Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A brace and traction device and associated methods of operation. In one embodiment, the device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member are adapted such that the brace is able to mate with the collar member while still being able to rotate to the subject's left and right while remaining planar to the collar member. Adjustment may be accomplished for example manually or via an electronic motor controlled by a control mechanism and microprocessor. The microprocessor may be adapted to store information regarding a user's sessions, and facilitate communication with patient and physician personal devices, thus sending these data from recorded sessions. The processor element may also be adapted to implement therapy sessions based on physician-entered program specifications, or based on pre-programmed specifications.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism, when such parameters are potentially affected by other concurrent events. In one exemplary embodiment, apparatus and methods for compensating for occlusive events (e.g., pressure cuff inflation) occurring ipsilateral to the location of parameter measurement are disclosed. Upon passive detection of signal degradation resulting from the event, the apparatus selectively enters a “wait state” wherein further processing of the hemodynamic data is suspended until the degrading event subsides. This behavior mitigates any adverse effects the event might have on the accuracy of the representation of the measured hemodynamic parameter generated by the system. In another exemplary embodiment, the measured data is analyzed in order to classify the type of event (e.g.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter by measuring a non-calibrated value of the parameter non-invasively, and inducing a stress of the circulatory system while measuring a second parameter. The response of the circulatory system to the stress is determined directly from the subject, and a calibration function is derived from the response and applied to the non-calibrated measured value to produce a calibrated measure of the actual value of the hemodynamic parameter. Methods of using backscattered acoustic energy for determination of hemodynamic markers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism, when such parameters are potentially affected by other concurrent events. In one exemplary embodiment, apparatus and methods for compensating for occlusive events (e.g., pressure cuff inflation) occurring ipsilateral to the location of parameter measurement are disclosed. Upon passive detection of signal degradation resulting from the event, the apparatus selectively enters a “wait state” wherein further processing of the hemodynamic data is suspended until the degrading event subsides. This behavior mitigates any adverse effects the event might have on the accuracy of the representation of the measured hemodynamic parameter generated by the system. In another exemplary embodiment, the measured data is analyzed in order to classify the type of event (e.g.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject. The apparatus further includes a display, input device, and one or more communications links such that data and other information may be communicated between the apparatus and one or more remote locations. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable monitoring station disposed in the subject's home, which is kept in communication with a remote medical facility via a wireless interface and PSTN or data network. Two-way communications of monitored data, video, audio, and other types of information is provided to facilitate remote care of the subject, and obviate the need for an in-home caregiver or frequent trips to the medical facility.

Abstract: A sensor assembly used for the measurement of one or more physiologic parameters of a living subject which is capable of storing both data obtained dynamically during use as well as that programmed into the device. In one embodiment, the sensor assembly comprises a disposable combined pressure and ultrasonic transducer incorporating an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), the assembly being used for the non-invasive measurement of arterial blood pressure. The sensor EEPROM has a variety of information relating to the manufacture, run time, calibration, and operation of the sensor, as well as application specific data such as patient or health care facility identification. Portions of the data are encrypted to prevent tampering. In a second embodiment, one or more additional storage devices (EEPROMs) are included within the host system to permit the storage of data relating to the system and a variety of different sensors used therewith.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter by measuring a non-calibrated value of the parameter non-invasively, and inducing a stress of the circulatory system while measuring a second parameter. The response of the circulatory system to the stress is determined directly from the subject, and a calibration function is derived from the response and applied to the non-calibrated measured value to produce a calibrated measure of the actual value of the hemodynamic parameter. Methods of using backscattered acoustic energy for determination of hemodynamic markers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: A Holter-type recorder unit for use with an ambulatory ECG recording system is described. The invention features real-time beat differentiation, including ST analysis and paced beat analysis of two or three channel sampled electrocardiogram data. The invention also features real-time coding of beat morphology and summary information on cassette tape. Further, summary information for an entire analysis can be compiled and reverse recorded onto the cassette tape at the end of the analysis to allow downloading thereof into an ECG scanner while the cassette is being rewound.

Abstract: A Holter-type recorder unit for use with an ambulatory ECG recording system is described. The recorder features real-time beat differentiation, including ST analysis and paced beat analysis of two or three channel sampled electrocardiogram data. The recorder also features real-time coding of beat morphology and summary information on cassette tape. Further, summary information for an entire analysis can be compiled and reverse recorded onto the cassette tape at the end of the analysis to allow downloading thereof into an ECG scanner while the cassette is being rewound.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: An ECG analysis system for use in conjunction with an ambulatory ECG recorder. The invention includes a playback deck which is capable of receiving and downloading information from a cassette tape to a dedicated digital analysis unit. The playback deck is capable of receiving information from the cassette tape during rewind of the tape therein as well as during playback of the tape. The dedicated digital analysis unit includes a superimposition template and a minute-by-minute ECG template which allow interaction between the dedicated digital analysis unit and the operator for simplification of analysis, manipulation, editing, and report generation. The system is capable of processing information from a cassette tape while it is being rewound in the playback deck and producing preliminary summary report information related to ECG data on the tape for use by a system operator before the tape completes its rewind operation.

Abstract: An ambulatory patient monitoring system (100) is provided for measuring and storing predetermined diagnostic parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes a personal type computer (120) which may be selectively coupled to the portable portion (102) of system (100). Portable portion (102) may include one or more monitoring modules, such as ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210). When ECG monitoring unit (110) and blood pressure monitoring unit (210) are disposed in side-by-side relationship and with respective optical interfaces (50, 254) in optical alignment, the two units operate in concert. ECG monitoring unit (110) supplies an R-wave gating signal to blood pressure monitoring unit (210) for establishing a window in which the receipt of a Korotkoff sound is expected. Additionally, the ECG unit (110) may trigger the blood pressure unit (210) to take a reading responsive to unit (110) identifying a predetermined abnormality in the ECG signal.

Abstract: An improved electrocardiography system displays and records electrocardiograph (ECG) signals provided on multiple pickup leads attached to a patient. The system has the capability of selectively displaying standard preprogrammed lead configurations or lead groups, and provides the operator with the additional capability of programming selected leads from various groups to form a "monitor group". Selected ECG signals are routed to a four-channel oscilloscope and a three-channel strip-chart recorder, the system providing the operator with a "freeze" capability such that a signal appearing on one of the oscilloscope channels may be displayed in a stationary state on the fourth oscilloscope channel, and subsequently printed out on the strip chart recorder.

Abstract: An automatic high speed Holter scanning system operates in a nonautomatic mode or in an automatic mode to receive electrocardiogram signals which have been prerecorded in dissimilar formats having different known parameters, and to process same in accordance with an operator input. The automatic arrhythmia processor of the present invention detects ectopic cardiac information, stores the detected information in time sequence, and selectively reads out and displays the stored ectopic information in response to operator command. In addition, the automatic arrhythmia processor compares QRS complexes in received ECG signals to a desired normal QRS complex, and continuously updates the R-R interval and area of the normal QRS complex following each comparison of the normal QRS complex with the subsequent QRS complexes.