172 results about "Accelography" patented technology

A respiration monitoring device includes an accelerometer (210) for application to the chest, whereby acceleration is possible due to both non-respiratory body motion and respiration, and an electronic circuit (DSP) responsive to an acceleration signal from the accelerometer and operable to separate from the acceleration signal a heart signal, a respiration signal, and a substantially non-respiration body motion signal. Other devices, sensor articles, electronic circuit units, and processes are also disclosed.

The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

The invention provides a body-worn system that continuously measures pulse oximetry and blood pressure, along with motion, posture, and activity level, from an ambulatory patient. The system features an oximetry probe that comfortably clips to the base of the patient's thumb, thereby freeing up their fingers for conventional activities in a hospital, such as reading and eating. The probe secures to the thumb and measures time-dependent signals corresponding to LEDs operating near 660 and 905 nm. Analog versions of these signals pass through a low-profile cable to a wrist-worn transceiver that encloses a processing unit. Also within the wrist-worn transceiver is an accelerometer, a wireless system that sends information through a network to a remote receiver, e.g. a computer located in a central nursing station.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

A personal emergency response system employs a structured terminology of body activities. Measurements of primary body activities using accelerometers, heart-bit monitors, etc. are converted to secondary and tertiary level body activities such as walk and fall, further sequenced and combined to determine a personal condition such as walk, stumble and fall, and to identify sequences of such conditions. The structured terminology enables a language supporting a functional description of body activities associated with physical and physiological measurements and enables a machine to understand physical activities.

Systems according to the invention employ an acceleration sensor to characterize displacement and vibrational LV motion, and uses this motion data to characterize the different phases of the LV cycle for analyzing LV function. Systems may identify a target pacing region or regions in the LV or RV using the acceleration sensor by localizing regions of late onset of motion relative to the QRS, or isovolumic contraction, or mitral valve closure, or by pacing of target regions and measuring LV function in response to pacing. Systems further provide an implantable or non-implantable acceleration sensor device for measuring LV motion and characterizing LV function. An implantable myocardial acceleration sensing system (“IAD”) includes at least one acceleration sensor, a data acquisition and processing device, and an electromagnetic, e.g., RF, communication device. The IAD may be integrated into the pacing lead of a CRT device and can operate independently of the CRT IPG.

The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

A prosthetic implant for the body having an associated gyroscope, accelerometer and / or magnetometer as the sensor to detect changes in position of the implant. The device incorporates a miniature gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or magnetometer as a permanent part of the prosthesis for navigational information. Alternatively, the magnetometer can be external to the implant when the implant has magnetic elements associated with it. The sensors can be microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors placed within a drilled hole and sealed with a screw or a cap (20). The implant can be responsive to an external interrogation and powering systems. The device provides information so as to help to properly place the prosthetic implant during surgery and to assess proper functioning. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and / or magnetometer are used after implantation to provide diagnostic information in situ based upon the changed positioning or motion of the device in the prosthesis. The device can be a total joint replacement, dental implant or other type of prosthetic implant.

Modular, miniaturized cardiovascular sensors, systems, methods, and wearable devices for the non-obtrusive evaluation, monitoring, and high-fidelity mapping of cardiac mechanical and electromechanical forces and central arterial blood pressure are presented herein. The sensor manufacturing process is also presented. Using accelerometers, the sensors register body-surface (preferably torso-surface) movements and vibrations generated by cardiac forces. The sensors may contain single-use or reusable components, which may be exchanged to fit different body sizes, shapes, and anatomical locations; they may be incorporated into clothing, bands, straps, and other wearable arrangements. The invention presents a practical, noninvasive solution for electromechanical mapping of the heart, which is useful for a wide range of healthcare applications, including the remote monitoring of heart failure status and the guidance of cardiac resynchronization therapy. Exercise and cardiovascular fitness tracking applications are also presented.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

Systems and methods of monitoring a patient. Exemplary methods include receiving sensor data associated with the patient from a plurality of sensors of a patient monitoring device and determining whether the sensor data satisfies one or more trigger conditions. For each of the trigger conditions satisfied, one or more messages are sent to at least one of the patient monitoring device and an external computing device for display thereby to at least one of the patient, a caregiver, and a support person. Satisfaction of one or more of the trigger conditions may indicate the patient has edema and / or is trending toward decompensation. The sensor data may have been collected from a heart rate sensor, an oximeter, an accelerometer, and / or a sensor configured to detect a distance around a limb of a patient. In some embodiments, the trigger conditions are provided by the patient, caregiver, and / or support person.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

A method for calibrating sensors applied to a patient to monitor rehabilitation is disclosed. The calibration method according to the invention that is insensitive to changes in the patient's body position during the calibration procedure—calibration of the flex sensors is facilitated regardless of what orientation they may be applied to the thigh and shank of patient. The calibration method uses three-axis accelerometers defined by software incorporated in local computer.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g. a digital 3-axis accelerometer) that attaches to the patient's torso and measures an ACC signal indicating movement of the chest or abdomen that is also sensitive to respiratory rate. This second signal is processed with the adaptive filter to determine a final value for respiratory rate.

A medical surgery safety device used in connection with surgical insulting instruments and other operation room medical equipment. The safety device includes one or more remote unit attached to the surgical insulting instruments and the medical equipment and having an accelerometer for detecting a sudden motion of the medical equipment, and a radio frequency signal transmitter for transmitting a radio frequency signal upon detection of such sudden motion. The safety device also includes a base unit attached to a main surgical insulting instrument and having an accelerometer for detecting a sudden motion of the main surgical insulting instrument, and a radio frequency signal receiver for receiving the radio frequency signal from the remote units. The base unit also include a power inlet connected to an external electrical power source and a power outlet for providing electrical power to the surgical insulting instruments. The power to all surgical insulting instruments is interrupted, however, upon either the detection of the sudden motion by the accelerometer of the base unit or the reception of the radio frequency signal from the remote units.

A system (800) for processing accelerometer data is disclosed. The system (800) includes an accelerometer (806), a first processor (810), a power supply (816), and a second processor (804). The accelerometer (806) measures a physiological acceleration parameter. The first processor (810) is operatively connected to the accelerometer (806). The first processor (810) is configured to receive the acceleration parameter from the accelerometer (806) and configured to output machine readable acceleration data. The machine readable acceleration data includes time domain accelerometer data. The power supply (816) is electrically connected to the first processor (810). The second processor (804) is configured to receive the machine readable acceleration data and transform the time domain accelerometer data into frequency domain accelerometer data. The frequency domain accelerometer data may be used to estimate patient healing status.

The present invention provides a technique for continuous measurement of blood pressure based on pulse transit time and which does not require any external calibration. This technique, referred to herein as the ‘Composite Method’, is carried out with a body-worn monitor that measures blood pressure and other vital signs, and wirelessly transmits them to a remote monitor. A network of body-worn sensors, typically placed on the patient's right arm and chest, connect to the body-worn monitor and measure time-dependent ECG, PPG, accelerometer, and pressure waveforms. The disposable sensors can include a cuff that features an inflatable bladder coupled to a pressure sensor, three or more electrical sensors (e.g. electrodes), three or more accelerometers, a temperature sensor, and an optical sensor (e.g., a light source and photodiode) attached to the patient's thumb.

Assemblies are provided comprising a stent and a sensor positioned on and / or in the stent. Within certain aspects the sensors are wireless sensors, and include for example one or more fluid pressure sensors, contact sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, pulse pressure sensors, blood volume sensors, blood flow sensors, blood chemistry sensors, blood metabolic sensors, mechanical stress sensors and / or temperature sensors. Within certain aspects these stents may be utilized to assist in stent placement, monitor stent function, identify complications of stent treatment, monitor physiologic parameters and / or medically image a body passageway, e.g., a vascular lumen.

The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor which is selected from the group consisting of an impedance pneumography sensor, an ECG sensor, and a PPG sensor; and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises (iii) a processing system, configured to operably connect to the first and motion sensors, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the first sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.

A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining and processing ballistocardiograph data to determine a physiological condition of a subject. Ballistocardiograph data indicative of heart motion of the subject measured along a plurality of spatial axes by a sensor device which may comprise a three-axis accelerometer. The ballistocardiograph data is processed to determine processed data indicative of heart motion of the subject. Indications of physiological condition are determined based at least in part on the processed data. Processing may comprise aggregation of multidimensional data, determining magnitude of heart motion and derivative thereof, determining a thrust summation, determining an index value, outputting a report based on an index value, etc. Processing may be informed by operator input, such as a time window of interest or indications of interest.

The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.

The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.

Methods and systems are disclosed that characterize cardiac function using an acceleration sensor to acquire and analyze the frequency dynamics associated with the isovolumic contraction phase (“ICP”). This information can be used to characterize heart function; optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy, including CRT therapy (including pacing intervals and required pharmacologic therapy); and to optimize CCM therapy. In addition, this information can be used to identify target pacing regions for CRT lead placement. Further, analyzing the frequency dynamics can be used to characterize pathologic heart vibrational motion, such as mitral regurgitation and the third or fourth heart sound, and the response of this motion to therapy for cardiomyopathy.

Methods and systems are disclosed that characterize cardiac function using an acceleration sensor to acquire and analyze the frequency dynamics associated with the isovolumic contraction phase (“ICP”). This information can be used to characterize heart function; optimize therapy for cardiomyopathy, including CRT therapy (including pacing intervals and required pharmacologic therapy); and to optimize CCM therapy. In addition, this information can be used to identify target pacing regions for CRT lead placement. Further, analyzing the frequency dynamics can be used to characterize pathologic heart vibrational motion, such as mitral regurgitation and the third or fourth heart sound, and the response of this motion to therapy for cardiomyopathy.

A patient monitoring device to be worn on a limb of a patient. Some embodiments of the patient monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating a distance around the patient's limb and a communications subassembly configured to transmit the measurement to at least one external computing device. Other embodiments of the patient monitoring device include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a measurement indicating a distance around the patient's limb and at least one processor configured to detect whether the distance around the patient's limb has increased indicating edema. Some embodiments include an accelerometer configured to detect device orientation and / or patient activity information. The patient activity information may be analyzed by an external computing device and / or the patient monitoring device to determine whether the patient's activity level has declined indicating a medical problem.

The invention provides a neck-worn sensor that is a single, body-worn system that measures the following parameters from an ambulatory patient: heart rate, pulse rate, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, temperature, thoracic fluid levels, stroke volume, cardiac output, and a parameter sensitive to blood pressure called pulse transit time. From stroke volume, a first algorithm employing a linear model can estimate the patient's pulse pressure. And from pulse pressure and pulse transit time, a second algorithm, also employing a linear algorithm, can estimate systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Thus, the sensor can measure all five vital signs along with hemodynamic parameters. It also includes a motion-detecting accelerometer, from which it can determine motion-related parameters such as posture, degree of motion, activity level, respiratory-induced heaving of the chest, and falls.

A system for monitoring medical conditions including pressure ulcers, pressure-induced ischemia and related medical conditions comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more patient characteristic including at least position, orientation, temperature, acceleration, moisture, resistance, stress, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood oxygenation, a host for processing the data received from the sensors together with historical patient data to develop an assessment of patient condition and suggested course of treatment, including either suspending or adjusting turn schedule based on various types of patient movement. Compliance with Head-of-Bed protocols can also be performed based on actual patient position instead of being inferred from bed elevation angle. The sensor can include bi-axial or tri-axial accelerometers, as well as resistive, inductive, capacitive, magnetic and other sensing devices, depending on whether the sensor is located on the patient or the support surface, and for what purpose.

Device, system and method to monitor user breathing patterns utilizing posture and diaphragm (breathing) sensor signals. The user worn device comprises a housing attached to a retractable belt that is worn around the user's trunk. The housing contains both posture and breathing sensors. The device monitors the output signals of these sensors and measures the state of both the user's posture and diaphragm (e.g. changes in the belt's length or force on the belt as a function of user breathing) to analyze breathing signals. The system's processor receives, processes, and transmits sensor signal data, and can also calibrate and interpret these signals utilizing various algorithms. In a preferred embodiment, the posture sensor is an accelerometer, and the retractable belt winds around a spring tensioned spool in the device's housing. The software can produce posture adjusted user respiration data, and can also be used for breath training and other purposes.