Abstract: Method and apparatus for voice interaction between the service provider to the patient whose life signs, e.g. an electrocardiograph (ECG), concurrently are being monitored are described. Patient data, and preferably patient waveform data, and voice communication are conveyed in real-time on a single, or common, public switched telephone (PSTN) line. A life signs monitor at the patient site is connected to the patient and to a digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) device having the ability to digitize and compress the patient's voice and having the ability to decompress and analogize the physician's voice via a standard telephone. A modem modulates and demodulates transmitted and received data over the telephone line. At a remote monitoring site a second modem receives and transmits data over the same telephone line.

Abstract: A portable multiple-vital signs monitor unit of the described apparatus is of ultra-light weight, e.g. less than one pound. In its preferred embodiment, the portable unit takes the form of a right parallelepiped enclosure the volume of which is only approximately 40 in.sup.3 having operator display and control panels and body lead jacks on its face and periphery, respectively, and providing wireless remote full-function communication with an in situ base unit with which the portable monitor may optionally be docked. The base unit communicates via a single telephone line with a remote, typically central location including a host computer and a health care provider, preferably via concurrent voice and data transmission. In its preferred embodiment, the invented apparatus includes in the portable unit the capability for diagnostic quality ECG and pulse oximetry monitoring and in its base unit the capability diagnostic quality blood pressure monitoring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for voice interaction between the service provider to the patient whose life signs, e.g. an electrocardiograph (ECG), concurrently are being monitored are described. Patient data and voice communication are conveyed on a single, or common, public switched telephone (PSTN) line. A life signs monitor at the patient site is connected to the patient and to a digital simultaneous voice and data (DSVD) device having the ability to digitize and compress the patient's voice and having the ability to decompress and analogize the physician's voice via a standard telephone. A modem modulates and demodulates transmitted and received data over the telephone line. At a remote monitoring site a second modem receives and transmits data over the same telephone line. The second modem is connected with a second DSVD device connected to a display- or printer-equipped receiving station for presentation in textual or graphic form to a remote service provider the patient data, e.g. in the form of an ECG trace.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections. By a preferred method of the invention, a simplified digital filter implemented in firmware ensures that only ECG and event data are recorded at the exclusion of noise and motion artifacts.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight wrist-worn cardiac data and event monitor having dry skin electrodes integral with the monitor's housing is disclosed. Preferably, the skin electrodes are made of titanium nitride-plated stainless steel and form inner, wrist-contacting, and outer, other hand's palm-contactable regions of the housing. Chronometric and other multiple functions are provided to increase the functional density of the monitor by partitioning and very-large-scale-integrating the circuitry, which includes signal detection; data conversion, storage, display and telecommunication; and external pushbutton controls operable by the patient's other hand. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a telephonic transmitter is integrally included within the housing for remote diagnostic purposes without the need for external connections.

Abstract: Portable, two-way ECG data-storage apparatus for the selective window-capturing of successive plural-lead ECG data records. The apparatus receives its information from the analogue output terminals in a conventional ECG machine, and operates a store multiple-lead data in flagged time-windowed fashion in order to assure stable signal information and efficient meory use. Playback can occur either directly in an analogue manner back to any selected ECG machine, and/or audibly for listening to by a user or for transtelephonic transmission.

Abstract: Ambulatory ECG data monitoring and recording method and apparatus that selectively captures recorded data based upon the occurrence of a defibrillation pulse from an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator monitor (ICDM) device is described. The apparatus uses a single pair of skin electrodes to sample the ECG signal waveform and to monitor the voltage therebetween for the detection of a ICDM-produced pulse of characteristic amplitude and duration. ECG data are continuously stored in a scrolling buffer of limited depth. Detection of a defibrillation pulse is treated as a trigger event, prompting the continuation of ECG data storage only for a limited further period of time after which the present ECG data record is captured. The buffered data are marked by the occurrence of the defibrillation pulse that prompted their capture, so that the information stored for subsequent playback indicates the timing relationship therebetween.

Abstract: Improved ambulatory heart data monitoring and recording apparatus and method are described. The apparatus provides a power partitioning and management circuit that enables the extended, continuous ECG monitoring of an ambulatory patient's cardiovascular performance and selective recording of arrhythmic events that transpire during such extended monitoring, wherein the circuit supplies reduced, unregulated DC power to potentially volatile data storage circuit elements in the event of the failure of the primary DC power source. An improved method validates QRS complexes by determining, during a learning period, characteristic criteria of the individual patient's QRS waveform most representative of a valid QRS complex as opposed to motion or other artifacts, and thereafter uses such learned criteria in heart rate monitoring.

Abstract: Improved ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring and recording apparatus and method are described. The apparatus uses an auscultatory transducer connected to a microprocessor-based circuit for sensing, validating and recording systolic and diastolic pressure in the cuff-surrounded limb of the patient, and for measuring heart rate. The improved method calculates, and records in the same blood pressure and heart rate data record, an alphanumeric figure of merit, or alternatively a numeric quality index, based upon Korotkoff sound frequency and amplitude criteria. In another improved method, the maximum pressure to which the cuff is pressurized for each measurement is made to track the individual patient's systolic blood pressure to ensure reliable blood pressure readings without unneccessary constriction of the patient's limb.

Abstract: Improved ambulatory heart data monitoring and recording apparatus and method are described. The apparatus provides a power partitioning and management circuit that enables the extended, continuous ECG monitoring of an ambulatory patient's cardiovascular performance and selective recording of arrhythmic events that transpire during such extended monitoring, wherein the circuit supplies reduced, unregulated DC power to potentially volatile data storage circuit elements in the event of the failure of the primary DC power source. An improved method validates QRS complexes by determining, during a learning period, characteristic criteria of the individual patient's QRS waveform most representative of a valid QRS complex as opposed to motion or other artifacts, and thereafter uses such learned criteria in heart rate monitoring.

Abstract: A notched pressure pad for use on an artery clamp of the type used to apply pressure following catheterization of a major artery. The pad includes a notched portion to facilitate placement of the pad over a catheter prior to removal of a catheter from a patient's artery. The pad is removably attached to an artery clamp.