Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, takes a sequence consisting of a predetermined number of individual measurements. The apparatus computes a best estimate of the physiological parameter from values obtained in two or more of the measurements. The apparatus automatically takes a sequence of measurements and then stops. The apparatus can operate unattended so that it is not necessary for a physician or other health care worker to be present while measurements are being made. The use of the invention to measure blood pressure of a patient reduces the effect of “white coat” hypertension on the best estimate. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus ignore results of a first measurement in the sequence. The patient is already familiar with the apparatus when subsequent measurements are taken. This further reduces the possibility that the patient's reaction to the process of measurement will affect the results of the measurement.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 19, 2001
Date of Patent:
August 5, 2003
Assignee:
VSM Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Yunquan Chen, Anton Bogdan Zorn, David Sholom Waterman, Mark Elliot Gelfer, Paul Richard Christensen, Kevin Daryl Strange
Abstract: Apparatus for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, takes a sequence consisting of a predetermined number of individual measurements. The apparatus computes a best estimate of the physiological parameter from values obtained in two or more of the measurements. The apparatus automatically takes a sequence of measurements and then stops. The apparatus can operate unattended so that it is not necessary for a physician or other health care worker to be present while measurements are being made. The use of the invention to measure blood pressure of a patient reduces the effect of “white coat” hypertension on the best estimate. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus ignore results of a first measurement in the sequence. The patient is already familiar with the apparatus when subsequent measurements are taken. This further reduces the possibility that the patient's reaction to the process of measurement will affect the results of the measurement.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 1999
Date of Patent:
December 25, 2001
Assignee:
VSM Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Yunquan Chen, Anton Bogdan Zorn, David Sholom Waterman, Mark Elliot Gelfer, Paul Richard Christensen, Kevin Daryl Strange
Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring conditions of living beings. A telemetry device includes a monitor which monitors at least one physiological condition of a patient. A transmitter transmits data including information on the condition and information identifying the device or patient. A separate receiver is provided for each device to receive the data transmitted. The receiver outputs signals to a processor. The processor extracts the information on the physiological condition and the information identifying the telemetry device. The processor outputs the information in a digital form to a display unit. The display unit displays the information on the physiological condition and the identifying information in a readable form. There is a separate display area for each telemetry device, whereby a plurality of patients can be monitored simultaneously on a real time or a near real time basis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 5, 1997
Date of Patent:
May 25, 1999
Assignee:
VSM Technology Inc.
Inventors:
Yunquan Chen, Steven Howard Hill, Antonio Hines, Cecil Hershler