blood pressure measuring device

Abstract

To provide a sphygmomanometer capable of satisfying various requests for sphygmomanometry.SOLUTION: A sphygmomanometer for measuring a blood pressure of a subject by using a cuff, includes: a first pump which pressurizes the cuff; a second pump which is a booster pump for pressurizing the cuff and has a larger discharge flow rate than the first pump; and a drive control part which controls drive of the first and the second pumps.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blood pressure measurement device that measures NIBP (Non-invasive Blood Pressure) using a cuff. [Background technology]

[0002] In measuring NIBP, a cuff attached to the subject's arm or the like is inflated by a pump, and the pulse is detected during inflation or deflation to calculate the blood pressure. For example, the cuff pressure of a cuff wrapped around the upper arm is increased or decreased, and the cuff pressure when a relatively significant increase in amplitude (or when the amplitude exceeds a specific percentage of the maximum value, etc.) is determined as the systolic blood pressure (maximum blood pressure) in the pulse wave detected during this process, and the cuff pressure when a relatively significant decrease in amplitude (or when the amplitude falls below a specific percentage of the maximum value, etc.) is determined as the diastolic blood pressure (minimum blood pressure). Such NIBP measurement is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Also, blood pressure measuring devices have been realized that have both a pressure increasing measurement mode in which blood pressure is measured during the cuff inflation process and a pressure decreasing measurement mode in which blood pressure is measured during the cuff deflation process.

[0004] In addition, a vital sign monitor is generally equipped with a blood pressure measuring device that measures NIBP. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-44437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patient monitors are used in various locations within a hospital, such as operating rooms, emergency rooms (ERs), intensive care units (ICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and hospital wards, and the performance requirements for NIBP measurement vary. For example, in operating rooms and emergency rooms, a step-down measurement mode is appropriate, as it allows for short-term measurements and measurements even in patients with a weak pulse. On the other hand, in hospital wards and ICUs, a step-up measurement mode is appropriate, as it reduces the burden on patients. Furthermore, in NICUs, a step-down measurement mode is appropriate, as it allows for gentle and slow inflation of a small cuff, minimizing the burden on newborns.

[0007] Furthermore, in a blood pressure measurement device that has both an increasing pressure measurement mode and a decreasing pressure measurement mode, it is required to reduce the amount of noise introduced into the measurement value due to the pump in the increasing pressure measurement mode, and to reach the target pressurization value in a short time in order to shorten the measurement time in the decreasing pressure measurement mode.

[0008] However, it has been difficult for conventional blood pressure measuring devices to fully meet these demands.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a blood pressure measurement device that can meet various blood pressure measurement requirements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the blood pressure measuring device of the present invention is A blood pressure measurement device for measuring the blood pressure of a subject using a cuff, a first pump for inflating the cuff; a second pump that is a pressure pump for pressurizing the cuff and has a discharge flow rate greater than that of the first pump; a drive control unit that controls the drive of the first and second pumps; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, since the first and second pumps with different discharge flow rates are provided, it is possible to realize a blood pressure measurement device that can meet various blood pressure measurement requirements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a biological information monitor (bedside monitor) according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] Diagram showing the pump unit inside the patient monitor [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a pump unit. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the configuration of a vital sign monitor [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the configuration of the pump unit [Figure 6] Graph showing an example of cuff inflation using both the first and second pumps [Figure 7] A chart showing the relationship between the type of patient, measurement mode, and the pump that is driven [Figure 8] A chart showing the relationship between the location and time of day when the patient monitor is used, the type of patient, the patient's condition, and the pump that is driven. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a biological information monitor (bedside monitor) 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The biological information monitor 10 has a display unit 101 on the front surface thereof. Also, a standby switch 11, an alarm indicator 12, and the like are provided on the front surface of the biological information monitor 10.

[0016] One side of the vital sign monitor 10 is provided with a group of connectors related to measuring vital signs. Specifically, an ECG (Electrocardiogram) connector 13a, an NIBP (Non-Invasive Blood Pressure) connector 13b, and an SpO2 connector 13c are provided. Below the connector group, an additional module connector 14 is provided to which an additional module for implementing optional vital sign measurement processing can be attached. Incidentally, the other side (not shown) of the vital sign monitor 10 is provided with a USB connector, a LAN connection connector, a recorder, and the like.

[0017] 2, a pump unit 20 is provided inside the housing of the biological information monitor 10. The pump unit 20 is connected to the NIBP connector 13b.

[0018] 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the pump unit 20. The pump unit 20 has first and second pumps 21 and 22. The first and second pumps 21 and 22 are pressure pumps for pressurizing the cuff. The second pump 22 has a larger discharge flow rate than the first pump 21. The first pump 21 can also be called a small main pump, and the second pump 22 can also be called an auxiliary pump.

[0019] The first pump 21 is housed in a case 24. The second pump 22 is fixed to the side of the case 24 by a band 25. A circuit board 23 is housed in the case 24 together with the first pump 21. Drive circuits for the first and second pumps 21, 22 and the like are formed on the circuit board 23. Note that the first pump 21 may be disposed outside the case 24 and the second pump 22 may be disposed inside the case 24.

[0020] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the biological information monitor 10. The biological information monitor 10 is connected to a biological information detection unit, such as an electrocardiogram electrode 111 for detecting an electrocardiogram, a blood pressure measurement cuff 112 for detecting blood pressure, a body temperature sensor 113 for detecting body temperature, an SpO2 sensor 114 for detecting SpO2, and a cardiac output sensor 115 for detecting cardiac output, via a connector unit 110. The connector unit 110 functions as an interface between the biological information detection unit and the measurement processing unit 104. The connector unit 110 includes the ECG connector 13a, the NIBP connector 13b, and the SpO2 connector 13c shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The measurement processing unit 104 executes a predetermined measurement process by executing a program stored in the storage unit 105. Through this measurement process, the measurement processing unit 104 measures the patient's biological information using a biological information detection unit (electrocardiogram electrodes 111, blood pressure cuff 112, body temperature sensor 113, SpO2 sensor 114, and cardiac output sensor 115) connected to the connector unit 110. Note that, since conventionally known methods for measuring various types of biological information using the biological information detection unit can be applied, detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0022] Furthermore, the measurement processing unit 104 is capable of storing previously measured biological information in the storage unit 105, and reading out the biological information stored in the storage unit 105. Furthermore, the biological information obtained by the measurement processing unit 104 is displayed on the display unit 101 via the display control unit 102 in the form of measurement values ​​or waveforms.

[0023] The display unit 101 is, for example, a liquid crystal display with a touch panel, and not only has a display function for displaying biological information but also a function as an input unit for accepting input operations by the user. Specifically, the display on the display unit 101 by the display control unit 102 and the processing of the measurement processing unit 104 are changed by the user's touch operation on the display unit 101. Note that in this embodiment, user operations such as various settings are accepted by touch operation on the display unit 101, but user operations may also be accepted using, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or dedicated buttons.

[0024] Pump unit 20 is connected to blood pressure measurement cuff 112 via connector 110. Setting information is input to pump unit 20 through display 101 based on a user operation.

[0025] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the pump unit 20. A first pump 21, a second pump 22, a flow control valve 34, a quick exhaust valve 36, and a pressure sensor 37 are connected to a flow path connecting the NIBP connector 13b and the cuff 112.

[0026] The first pump 21 is driven by a pump drive circuit 31, and the second pump 22 is driven by a pump drive circuit 32. The flow control valve 34 is driven by a flow control valve drive circuit 33, and the quick exhaust valve 36 is driven by a quick exhaust valve drive circuit 35. The pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 37 is input to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40 via an analog-to-digital conversion circuit (ADC) 38.

[0027] The CPU 40 controls the pump drive circuits 31, 32, the flow control valve drive circuit 33, and the quick exhaust valve drive circuit 35. Setting information based on user operations from the display unit 101 is input to the CPU 40, and the CPU 40 controls the pump drive circuits 31, 32, etc. based on this setting information.

[0028] Here, the display unit 101 functions as a setting unit capable of setting the location where the biological information monitor 10 will be used (operating room, ER, ICU, NICU, ward, etc.). The display unit 101 also functions as a setting unit capable of setting the type of subject (adult, child, newborn, etc.). That is, the setting information includes information on the location where the biological information monitor 10 will be used (operating room, ER, ICU, NICU, ward, etc.) and the type of subject (adult, child, newborn, etc.). The CPU 40 controls the pump drive circuits 31, 32, etc. based on the information on the location where the biological information monitor 10 will be used (operating room, ER, ICU, NICU, ward, etc.) and the type of subject (adult, child, newborn, etc.).

[0029] In this embodiment, the first pump 21 has a discharge flow rate of, for example, about 2 L / min and is a duty-controlled pump, while the second pump 22 has a discharge flow rate of, for example, about 4 L / min and is an ON / OFF controlled pump.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of a cuff inflation operation using both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. In the example of Fig. 6, the first pump 21 is driven in the entire inflation range from the start of inflation to the target inflation value, and the second pump 22 is driven in the intermediate inflation range. This allows the second pump 22, which has a large discharge flow rate, to be driven in the intermediate inflation range, so that the target inflation value can be reached in a short time. In other words, this is advantageous when measuring blood pressure in the decreasing blood pressure measurement mode.

[0031] Furthermore, by driving only the first pump 21, which has a small discharge flow rate, from the start of inflation to a predetermined pressure (10 mmHg in the example of FIG. 6 ), the rate at which the cuff pressure increases can be measured with high accuracy, thereby improving the accuracy of the cuff identification process. The cuff identification process is a known technique and will not be described here. Essentially, the cuff identification process identifies the type of cuff (e.g., whether an adult cuff or a pediatric cuff is connected) based on the rate at which the cuff pressure increases. If a medical professional mistakenly selects an adult patient category even though a pediatric cuff is connected, the pediatric cuff will be overinflated. However, in this embodiment, by driving only the first pump 21, which has a small discharge flow rate, from the start of inflation to a predetermined pressure, the cuff identification process can be performed with high accuracy, thereby preventing overinflation due to a mismatch between the cuff connection and the settings. In addition, by stopping the operation of the second pump 22, which has a large discharge flow rate, just before the target inflation value (target inflation value -20 mmHg in the example shown in the figure) and driving only the first pump 21, it is possible to prevent the actual cuff pressure from overshooting the target inflation value, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

[0032] Fig. 7 is a chart showing the relationship between the type of subject (measurement subject) (adult, child, newborn) and measurement mode, and the driven pumps 21, 22. In the example of Fig. 7, when the subject (measurement subject) is an adult, the measurement mode is a step-down measurement, and there is no additional pressurization setting (for example, silent mode), both the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are driven, but in other cases, only the first pump 21 is driven.

[0033] 7 shows an example in which the measurement mode and the pump to be driven are controlled depending on the type of subject (measurement target) (adult, child, newborn), but the key point is that the measurement mode and the pump to be driven can be controlled depending on the subject and the purpose or requirements of the measurement. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the pump to be driven may be controlled depending on the location where the vital sign monitor 10 is used (operating room, ER, ICU, NICU, ward, etc.).

[0034] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the location where the vital signs monitor 10 is used (operating room, ER, ICU, NICU, ward, etc.), the type of subject (measurement subject) (adult, child, newborn), the condition of the subject (measurement subject), and the pumps 21 and 22 to be driven.

[0035] For example, when the device is used in an operating room, the subject is an adult, and anesthesia is being induced (when awake), stable measurement is required in a short period of time, so both pumps 21 and 22 are driven in the blood pressure reduction measurement mode.

[0036] For example, if the device is used in an operating room, the subject is an adult, and anesthesia is being maintained, measurements that reduce the burden on the subject are required, and since increased pressure measurements are possible, only pump 21 is driven.

[0037] For example, if the device is used in an operating room, the subject is an adult, and there is a sudden change in the subject's condition, it is required to be able to measure in a short time and even with a weak pulse, so both pumps 21 and 22 are driven in the blood pressure reduction measurement mode.

[0038] For example, if the device is used in an operating room and the subject is an adult with an arm defect or obesity, a large cuff will be used, so it is necessary to shorten the inflation time, and therefore both pumps 21 and 22 are driven in the blood pressure reduction measurement mode.

[0039] For example, when the device is used in an operating room and the subject is a child or a newborn, the cuff is small, so it is necessary to prevent over-inflation and to perform measurements by gently inflating the cuff, and therefore only pump 21 is driven.

[0040] For example, if the device is used in an ICU, the subject is an adult, and the condition is normal, measurements that reduce the burden on the subject are required, and pressor measurements are possible, so only pump 21 is driven.

[0041] For example, if the device is used in an ICU, the subject is an adult, and the patient's condition suddenly changes, it is required to be able to measure in a short time and even with a weak pulse, so both pumps 21 and 22 are driven.

[0042] For example, if the device is used in an ICU and the subject is an adult in a state of shock, it is required that even a weak pulse can be measured, so both pumps 21 and 22 are driven.

[0043] For example, if the place of use is an ICU, the subject is an adult, and it is nighttime, it is required that the measurement be performed quietly, so only the pump 21 is driven.

[0044] For example, if the device is used in an ICU and the subject is a child or a newborn, the cuff is small, so it is necessary to prevent over-inflation and to perform measurements by gently inflating the cuff, and therefore only pump 21 is driven.

[0045] For example, when the place of use is a NICU and the subject is a newborn, it is necessary to prevent the newborn from being over-pressurized, so only the pump 21 is driven.

[0046] The examples of driving the pumps 21 and 22 shown in Figures 7 and 8 are just examples, and the pumps 21 and 22 to be driven can be selected appropriately based on the relationship between the location and time period in which the vital signs monitor 10 is used, the type of subject, and the condition of the subject.

[0047] As described above, according to this embodiment, a blood pressure measurement device that can meet various blood pressure measurement requirements can be realized by providing first pump 21 that inflates cuff 112, second pump 22 that is a pressurizing pump that inflates cuff 112 and has a larger discharge flow rate than first pump 21, and a drive control unit (CPU 40, pump drive circuits 31, 32) that controls the drive of first and second pumps 21, 22. For example, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of noise in the measurement value due to the pump in the pressure-increasing measurement mode and to suppress pressure overshoot in the pressure-decreasing measurement mode.

[0048] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics thereof.

[0049] In the above-described embodiment, the location where the vital sign monitor 10 is to be used is recognized based on setting information based on user operation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sensor capable of detecting the type of connected air hose may be provided at the connection portion (NIBP connector 13b) to which the air hose of the cuff 112 is connected, and the drive control portion (CPU 40, pump drive circuits 31, 32) may control the drive of the first and second pumps based on the type of air hose detected by the sensor. In other words, if the type of connected air hose is for a newborn, the location of use can be recognized as a NICU, and the pumps can be driven in a manner appropriate for the NICU.

[0050] In the above-described embodiment, preferred driving examples of the first and second pumps 21, 22 according to the location or time period in which the blood pressure measurement device is used and the type or condition of the subject have been described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. In the present invention, without being limited to these driving examples, when the blood pressure measurement device has an up-pressure measurement mode and a down-pressure measurement mode, the drive control unit (CPU 40, pump drive circuits 31, 32) may drive the first pump 21 in the up-pressure measurement mode and at least the second pump 22 in the down-pressure measurement mode.

[0051] In this way, it is possible to reduce the amount of noise caused by the pump in the measurement value during the pressure increase measurement mode, and to shorten the measurement time during the pressure decrease measurement mode, so that the target pressure increase value can be reached in a short time.

[0052] Incidentally, simply considering the above, it would seem that if the second pump 22, which has a large discharge flow rate, were driven at a low speed, it would be possible to realize a pump with a low discharge flow rate similar to that of the first pump 21. In other words, it would seem that the same effect as the above-described embodiment could be achieved using only the second pump 22. However, it is actually very difficult to drive a pump with a large discharge flow rate smoothly at a low speed. Taking this into consideration, the present invention uses at least two pumps 21, 22 with different discharge flow rates to fully satisfy the various requirements for blood pressure measurement.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a biological information monitor, but the present invention is not limited to biological information monitors and can be widely applied to blood pressure measurement devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] The present invention is suitable for blood pressure measurement devices used in a variety of environments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10. Patient Monitor 20 Pump unit 21 First Pump 22 Second Pump 31, 32 Pump drive circuit 40 CPU 101 Display section 102 Display control unit 103 Alarm indicator 104 Measurement processing section 105 Storage section 110 Connector part 112 Cuff

Claims

1. A blood pressure measurement device for measuring the blood pressure of a subject using a cuff, a first pump for inflating the cuff; a second pump that is a pressure pump for pressurizing the cuff and has a discharge flow rate greater than that of the first pump; a drive control unit that controls the drive of the first and second pumps; Equipped with the drive control unit has a plurality of drive control patterns, drives the first pump in all of the drive control patterns, and selectively drives the second pump in accordance with the drive control pattern; Blood pressure measuring device.

2. The plurality of drive control patterns correspond to the location where the blood pressure measuring device is used, the time period when the blood pressure measuring device is used, the type of the subject, and / or the condition of the subject, the drive control unit selects whether to drive only the first pump or both the first pump and the second pump, depending on the location where the blood pressure measurement device is used, the time period when the blood pressure measurement device is used, the type of the subject, and / or the condition of the subject. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1 .

3. a sensor capable of detecting the type of the connected air hose is provided at a connection portion of the cuff to which the air hose is connected; the drive control unit identifies the drive control pattern based on the type of the air hose detected by the sensor, and selects whether to drive the second pump in accordance with the identified drive control pattern. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1 .

4. the blood pressure measurement device has an up-blood pressure measurement mode and a down-blood pressure measurement mode, the drive control unit drives the first pump in both the pressure increase measurement mode and the pressure decrease measurement mode. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1 .

5. The blood pressure measuring device has a blood pressure reduction measurement mode, the drive control unit drives the first pump in an entire pressurization range from the start of pressurization to a target pressurization value when the cuff is pressurized in the blood pressure decreasing measurement mode, and drives the second pump in addition to the first pump in an intermediate pressurization range. The blood pressure measuring device according to claim 1 .

6. A blood pressure measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, Vital sign monitor.

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