Abstract: A method and system for extracting cardiac parameters from a plethysmographic signal is described wherein the plethysmographic signal is passed through a first filter to remove non-cardiac components of the signal. A second filter averages a plurality of cardiac cycles and cardiac parameters are extracted from the averaged cardiac signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing medical treatments is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus according the present invention comprises a mattress, a mattress support, cast shoes, a footboard support, a drive for causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform. In another aspect, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sling device connected to a drive causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting cardiac parameters from a plethysmographic signal is described wherein the plethysmographic signal is passed through a first filter to remove non-cardiac components of the signal. A second filter averages a plurality of cardiac cycles and cardiac parameters are extracted from the averaged cardiac signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both.

Abstract: Methods of medical treatment and diagnosis using mediators released by endothelial cells stimulated by external addition of pulses to the circulation are disclosed. The external pulses produce circumferential shear stress in body fluid channels that subsequently stimulates the endothelial cells to produce mediators that become available for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The preferred means of adding external pulses is the mechanical inducement of periodic acceleration of the body or parts of the body by a reciprocating motion platform.

Abstract: A method for calibrating non-invasive breathing monitors with sensors placed on the rib-cage and abdomen of a subject includes determining an initial scaling factor and an optimal multiplicative factor for the readings of the rib-cage and abdomen sensors using one of a least squares, linear regression, or multi-linear regression techniques. A current scaling factor is determined on a periodic basis using qualitative device calibration techniques. The current scaling factor is used to monitor breathing and diagnose obstructive apneas. Furthermore, the optimal multiplicative and the current scaling factor are used to determine the current tidal volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both.

Abstract: A reciprocating platform assembly for oscillating a subject supporting platform in a back and forth, headward to footward motion includes a platform mounted on displacement modules that are mounted to a frame. The displacement modules are signally connected to a processor that controls movement of the platform through operation of the displacement modules. The platform may be oscillated to soothe a subject on the platform to hasten a sleeping state of the subject or to minimize or prevent the occurrence of apneas in the subject. The platform may also be oscillated to assist or support ventilation and/or for cardiopulmonary/cardiac support of the subject. The platform is additionally useful in conjunction with a physiological monitor to rapidly shake the subject when an adverse event occurs to wake the subject and terminate the adverse event. The monitor may also be employed as a trigger for assisting or supporting ventilation and cardiac/cardiopulmonary support.

Abstract: A non-invasive physiologic signs monitoring device includes a garment with electrocardiogram electrodes and various inductive plethysmographic sensors sewn, embroidered, embedded, or otherwise attached to the garment with an adhesive. The garment is in the form of a shirt. When the garment is fitted over the torso of the patient to be monitored, the electrodes and sensors generate signals in response to the physiologic signs of the patient. The signals are transmitted to a recording/alarm device where they are monitored for adverse conditions and logged. When an adverse condition or other preprogrammed condition occurs, a message is communicated to the patient by either an audio message or a display. The recording/alarm unit is also connectable to a remote receiving unit for monitoring by a health care professional or other machine.

Abstract: A method for measuring respiratory drive includes determining a peak inspiratory flow and a peak inspiratory acceleration from a breath waveform derived from rib cage motion and abdominal motion using a plethysmograph or other external respiratory measuring device. The respiratory drive is ascertainable even during complete blockage of the respiratory system. The peak inspiratory drive derived using the inventive method is used to initiate inspiration in a mechanical ventilator and for determining an index describing a shape of the waveform for controlling a continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in pulse oximetry for discriminating between valid pulse waveforms and artifactual pulse waveforms. Systolic upstroke times for valid pulse waveforms are in a consistent, narrow range which varies only slightly from subject to subject. This narrow range, which may be defined empirically for each subject or established by a default setting applicable to all subjects, defines a predetermined range of systolic upstroke times indicative of valid pulse waveforms. The systolic upstroke time of each pulse waveform is compared against the predetermined range, and pulse waveforms are deemed valid only if their systolic upstroke times are within the predetermined range. Only arterial oxygen saturation levels based on validated pulse waveforms are accepted. The present invention may also be used to validate the heart rate and/or R-R, intervals of an ECG, and for discriminating between sleep and wakefulness in a monitored subject.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for improving the detection of the inductance "signal" generated by an inductive plethysmograph (12). Signal detection is improved by modifying the design of the inductive plethysmograph (12) and also by improving the design of the associated circuitry. By virtue of these improvements, the associated circuitry may be located remotely rather than on the transducer, as is the current practice. In one aspect of the invention, the impedance matching transformer (14) joining the inductive plethysmograph (12) to the oscillator (16) is selected such that the inductance of its primary winding is greater than about ten times the reflected inductance of the inductive plethysmograph (12) and the cable (24) joining it to the transformer (14). In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the inductive plethysmograph (12) is modified such that the conductor (20) incorporated therein encircles the relevant body portion a plurality of times.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus therefor for monitoring cardiac function in an animal or human subject including the steps of: placing a first movement detecting transducer on the torso, said transducer overlying at least part of two diametrically opposed borders of the heart or great vessels; generating a signal indicative of the movement of the torso portion subtended by the transducer, said signal including a cardiac component comprising at least a segmental ventricular volume waveform or a segmental aortic pressure pulse waveform; and assessing cardiac function by monitoring changes in said venticular volume waveform or said aortic pressure pulse waveform.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and apparatus for monitoring individual lung function is disclosed. A transducer (12, 14) is disposed on the torso above the lung to be monitored, the transducer producing a signal corresponding to movement of the torso portion therebeneath which, in turn, corresponds to changes in the volume of the underlying lung. Regional lung volume changes may also be assessed by utilizing transducers positioned on the torso to encompass only a portion of the underlying lung.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) is disclosed, along with an improved transducer (50) for measuring CVP in infants. Changes in CVP may also be monitored by employing the method and apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) is disclosed, along with an improved transducer (50) for measuring CVP in infants. Changes in CVP may also be monitored by employing the method and apparatus of the invention. According to the invention, a transducer is disposed on the neck of a subject (or on the head in the case of infants), and the signal from the transducer is processed to obtain the cardiac component. Thereafter, the vertical distance from the transducer to a reference level is adjusted until the position is located at which the signal transitions between a venous configuration and an arterial or mixed venous-arterial configuration, at which position the vertical distance approximates CVP.

Abstract: Intrapleural pressure of a newborn subject is measured by detecting relative movement between adjacently-proximate cranial bones. The preferred device for measuring such bone movements is a surface inductive plethysmographic transducer secured on the subject's head across at least two adjacently-proximate cranial bones. The output signal generated by the transducer may be calibrated to provide a measurement of actual intrapleural pressure by temporarily manually occluding the subject's nose or, if intubal, the endotracheal tube, measuring the airway pressure during such occlusion as the makes an inspiratory effort, and adjusting the transducer output signal to equal the airway pressure measured with the nose occluded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for monitoring respiration volumes by continuously measuring, while the patient breathes, variations in the patient's chest cross sectional area, or preferably, variations in both chest and abdomen areas. Each area is measured by measuring the inductance of an extensible electrical conductor closely looped around the body, by connecting the loop as the inductance in a variable frequency LC oscillator followed by a frequency-to-voltage converter and a voltage display. Calibration is made by measuring the area variations for a few breaths while directly measuring corresponding volumes of breath, preferably while the patient assumes at least two body positions, for example sitting and supine. The method and apparatus may also be used to monitor changes in area of any non-magnetic object.

Abstract: An improved, low-cost stretchable band incorporating a conductor for disposition about the human torso or other three dimensional object, and particularly intended for use with respiration monitoring apparatus, is disclosed. A method for making the band, which method is suitable to mass production techniques, is also disclosed. Also presented is an improved enclosure housing circuitry releasably connected to the conductor in the band when the band is incorporated in respiration monitoring apparatus.