Medical Data Handling Module for ECG Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for monitoring physiological conditions, such as ECG, are limited by their lack of integration with computer systems, inadequate bandwidth, battery life, data loss, and limited computational capabilities, which hinder real-time remote monitoring and diagnostic quality.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus that integrates medical data gathering modules with a computer system, utilizing a microprocessor, field programmable gate array, and FIFO buffer to sample and store data, allowing for direct data transfer and analysis, while ensuring patient safety through defibrillation protection and optical isolation, and enabling simultaneous video conferencing for remote consultations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cordless and wireless sensor bands are used to provide full waveform ECG, then portability is improved, but data loss and bandwidth limitations occur at critical moments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring functionality into two segments: a portable sensor band for data collection and a stationary computer system for reliable data processing and storage. This segmentation allows the portable component to remain simple while the stationary component handles the computational demands, resolving the contradiction between portability and data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection system that includes a cable with multiple conductors and a connector assembly. This intermediary provides a stable, high-bandwidth data transfer path between the portable sensor and the stationary computer, eliminating data loss while maintaining the ability to use portable sensors when needed.
2Ease of operation
If cordless and wireless sensor bands are used, then mobility is improved, but battery life becomes limited and may run out at critical moments
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic wired connections where the portable sensor band can be periodically docked with the stationary computer system for data transfer and charging. This periodic interaction allows the portable device to maintain battery life while ensuring continuous monitoring capability through the reliable wired connection at base.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable sensor band creates a copy of the monitoring functionality that can operate independently when needed, while the stationary system maintains the full computational capabilities. Data collected by the portable device is copied to the stationary system for permanent storage and analysis, eliminating battery dependency for critical data processing.
3Ease of operation
If prior art devices transfer data to memory cards, then portability is improved, but real-time remote viewing by health care professionals becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary computer system serves multiple functions: it acts as a data processing station, a remote viewing terminal for health care professionals, and a storage system. The integrated design allows the same system to support both portable operation and fixed-location remote monitoring, eliminating the need for separate solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback capabilities where health care professionals can remotely view patient data through the stationary computer system. This feedback loop allows immediate clinical decision-making while the patient remains connected to the monitoring system, whether portable or stationary.
4Measurement precision
If existing ECG devices are kept in surgery or health centre, then diagnostic quality is maintained, but portability and patient confidentiality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ECG monitoring functionality into a portable sensor unit and a stationary processing unit. This allows the diagnostic-quality processing to remain stationary while the sensor portion can be moved to the patient's location, maintaining both diagnostic quality and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized cable and connector system as an intermediary that enables secure, direct connection between the portable sensor and the stationary computer. This intermediary maintains signal integrity for diagnostic quality while enabling portable operation, and the direct connection enhances patient confidentiality by eliminating intermediate storage steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides diagnostic-quality patient monitoring with minimal data loss, real-time remote monitoring capabilities, and computational efficiency, enhancing patient safety and reducing the need for external equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator electrically isolating the personal computer from the patient
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to medical apparatus for monitoring one or more physiological conditions of a patient and a method for monitoring one or more physiological conditions of a patient. Apparatus for measuring medical data is described, comprising: at least one medical data gathering module, at least one microprocessor, and further wherein the apparatus further comprises a medical data handling module separate from the at least one microprocessor for buffering medical data transfer between the medical data gathering module and the microprocessor and optionally further wherein the medical data handling module can gather and store data in predetermined groups of data and the microprocessor can retrieve data from the medical data handling module in one or more multiples of predetermined groups of data. A method for measuring medical data is described, comprising: providing at least one medical data gathering module; providing at least one microprocessor; providing a data handling module separate from the at least one microprocessor; buffering medical data transfer between the medical data gathering module and the microprocessor optionally by gathering and storing data in predetermined groups of data and retrieving data from the medical data handling module in one or more multiples of predetermined groups of data.