Neck-worn Sensor with Disposable Electrodes for Vital Sign Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing physiological monitoring systems face challenges in achieving consistent and accurate measurements of vital signs and hemodynamic parameters, particularly in home settings, due to issues with electrode placement and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A neck-worn sensor system that integrates multiple physiological parameter measurement capabilities, including heart rate, blood pressure, and thoracic fluid index, using disposable electrodes and a mechanical mechanism to ensure consistent placement, thereby improving measurement repeatability and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes are attached to the patient's chest for physiological monitoring, then measurement capabilities are achieved, but patient compliance decreases over time due to discomfort and placement complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into separate components: a reusable monitor unit and disposable electrode patches. This segmentation allows the complex measurement device to be simplified into an easy-to-apply patch that patients can easily attach and remove, significantly improving compliance while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable electrode patches that are discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for patients to repeatedly clean and reposition electrodes, reducing discomfort and placement complexity. The disposable nature ensures consistent performance without degradation from reuse, while simplifying the patient's routine to merely attach and discard.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed at specific locations for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but placement consistency becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode patches are pre-configured with electrodes positioned at the correct anatomical locations before reaching the patient. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the patch is applied, the electrodes are automatically placed at the optimal locations for accurate physiological parameter measurement, eliminating placement variability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode patch is designed with electrodes at specific locations optimized for particular measurement purposes. The patch geometry and electrode positioning are tailored to the specific physiological parameters being measured, ensuring that each local area of the patch serves its intended measurement function with high precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physiological parameters are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor unit is designed as a universal device capable of measuring multiple physiological parameters (ECG, respiration rate, oxygen saturation, etc.) through a single interface. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive monitoring without requiring separate devices for each parameter, managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode patches can be combined and attached to the same monitor unit simultaneously, allowing measurement of multiple physiological parameters in parallel. The monitor unit integrates processing capabilities for all parameter types, merging what would otherwise require separate measurement systems into a single coordinated device.
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 sensor system enhances patient compliance by providing a comfortable, easy-to-use device that allows for continuous monitoring of vital signs and hemodynamic parameters, facilitating early detection of conditions like heart failure and reducing hospital readmissions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring physiological or physiologically influenced electrical signals from a patient
Data Source
AI summary
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.