Abstract: In an electronic blood pressure measurement device which is arranged to extract pulse waves from the measured cuff pressure, a pulse wave pattern is generated from the pulse wave amplitude and pulse wave interval data and this pulse wave pattern is compared with reference patterns to classify the pattern in order to accurately obtain biological information other than the blood pressure. Blood pressure amplitudes PA(i) are computed from the measured cuff pressures C(i) and a pulse wave pattern is generated (35) on the basis of this pulse wave amplitude data and this pulse wave pattern is classified into a plurality of reference patterns (37) according to reference patterns or reference values (36). Here, the reference patterns or reference values are set as hemodynamic references based on dynamic characteristics of the blood vessel or cardiac output characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting blood pressure sounds produced by the opening snap of an artery in a patient in the presence of significant noise using the phase information contained in two microphone signals. The two microphones are placed on a patient along the axis of an artery with their centers separated by a distance such that blood pressure sounds picked up by the microphones will be out of phase. Pressure is applied to the artery such that the artery opens and closes during each heart cycle, the opening snap of the artery producing blood pressure sounds. The two microphone signals are filtered, preferably using band pass filters having pass bands corresponding to the frequency of the blood pressure sounds. The filtered microphone signals are sampled and multiplied together or convolved in the frequency domain to generate a microphone signal product. If the microphone signal product is negative, the detection of a valid blood pressure signal for that sampling time is indicated.

Abstract: A method and a device for noninvasively identifying a region of the tissue having a different elasticity than the surrounding tissue by simultaneously measuring strain and stress patterns in the tissue portion using an ultrasonic imaging system combined with a pressure sensing array. In a particular embodiment, a pressure sensing array made of a sound transparent film inserted between the ultrasonic scanner probe and the tissue measures pressure pattern on the surface of the tissue when the tissue portion is deformed while the scanner detects internal strain pattern. The ultrasonic scanner probe with the attached pressure sensing array serves as a pressure exerting member causing a deformation of the tissue and creating stress and strain in the tissue portion.

Abstract: A conformable sensor which uses a flexible substrate, preferably a polyester strip is disclosed. The emitter and detector are mounted on one portion of the strip with conductive traces connecting to them. The second portion of the strip is folded over to cover the emitter and detector and traces, with openings for the emitter and detector. A conductive coating is applied to the strip to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference. Preferably, a second portion of the strip, which folds over the first portion, also has a Faraday shield covering the opening over the detector. The detector and emitter semiconductor chip die (rather than use encapsulated chips) may be mounted directly on the polyester strip so that it is in contact with one of the conductive traces.

Abstract: A new method for treatment of vascular headaches (migraine and cluster), tension headache, atypical (chronic) facial pain, and cervical muscle spasm is presented. This method comprises the application of cold water or saline (0.degree.-4.degree. C.), cold metal or ice to the area of tenderness associated with the plexus formed by the posterior superior alveolar branch of the ipsilateral maxillary nerve, as well as to other branches of the trigeminal nerve. Immediately preceding the application of the cold, an injection of a conventional dental anesthetic in the conventional amount used for that purpose can be made. The cold or frozen water or saline can be applied indirectly when contained in small bags, tubes or packets made of plastic film, latex, silicone, or the like. Metal tubes can also be used which have been chilled by either passing cold water or ice through their hollow interiors.

Abstract: This probe makes use of a simplified housing construction that significantly reduces the cost of the manufacture of the probe housing. The housing is implemented using two molded housing halves, which are pivotally connected together and which include an integral spring member. In addition, the housing includes a connector mounted thereon for enabling the probe to be disengaged from the cable and its associated connector that interconnects the probe with the medical monitoring equipment. As a further improvement, a notch is provided on the housing so that the conductors can be positioned to exit the probe in any direction to minimize the possibility of the conductors inadvertently pulling the probe loose from the patient's finger.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood pressure measurment device including: a cuff, a pressure detector for detecting a cuff pressure; a cuff pressure control pump for linearly increasing or decreasing the cuff pressure; a light-emitting member for injecting a beam of light into a part of a body by the cuff; light-receiving members for detecting an amount of light transmitted or an amount of light reflected of the beam of light injected into the body from the light-emitting member; a demodulating circuit for separating a pulsatile component from the light-receiving signal obtained from the light-receiving members; a CPU for sending a control signal to the cuff pressure control pump to thereby either increase the cuff pressure if it is judged that the pulsatile component has not been detected before applying pressure to the cuff based on the detection output from the demodulating circuit or decrease the once increased cuff pressure, and detecting an inflection point in the light-receiving signal in the course of increasing or

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring multiple physiological variables of a patient at a single site on the patient can be used to facilitate assessment of the patient's well being during medical surgery as well as during ambulatory monitoring, home monitoring, procedure monitoring and similar situations. The apparatus has an infrared (IR) temperature sensor, a pulse oximeter sensor and a communication circuit for outputting information produced from the pulse oximeter and information produced from the infrared temperature measuring device. These elements are integrally placed within a mold or plug made to fit the ear of the patient.

Abstract: A single use protective barrier medical accessory serves to isolate a sphygmomanometer cuff from a patient whose blood pressure is to be taken in order to prevent contamination of the cuff by the patient's bodily fluids such as blood. The medical accessory constitutes an open ended tubular sleeve fabricated from readily foldable, fluid impervious material. Each open end is provided with an elastic band to snugly close around the patient's arm. In use, the tubular sleeve is introduced over a patient's arm and slid into position. A sphygmomanometer cuff is then fixed in place over the sleeve in the usual position on the patient's arm. Then, an upper portion of the sleeve is folded over to completely cover the sphygmomanometer cuff while permitting admission of a tube coupled to a bulb for pressurizing the cuff. After the patient's blood pressure has been taken, the upper portion is unfolded, the cuff is removed and the sleeve is removed and disposed of, preferably according to established procedures.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff for pressing a body portion of a living subject by being wound and inflated around the body portion, in measuring a blood pressure of the subject, the cuff having (a) a first group of graduations provided on a major surface of the cuff, the major surface being adapted to be visible when the cuff is wound around the body portion of the subject, so that the first group of graduations are used for measuring a circumferential length of the body portion; and (b) a second group of graduations provided on the major surface of the cuff, the graduations of the second group corresponding to the graduations of the first group, respectively, so that the cuff wound around the body portion of the subject is fixed at one of the graduations of the second group which corresponds to one of the graduations of the first group which indicates the measured circumferential length of the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems, wherein the blanket is sized to accommodate pediatric patients. The blankets according to the present invention may be used both over or under the patient, thereby facilitating use in the operating room or outside the operating room. The present invention also relates to a blanket for use with forced air convection systems which is nonflammable and laser resistant. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of prevention hypothermia and hyperthermia and to a method of making a blanket for use with forced air convection systems.

Abstract: A multiple blood pressure cuff system comprises a plurality of inflatable cuffs of a range of widths and lengths which collectively share a common pressure source and a common pressure measuring device. A manifold pneumatically connects each cuff to the common pressure source and pressure measuring device and stopcock valves allow airflow to be directed to only the particular cuff in use. A mounting board is provided for affixing the system to a wall or cabinet and for conveniently supporting and displaying the cuffs that are not in use.

Abstract: By providing a carrier constructed for securely retaining a heat generating pad while also being able to be easily, securely mounted to the skin surface of an individual, a delivery system is achieved for providing heat therapy to any desired site or location. The heat generating pad is securely retained using either permanent or separatable fastening means. By employing separatable fastening means, the same carrier can be repeatedly employed by changing to a new heat generating pad after the previously used pad is exhausted. In addition, the carrier incorporates either adhesive means for mounting the carrier and pad to a user or employs separatable fastening means mounted to the carrier to enable the carrier and pad to be easily positioned, wherever desired, and securely retained in that position by engaging the fastening means.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired.

Abstract: This invention, which comprises a cuff, an exhaust portion, a pressure sensor, an A/D converter, a microcomputer, a display, and an operation portion, initially determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by comparing the size of each pulse wave, and it then determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by comparing the sizes of the values obtained by totalling each pulse wave amplitude along with its preceding and subsequent pulse wave amplitudes, and it finally determines the maximum pulse wave amplitude by evaluating whether the different value between each preceding and each subsequent pulse wave amplitudes which occur after the maximum pulse wave amplitude has a negative(-) sign, thereby eliminating erroneous calculations caused by oscillation noise interference.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and procedure for the non-invasive detection of the sugar concentration changes in body liquids such as blood is disclosed. The instrument measures sugar concentration changes using the natural fingerprint of sugar which is rotations of polarization of light emitted from the biological particle chromophores dissolved together with sugar in human liquids. The degree of polarization of light emitted from luminescence centers undergoing interaction with an optically active medium such as sugar is proportional to the concentration of sugar in, for example, blood. The reference level is determined by conventional blood analysis using standard monitoring equipment during the special procedure of the Glucose Tolerance Test.