventional adapter. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 8B] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 8C] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 9A] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 9B] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 10A] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 10B] 1 shows a conventional skin-applied electrode. [Figure 11A] Illustrates a problem with conventional adapters. [Figure 11B] Illustrates a problem with conventional adapters. [Figure 12] Illustrates the problems with conventional adapters. [Figure 13] 1 shows the internal components of a conventional adapter. [Figure 14] 1 shows the internal components of a conventional adapter. [Figure 15] 1 shows a conventional protection circuit. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates a patient monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a patient monitoring device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 shows a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 shows a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 shows a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24]1 illustrates connection features of a battery pack and chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 1 illustrates connection features of a battery pack and chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 1 illustrates connection features of a battery pack and chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31A] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31B] 1 illustrates the orientation of a patient monitoring device on a patient in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom housing of a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 2 is a view of the bottom housing of a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] 1 illustrates an assembly process for a chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45] 1 illustrates an example antenna implementation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] 1 illustrates an example antenna implementation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47A] This shows horizontal motion of the skin electrodes as the patient moves, rather than vertical motion. [Figure 47B] This shows horizontal motion of the skin electrodes as the patient moves, rather than vertical motion. [Figure 47C] This shows horizontal motion of the skin electrodes as the patient moves, rather than vertical motion. [Figure 48] 1 illustrates the use of potting compound in the housing of a chest device. [Figure 49] 1 illustrates the use of potting compound in the housing of a chest device. [Figure 50] 1 illustrates the use of potting compound in the housing of a chest device. [Figure 51] 1 illustrates the use of potting compound in the housing of a chest device. [Figure 52] 1 shows a chest device, an update cable, and a mobile device. [Figure 53]1 shows a charging station for a battery pack. [Figure 54] 1 shows a modified chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] 1 shows a modified chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56] 1 shows a modified chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 57] 1 shows a modified chest device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a patient monitoring device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, the chest device 110 of the patient monitoring device 100 may be attached to the patient's chest. However, the patient monitoring device 100 may be attached to one or more other areas of the patient's body. The patient monitoring device 100 may detect, record, store, and transmit various vital signs and other information of the patient. For example, the patient monitoring device 100 may include a number of adhesive electrodes (see, for example, FIG. 28 ) that contact the patient's skin to measure various biometric information, vital signs, and patient information, such as, but not limited to, heart rhythm, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, blood glucose level, hydration level, sweating, and bioimpedance. The patient monitoring device 100 may also track the patient's movements, movements, activities, position, posture, and physical location.

[0032] The patient monitoring device 100 may also communicate with one or more other computing devices, either by wired or wireless communication. For example, the patient monitoring device 100 may use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular communication protocols to communicate with other computing devices, such as a bedside monitor, a personal computer, a tablet device, a mobile phone, a central server, or a class-based network. As an example, the patient monitoring device 100 may transmit vital signs information collected from a patient to a tablet device or personal computer acting as a bedside monitor. The tablet or personal computer may process the received information and display the information in an easily understandable format to a caregiver or other user. For example, the tablet device may receive vital signs information from the patient monitoring device 100 via a Bluetooth connection and display the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform, as well as information regarding the patient's heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation level, body temperature, and / or other vital signs. As another example, the patient monitoring device 100 may be periodically connected to a computing device (e.g., a bedside monitor) via a wired connection to allow information collected by the patient monitoring device 100 to be stored, processed, displayed by the computing device and / or transferred to one or more other computing devices (e.g., a personal computer, a server at a hospital, a cloud storage server, etc.).

[0033] Additionally, information recorded by the patient monitoring device 100 can be transmitted to other computing devices to provide real-time or near real-time analysis of the patient's condition and to provide tracking of the patient's vital sign information over time. For example, information recorded by the patient monitoring device 100 can be transmitted to a display device to allow a caregiver to view the information and adjust the patient's care based on the information. The information can also be transmitted to a central information repository to log and store the patient's vital sign history and other information. Both the patient's real-time and vital sign history information, as well as other information, can be accessed by caregivers who are not in the same physical location as the patient. For example, vital sign information collected by the patient monitoring device 100 can be transmitted to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the patient to allow the patient to view the information. The information can also be transmitted to a central server, which can be accessed (e.g., by a personal computer or mobile device) by one or more caregivers to allow the caregivers to view the collected information and make patient care decisions for the patient from a location far away from where the patient is.

[0034] Other components that may be included as part of the patient monitoring device 100 include a power source, buttons or other input mechanisms for receiving user input, one or more audible alarms or speakers, and a light or display screen. The patient monitoring device 100 may further include input mechanisms, such as buttons, keys, or a touch screen. The input mechanisms may allow the patient or caregiver to perform various tests (e.g., sensor tests, battery power level tests, etc.) that adjust settings on the patient monitoring device 100 or reconfigure one or more alarms for the patient monitoring device 100. The input mechanisms may also allow the patient to make a distress call (e.g., to a caregiver or to a hospital alert system) if the patient is in need of assistance.

[0035] 16, the patient monitoring device 100 may include a chest device 110 for attachment to a patient, a battery pack 120 for powering the chest device 110, a pulse ox cable 130 that contacts one side of the chest device 110, and two cables 140 each connected to a different side of the chest device 110 that attach signal leads to the chest device 110. The cable 140 may be an ECG cable. The battery pack 120 may include a standard disposable battery or a rechargeable battery and is removable so that it can be replaced with a different battery pack.

[0036] FIG. 17 illustrates that the battery pack 120 is removable from the chest device 110 and makes electrical connection to the chest device 110 via a connector system that includes connectors 115 and 125, as described in more detail below.

[0037] The exterior features of the chest device 110 are described with reference to Figs. 18-20. Fig. 18 shows that the chest device 110 may be substantially rectangular with rounded corners and may be made of a clamshell structure, where a top housing is attached to a bottom housing, and contains electronic circuitry for patient monitoring and communication operations. Fig. 18 shows that the chest device 110 may include openings 113 through which cables 140 for leads and electrodes 141 and cables 130 for pulsed ox sensors 131 may be attached. The openings 113 may all have the same shape or may have different shapes. If a cable or component is not needed, a plug (not shown) may be inserted into the corresponding opening 113. For example, if the pulsed ox sensor 131 is not needed, a plug may be inserted into the opening 113 corresponding to the pulsed ox sensor 131. The plug may be a permanent plug inserted during the manufacturing or assembly process of the chest device 110, or a removable plug that can be inserted or removed as needed. For example, a combination of a customized cable and a customized chest device 110 may be made by replacing an unwanted cable with a plug and closing the opening 113 during the manufacturing or assembly process. If the opening 113 has the same shape, a plug of a different shape does not need to be prepared in the manufacturing or assembly process. FIG. 18 also shows that the chest device 110 may also include a cutout or notch 114 as an alignment feature, where the battery pack 120 is connected to the chest device 110. FIG. 19 is a diagram of the chest device 110 with the pulse ox cable 130 and the cable 140 attached through the opening 113. FIG. 20 shows that the chest device 110 may include an L-shaped arm 116 with a hole 117 provided to support, lock, and hold the battery pack 120, as will be further described below. As shown in FIG. 52, the software of the chest device 110 may be updated using an update cable 150 connected to a mobile device 160, for example.However, other computing devices may be used to update the chest device 110. In addition to, or as an alternative to, using the update cable 150, the software of the chest device 110 may be updated over the air.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 21, the battery pack 120 may be substantially rectangular with rounded corners and includes a tab 126 extending from one side of the battery pack 120. The battery pack 120 may include either a replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery in a plastic housing. If the battery pack 120 includes a rechargeable battery, the battery pack 120 may be charged using a charging station 170, for example, as shown in FIG. 53. As shown, the tab 126 may include a protrusion or detent 127 that positions and holds the battery pack 120 relative to the chest device 110. FIG. 22 shows the battery pack 120 in place and engaged with the chest device 110, where the protrusion 127 on the tab 126 of the battery pack 120 fits into a hole 117 on the L-shaped arm 116 of the chest device 110 to define a locking structure. The locking structure of the protrusions 127 in the holes 117 aids in proper orientation of the battery pack 120 relative to the chest device 110. The locking structure also secures the battery pack 120 in place relative to the chest device 110 such that a greater force is required to separate the battery pack 120 from the chest device 110 than the force with which the protrusions 127 are held in the holes 117. Thus, the amount of force that needs to be applied in the proper direction to disengage and remove the battery pack 120 while holding both devices may prevent unintentional removal of the battery pack 120 from the chest device 110. The locking structure also provides a tactile cue to the user, such as a snap or click sensation, when the protrusions 127 engage or disengage from the holes 117.

[0039] The chest device 110 does not need to be removed or discarded to replace or modify the battery pack 120. With a removable battery pack 120, the chest device 110 does not need to be removed from the electrodes since it can remain attached to the patient. If the chest device 110 is removed from the electrodes, it may be difficult to reattach the chest device 110 to the same electrodes when the electrodes are on the patient's skin. Reattaching the chest device 110 to the same electrodes while the electrodes are on the patient's skin involves perfectly or nearly perfectly aligning the snaps 111 of the chest device 110 with the snaps of the electrodes and then applying sufficient force to connect the snaps 111 of the chest device 110 to the snaps of the electrodes. In this case, the caregiver needs to use new electrodes on the chest device 110 and then use the chest device 110 on the patient. If rechargeable, the battery pack 120, when depleted, is replaced with a charged battery pack while the chest device 110 remains attached to the patient. If the battery charge of the battery pack 120 becomes too low or the battery deteriorates after multiple charging and discharging, the user can simply replace the old battery pack 120 with a new one without having to replace the chest device 110, which is relatively more expensive than the battery pack 120 because the chest device 110 contains circuit components.

[0040] FIG. 23 is a diagram of the battery pack 120 with the housing shown in perspective. As shown, the battery pack 120 may include a battery 121, a PCB 122, and a connector 125. The PCB 122 routes power and electrical signal interconnections between the battery 121 and the connector 125. The PCB 122 may be rigid or flexible and may include circuit components. Although the circuit components may include circuit components unrelated to battery functions (e.g., functions related to the chest device 110), the battery pack 120 preferably includes only circuit components related to battery functions (e.g., charging, battery status, etc.). Optionally, the power and electrical signals may be routed by separate wires or another suitable mechanism. With the arrangement shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery pack 120 can be replaced without affecting the chest device 110. That is, the battery pack 120 may have different thicknesses to accommodate different batteries that may have longer life spans or may be made with different battery technologies without the need to redesign or reconfigure the chest device 110. As shown in FIG. 22, only one of the top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and back of the battery pack 120 faces the chest device 110. Thus, the battery pack 120 may be implemented in different sizes and different forms. However, two or more of the top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and back of the battery pack 120 may face the chest device 110.

[0041] 24-26 show connection features of the battery pack 120 and the chest device 110. Figures 24 and 26 show that the battery pack 120 can include a beam 128 that protrudes from the bottom of the battery pack 120. The beam 128 is a structural feature that holds the connector 125 and covers the interconnection mechanism between the battery 121 and the connector 125.

[0042] Connector 125 may be USB-C, mini USB, micro USB, or any other suitable format. As shown in Figures 24 and 26, connector 125 may protrude from beam 128 in a direction toward tab 126. Beam 128 may also include a flange 129 located below connector 125, which also protrudes from beam 128 in a direction toward tab 126 and extends farther than connector 125. Flange 129 may have a generally flat shape and may protect connector 125 from physical damage or accidental electrical contact.

[0043] Figure 25 shows the chest device 110 with the cutout 114, the connector 115 fitted into the housing of the chest device 110, and the groove 118 in the cutout 114. Figure 26 shows the battery pack 120 positioned relative to the chest device 110. When the battery pack 120 and chest device 110 are mated as shown in Figure 22, the cutout 114 and beam 128 features provide the primary mechanism for proper orientation of the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110 for connection. That is, the inner wall, notch 114, and groove 118 of the L-shaped arm 116 of the chest device 110 restrict the relative movement of the tab 126, beam 128, and flange 129 of the battery pack 120 to one axis during engagement and disengagement of the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110, so that the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110 are properly aligned. Because the axis of movement is parallel to the insertion direction of the connector of the battery pack 120, no abnormal force is applied to the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110 during insertion or removal of the battery pack 120. This prevents stress, damage, or breakage to the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110. Different arrangements of the L-shaped arms 116, notches 114, and grooves 118 of the chest device 110 and the tabs 126, beams 128, and flanges 129 of the battery pack 120 may be used. For example, the battery pack 120 may include the notches and grooves and the chest device 110 may include the beams and flanges. Other guide structures may be used to limit the relative movement of the battery pack 120 with respect to the chest device 110 to one axis during engagement and disengagement of the battery pack 120 and the chest device 110 and / or to ensure that no irregular forces are applied to the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 and the connector 115 of the chest device 110 during insertion or removal of the battery pack 120.

[0044] Additionally, the structural orientation of the cutout 114 and connector 115 of the chest device 110 and the beam 128 and connector 125 of the battery pack 120 prevents a user from accidentally inserting another connector, reducing the risk of both electrical shock to the patient and device malfunction due to misuse. The chest device 110 only needs to engage with the battery pack 120 and the update cable 150, which may be connected to, for example, a mobile device 160, as shown in FIG. 52. The cutout 114 may be positioned to define a portion of the chest device 110 that protrudes beyond the interface of the connector 115 of the chest device 110 to prevent any other connector from being inserted into the connector 115 of the chest device 110. The width of the cutout 114 and the corresponding width of the beam 128 may be narrow enough to allow insertion of the beam 128 but prevent any other connector from being inserted into the connector 115 of the chest device 110. Other anti-misinsertion structures that prevent the insertion of an incompatible connector and / or protect the chest device 110 from damage may also be used on the chest device 110. The flange 129 may protect the battery of the battery pack 120 from damage. The flange 129 may be close enough to the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 to allow the connector 125 of the battery pack 120 to be connected to the connector 115 of the chest device 110, but also to prevent any incompatible connector from being connected to the connector 125 of the battery pack 120. Other anti-misinsertion structures that prevent the insertion of an incompatible connector and / or protect the battery of the battery pack 120 from damage may also be used on the battery pack 120. The battery pack 120 only needs to engage with the chest device 110 and the charging station 170 as shown in FIG. 53. Once fully engaged, the beam 128, the notch 114, the flange 129, and the groove 118 each fit securely. Thus, the locking structure and matching geometric arrangement of the battery pack 120 and chest device 110 ensures a highly reliable connection system.

[0045] Fig. 26 illustrates an alternative mating implementation of the sidewalls of the cutout 114 and the beam 128 that differs from those shown in Figs. 24 and 25. Fig. 26 illustrates that the sidewalls of the cutout 114 may include a recess that defines a step 114' that may receive a corresponding thickened portion 128' of the beam 128. Variations of this feature may be used to ensure that different generations of chest devices 110 and battery packs 120 can only be connected with compatible products.

[0046] The orientation of the patient monitoring device 100 on the patient is discussed below with respect to Figures 27-31B. Unlike conventional patient-worn monitoring devices in which the snaps on the adapters are oriented horizontally across the patient's chest, the snaps 111 of the chest device 110 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention are oriented vertically across the patient's chest, as shown in Figure 27. Figure 27 shows that cables can be attached to the chest device 110 at the top, bottom, and right side.

[0047] FIG 47A shows a group of skin electrodes on a patient's chest when the patient is stationary, with the top two skin electrodes 141A immediately next to each other horizontally and the bottom skin electrode 141B immediately next to the top two skin electrodes 141A vertically. As shown by the top two skin electrodes 141A in FIG 47B and FIG 47C, when the patient moves or changes arm position, the patient's skin on the chest stretches horizontally during movement, causing the top two skin electrodes 141A to separate horizontally, which can cause the top two skin electrodes 141A to separate and create stress between the corresponding adapter snaps (e.g., snaps 111) and electrodes 141A and 141B when connected to a conventional adapter. This applied stress can cause the patient-worn device to pop off the skin electrodes 141A and 141B. However, as shown in Fig. 47B and Fig. 47C with the lower skin electrode 141B relative to the upper two skin electrodes 141A, the patient's skin on the chest does not stretch vertically or does not stretch much, so there is no or little vertical movement between the lower skin electrode 141B and the upper two skin electrodes 141A. That is, as the patient moves, the skin on the patient's chest tends to stretch laterally (i.e., horizontally) rather than vertically (i.e., vertically), which reduces the chance that the chest device (e.g., chest device 110) will pop off a vertically (i.e., vertically) located snap (e.g., snap 111). Therefore, by providing the snap 111 at the rear of the chest device 110 in a vertical orientation, the stress issue between the adapter snap 111 and the electrode is eliminated or significantly reduced. The non-extensional lines along which the skin does not move during movement, as demonstrated in Figs. 47A-C, are specific to the chest and may be different in other areas of the patient's skin. Thus, different orientations of the skin electrodes can be provided according to different areas of the patient's skin.

[0048] The orientation of the patient monitoring device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 28-30. Figure 28 is a diagram of the patient monitoring device 100 attached to a patient, the ECG leads and electrodes 141, the respiratory sensing leads and electrodes 142, and the pulse ox sensor 131. As shown, the cables 140 for the ECG leads and electrodes 141 and the respiratory sensing leads and electrodes 142 are attached to the patient monitoring device 100 at the bottom and right side, and the pulse ox cable 130 for the pulse ox sensor 131 is attached to the top of the patient monitoring device 100. This orientation is further shown in Figures 29 and 30.

[0049] Figures 29 and 30 are front views of the patient monitoring device 100 as oriented when attached to a patient, showing directions toward the patient's head and feet, and toward the patient's left and right sides. Figure 30 shows the housing of the illustrated battery pack 120 and chest device 110 in a perspective view, so that the vertically oriented snap 111 on the rear of the chest device 110 is visible.

[0050] 31A and 31B show two implementations of the patient monitoring device 100 attached to a patient. Because the battery pack 120 is attached to the chest device 110 from the left side of the patient, the cable 130 for the pulse ox sensor 131 can be attached to the top of the chest device 110 instead of the side of the chest device 110. Because the cable 130 for the pulse ox sensor 131 is attached to the top of the patient monitoring device 100, the pulse ox cable 130 can be easily routed to either side of the patient. FIG. 31A shows the pulse ox sensor 131 routed to the left side and attached to the patient's right hand. FIG. 31B shows the pulse ox sensor 131 routed to the right side and attached to the patient's left hand.

[0051] 32 and 33 are diagrams of an example bottom housing 210 of a chest device 110. FIG. 32 is an interior view of the bottom housing 210 showing features used to position and seat the snaps 111. FIG. 32 shows a circular cavity 211 with a concave step and a circular opening in the center. Although the cavity 211 is used to position the snaps 111 within the bottom housing 210, other structures can be used to position the snaps 111 within the bottom housing 210. FIG. 32 also shows three ribs 213 that protrude from the inside surface of the bottom housing 210 and are located immediately adjacent to and along the perimeter of each cavity 211. The ribs 213 help position and hold the snaps 111 in the desired position during assembly until the potting compound 219 cures, as will be further described below. Alternatively, a different number of ribs 213 can be used. As shown in the rear view of FIG. 33, the recess of the cavity 211 forms a protrusion 211A on the outside of the bottom housing 210. The protrusion 211A is raised from the rear body of the bottom housing 210 and terminates in a flat surface 211B. The flat surface 211B forms a space between the rear body of the bottom housing 210 and the skin-placed electrode 141 when attached to a patient. This space formed allows the chest device 110 to be tilted slightly relative to the skin-placed electrode 141 so that the chest device 110 can freely follow the movement of the patient's skin. Thus, the bottom housing 210 does not need to have a rubber soft boot around the snap 111 as is required in conventional designs, because the structure of the bottom housing 210 allows for movement between the chest device 110 and the skin-placed electrode 141 similar to the movement provided by a conventional soft boot.

[0052] The soft boot is made by overmolding a material such as rubber onto a plastic housing. Overmolding a material such as rubber is complicated and costly. When vertically oriented electrodes 141 are used, the soft boot can be eliminated since the electrodes 141 do not need to move relative to each other. Thus, the complicated and costly manufacturing process of the soft boot is unnecessary and is eliminated by the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Eliminating the soft boot simplifies the design of the chest device 110 and reduces the size and weight of the chest device 110, which is beneficial to the patient. The cavity 211 provided in the chest device 110 is made of a sufficiently strong material and can be large enough to fit the plastic electrode snaps and securely hold the snaps 111 of the device without the problem of popping out.

[0053] 34-44 are used to explain an example of an assembly process for the chest device 110. FIG. 34 shows that wires 111A can be soldered to each snap 111. FIG. 35 shows that a PCB 112 can be provided that includes connectors 115 and mounting circuit components (not shown). The PCB 112 can be rigid and made of any suitable material. Any suitable substrate can be used in place of the PCB 112.

[0054] 36 shows that the bottom housing 210 may be provided in a clamshell configuration. The bottom housing 210 may be made of plastic or any suitable material and may be made by casting, molding, injection molding, machining, or any suitable method or combination thereof. The bottom housing 210 may include the openings 113, cutouts 114, ribs 213, and cavities 211 as previously described. The bottom housing 210 may also include a connector opening 115A for accessing the connector 115, and bosses 212 for placing the PCB 112 and attaching the top housing 310.

[0055] FIG. 37 shows two snaps 111 with wires 111A positioned in respective cavities 211 of bottom housing 210. FIG. 38 shows PCB 112 positioned in bottom housing 210, where connector 115 is on the backside (not shown). PCB 112 can be secured to bottom housing 210 by press-fit, by using fasteners or adhesive, or by heat-staking. When PCB 112 is secured to bottom housing 210, there is a space between PCB 112 and snaps 111. FIG. 39 shows that wires 111A for snaps 111 and wires 140A for cable 140 can be soldered or connected to PCB 112. When the bottom housing 210 is filled with potting compound 219 to cover the snaps 111 and PCB 112, voids may remain under the PCB 112, which may cause the chest device 110 to fail during defibrillation. The PCB 112 may include small holes that act as air vents, which reduces the risk of voids being formed by the potting compound 219. In addition to or as an alternative to using a PCB 112 with small holes, at least a portion of the bottom housing 210 and / or top housing 310 may be transparent so that any voids formed by the potting compound 219 under the PCB 112 can be seen after the chest device 110 assembly is assembled. FIG. 40 shows that the cavities 211 for the snaps 111 on the rear side of the bottom housing 210 may be covered by tape 211′ to prevent leakage of the potting compound 219 shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 41 shows that the interior of the bottom housing 210 can be filled with a dielectric potting compound 219, which is cured to cover and encapsulate the PCB 112, the snaps 111, the soldered wires 111A and 140A, and the circuit components placed on the PCB 112. The potting compound 219 can be an epoxy resin, silicone, or any other suitable material. The dielectric constant of the potting compound 219 can be less than 4. FIG. 42 shows that the tape 211′ can be removed from the rear surface of the bottom housing 210.

[0056] 43 shows that the top housing 310 may be attached to the bottom housing 210 to complete the assembly of the chest device 110. The top housing 310 may be made of plastic or any suitable material and may be made by casting, molding, injection molding, machining, or any suitable method or combination thereof. The top housing 310 may be attached to the bottom housing 210 by a press fit as it snaps into place, or using fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable method.

[0057] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the snap area during the process of applying the potting compound 219. In the assembly process shown in FIGS. 48-51, the potting compound 219 in fluid form is applied by an applicator 190 to flow under and cover the PCB 112 and to cover the snaps 111 within the cavities 211. If the bottom housing 210 is not made of rubber or soft plastic, small gaps may exist between each snap 111 and the bottom housing 210, making a perfect seal difficult or impossible. Before the potting compound 219 cures and hardens, the potting compound 219 may leak through small gaps between the contact surfaces 250 of the snaps 111 and the bottom housing 210. If this happens, the potting compound 219 may adhere to the outer surface of the snaps 111, which may prevent electrical connection between the snaps 111 and the skin-placed electrodes 141, resulting in a defective product. To prevent this defect, tape 211' is applied to the flat surface of bottom housing 210 to seal cavity 211 before the potting process. The resulting enclosed air 260 is compressed by the flowable potting compound 219, and the air pressure prevents potting compound 219 from flowing into cavity 211 and potentially causing defects in snaps 111. After potting compound 219 is cured, tape 211' is removed. Therefore, bottom housing 210 does not need to be made of a material such as rubber, since a perfect seal between snaps 111 and bottom housing 210 is not required during assembly. As mentioned above, bottom housing 210 can be made transparent, so potting process inspection can be performed on the underside of PCB 112.

[0058] Additionally, potting the internal electrical components in the bottom housing 210 saves space that would be required in a conventional design to separate the snaps 111 from possible sources of electrical arcing resulting from, for example, defibrillation. Filling space between possible sources of arcing with a dielectric material, such as potting compound 219, significantly reduces or prevents the risk of electrical arcing, allows for denser packaging of components, and reduces the overall size of the chest device 110 compared to conventional adapter-sensor assemblies. The potting compound 219 encapsulates the PCB 112 and electrical components on the PCB 112, as well as the snaps 111 and wires 111A, providing a dense, compact electrical assembly without concerns of failure during defibrillation. As a result, the smaller, lighter design provided by the chest device 110 may reduce discomfort for the patient.

[0059] 45 and 46 show examples of antenna implementations according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. To provide reliable connectivity between the patient monitoring device 100 and the remote monitoring system, the antenna of the PCB 112 needs to be free to transmit and receive wireless communications. Therefore, the antenna of the PCB 112 should not be covered by the battery, as the battery may provide a shielding effect and prevent reliable operation of the antenna. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery 121 in the battery pack 120 does not completely overlap the PCB 112 in plan view, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the PCB 112, or in a direction toward the patient when the chest device 110 is attached to the patient. For example, FIG. 45 shows the location 119 of the antenna, approximately indicated by a dashed oval on the PCB 112. FIG. 46 shows the patient monitoring device 100 with the battery pack 120 engaged with the chest device 110. Dashed lineThe square indicates approximately the location of the battery 121, which is offset to one side of the chest device 110 and does not completely overlap with the lower PCB 112 and antenna location 119 as indicated by the dashed oval. An antenna may be provided at antenna location 119 in an area of ​​the PCB 112 that is not covered by the battery 121, so that radio waves to and from the antenna are not blocked by the battery 121. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 45, the antenna location 119 also does not overlap in plan view, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the PCB 112, or in a direction toward the patient when the chest device 110 is attached to the patient, with any cabling 140A that may interfere with wireless communications.

[0060] The antenna of the PCB 112 is preferably not covered with the potting compound 219 or any other material to provide a good impedance match reproducibly during the assembly process of the chest device 110. For example, a wall feature (not shown) may be glued to the PCB 112 around the antenna before applying the potting compound 219 to maintain an open space around the antenna. However, if the antenna of the PCB 112 is covered by the potting compound 219, the potting compound 219 may preferably have a low permittivity (dielectric constant) to maximize antenna efficiency and provide a good impedance match reproducibly during the assembly process of the chest device 110.

[0061] 54-57 show a modified chest device 310 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The modified chest device 310 is similar to the chest device 110, except that the modified chest device 310 may include three separate PCBs 311, 312, 313.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 54 and Fig. 57, the modified chest device 310 may include a first PCB 311 positioned so as not to overlap the battery 321 included in the battery pack 320 in a plan view, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the PCB 311 or in a direction toward the patient when the chest device 310 is attached to the patient. Thus, the first PCB 311 may include circuit components for wireless communication, etc. As further shown in Fig. 54, the modified chest device 310 may include a second PCB 312, which may be similar to the PCB 112 of the chest device 110.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 55, the modified chest device 310 may further include a third PCB 313 disposed below the second PCB 312 and above the bottom housing 410 of the modified chest device 310. The bottom housing 410 may include a retaining wall 414 extending around the periphery of the third PCB 313. As shown in FIG. 56, the third PCB 313 may be covered by a potting compound 419 similar to the potting compound 219 included in the chest device 110. The retaining wall 414 of the bottom housing 410 may contain the flow of the potting compound 419 to the area surrounding the third PCB 313 and prevent the potting compound 419 from flowing to other areas of the bottom housing 410. Thus, in the modified chest device 310, potting may be used only for the circuit components included in the third PCB 313, and potting is not used for the circuit components included in the first PCB 311 and the second PCB 312. Thus, by embedding only the circuit components included in the third PCB 313, e.g., analog circuit components, the weight of the potting compound 419 included in the modified chest device 310 may be reduced compared to the weight of the potting compound 219 included in the chest device 110. That is, the modified chest device 310 may achieve an overall reduction in weight by embedding only certain circuit components included in separate PCBs.

[0064] It should be understood that the above description is only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A patient monitoring device, comprising: a housing including a first opening; a snap located in the first opening for connecting an electrode through the first opening; a dielectric potting compound provided on the housing and covering the snap; a battery pack that is detachably attached to the housing, the battery pack includes a battery for powering the patient monitoring device; The housing includes a first connector; The housing has structure that aligns and limits the direction in which the battery pack is inserted and removed from the first connector.

2. The patient monitoring device of claim 1 , further comprising a planar surface surrounding the first opening.

3. The patient monitoring device of claim 2 , further comprising a protrusion defining the plane.

4. The patient monitoring device of claim 1 , wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of ribs spaced about the first opening.

5. Further comprising a second opening; A patient monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first opening and the second opening are aligned vertically or substantially vertically when the patient monitoring device is attached to a patient.

6. a first cavity defining the first opening; The patient monitoring device of claim 5 , further comprising a second cavity defining the second opening.

7. the housing includes a first lock; The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery pack includes a second lock that interfaces with the first lock to lock the battery pack to the housing.

8. the battery pack includes a second connector connected to the first connector; The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the battery pack includes structure to prevent insertion of an incompatible connector.

9. The patient monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing includes structure to prevent insertion of an incompatible connector.

10. The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the battery pack is detachable from one side of the housing.

11. The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a portion of the housing does not overlap, in plan view, with the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the housing.

12. The patient monitoring device of claim 11 , further comprising an antenna within the portion of the housing that does not overlap, in plan view, with the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the housing.

13. The patient monitoring device of claim 12 , wherein the dielectric potting compound does not cover the antenna.

14. The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the dielectric potting compound has a relative dielectric constant of less than 4.

15. the housing further includes an antenna; The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the dielectric potting compound does not cover the antenna.

16. The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a printed circuit board within the housing.

17. The patient monitoring device of claim 16 , wherein the dielectric potting compound covers the printed circuit board.

18. the housing includes a retaining wall extending around the printed circuit board; The patient monitoring device of claim 17 , wherein the dielectric potting compound is within the retaining wall.

19. The patient monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the housing is transparent.

20. The patient monitoring device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the top, bottom, left side, right side, front, and back of the battery pack does not face the housing.

21. A patient monitoring device according to any preceding claim, wherein the housings include identical shapes and each include an opening for receiving a cable or plug.

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