Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

Abstract: The invention provides a neck-worn sensor (referred to herein as the ‘necklace’) 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 necklace 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.

Abstract: A two-component monitoring device and system for monitoring blood pressure from a patient is disclosed herein. The two-component monitoring device includes a disposable component and a main component. The disposable component features: i) a backing structure having a first aperture; and ii) first and second electrodes, each electrode connected to the backing structure and including an electrical lead and a conductive electrode material, and configured to generate an electrical signal that passes through the electrical lead when the conductive electrode material contacts the patient. The main component includes: i) first and second connectors configured to connect to the first and second electrical leads to receive the first and second electrical signals; and ii) an optical component comprising a light source that generates optical radiation and a photodetector that detects the optical radiation. The optical component inserts into the first aperture of the disposable component.

Abstract: A system is described that continuously measures a patient's blood pressure over a length of time. The system features a sensor assembly featuring a flexible cable configured to wrap around a portion of a patient's arm. The flexible cable features a back surface that includes at least two electrodes that are positioned to contact the patient's skin to generate electrical signals. It additionally features an optical sensor that includes at least one light source and at least one photodetector. These components form an optical sensor that is configured to generate an optical signal by detecting optical radiation emitted by the at least one light source and reflected from a blood vessel underneath the patient's skin.

Abstract: A system is described that continuously measures a patient's blood pressure over a length of time. The system features a sensor assembly featuring a flexible cable configured to wrap around a portion of a patient's arm. The flexible cable features a back surface that includes at least two electrodes that are positioned to contact the patient's skin to generate electrical signals. It additionally features an optical sensor that includes at least one light source and at least one photodetector. These components form an optical sensor that is configured to generate an optical signal by detecting optical radiation emitted by the at least one light source and reflected from a blood vessel underneath the patient's skin.

Abstract: The invention features a vital sign monitor that includes: 1) a sensor component that attaches to the patient and features an optical sensor and an electrical sensor that measure, respectively a first and second signal: and 2) a control component. The control component features: 1) an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the first signal and second signal into, respectively, a first digital signal and a second digital signal; 2) a CPU configured to operate an algorithm that generates a blood pressure value by processing with an algorithm the first digital signal and second digital signal; 3) a display element; 4) a graphical user interface generated by computer code operating on the CPU and configured to render on the display element the blood pressure value; and 5) a software component that renders video images on the display element. To capture video and audio information, the device further includes both a digital camera and a microphone.

Abstract: A two-component monitoring device and system for monitoring blood pressure from a patient is disclosed herein. The two-component monitoring device includes a disposable component and a main component. The disposable component features: i) a backing structure having a first aperture; and ii) first and second electrodes, each electrode connected to the backing structure and including an electrical lead and a conductive electrode material, and configured to generate an electrical signal that passes through the electrical lead when the conductive electrode material contacts the patient. The main component includes: i) first and second connectors configured to connect to the first and second electrical leads to receive the first and second electrical signals; and ii) an optical component comprising a light source that generates optical radiation and a photodetector that detects the optical radiation. The optical component inserts into the first aperture of the disposable component.