Measuring Pressure In Heart Or Blood Vessel Patents (Class 600/485)
  • Publication number: 20150025334
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for stimulating and monitoring intensity of pain experienced by one or more users. The method includes measuring the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users on a pre-determined scale and augmented chart or physician's personal assessment using a plurality of one or more bio-markers, determining co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users, refining the co-relation between the plurality of one or more bio-markers and the intensity of pain experienced by the one or more users by learning from responses of one or more similar users, generating a pain profile for each of the one or more users and utilizing the learned information and the generated profile for monitoring, evaluating and treating the one or more users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: LAKSHYA JAIN
  • Patent number: 8938292
    Abstract: Techniques for estimating a cardiac chamber or vascular pressure based upon impedance are described. A device or system may measure an impedance between at least two electrodes implanted within or proximate to a cardiovascular system. The device or system may estimate a pressure of an element of the cardiovascular system based on a relationship between impedance and volume of the element, and based on a empirical relationship between the volume and the pressure. The device or system may also estimate the dimension of the element based on the impedance-volume relationship, or other characteristics based on the impedance. Because the impedance measurements may be obtained, in some examples, by using electrodes and leads implanted within the cardiovascular system and coupled to an implantable medical device, a practical estimation of a cardiovascular pressure can be obtained on a chronic basis without requiring the use other invasive sensors, such as micronanometer transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Hettrick, Yong K. Cho, Mattias Rouw, Shantanu Sarkar, Todd M. Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20150011841
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to automatically and accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject. The apparatus comprised of a sensor device removably coupled to an actuator which is used to position the sensor during measurements. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, and operating the apparatus, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: SIMON E. FINBURGH, Andrew S. Katayama, Ronald J. Vidischak, Anthony T. Butler, Kurt Blessinger
  • Patent number: 8926520
    Abstract: A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Endophys Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip Douglas Purdy, Ronald Bruce Jennings
  • Patent number: 8926515
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously measuring the absolute intracranial pressure in a non-invasive manner is described by using an ultrasonic Doppler device which detects the pulsatility indexes of the blood flow inside the eye artery for both intracranial and extracranial eye artery portions. The eye in which the blood flow is monitored is subjected to a small pressure, sufficient to equalize the pulsatility index measurements of the internal and external portions of the eye artery. The pressure at which such equalization occurs is used as a reference for autocalibration of the apparatus so that continuous absolute intracranial pressure measurements may be taken over a particular sampling period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: UAB Vittamed
    Inventors: Arminas Ragauskas, Gediminas Daubaris, Vytautas Petkus, Renaldas Raisutis
  • Patent number: 8920329
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable sensor device (51) for patient monitoring comprising a sensor (52) for providing an electric quantity based on a quantity to be detected, a first signal terminal (54) for providing a tap for the electric quantity, a first supply terminal (53) for supplying the sensor with an electrical supply quantity, a first connector for accommodating the first signal terminal (54) and the first supply terminal (53), a second signal terminal (56) for providing a further tap for the electric quantity, and a second connector for accommodating at least the second signal terminal (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences IPRM AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Knoll, Frederic Michard, Matthias Fahle, Tobias Thomamüller, Ulrich Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8920328
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement apparatus includes: a detector, operable to detect a first pulse, a second pulse prior to the first pulse and a third pulse prior to the second pulse under the same pressure; a first distinguisher, operable to distinguish whether waveforms of the first and second pulses are substantially identical with each other; a second distinguisher, when the waveforms are not substantially identical with each other, operable to distinguish whether parameters of the first, second and third pulses meet a condition corresponding to arrhythmia; a determiner, operable to determine the first and second pulses to be pulse waves when the waveforms are substantially identical with each other, and operable to determine the first, second and third pulses to be pulse waves when the parameters meet the condition; and a calculator, operable to calculate a blood pressure value based on the pulse waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Hirabara, Mitsushi Hyogo
  • Patent number: 8919384
    Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing body defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity, where the housing body defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A Spohn, John A Haury
  • Patent number: 8920327
    Abstract: In a method for determining cardiac output from an arterial blood pressure curve measured at the periphery, in which the blood pressure curve measured at the periphery is arithmetically transformed into the corresponding central blood pressure curve and the cardiac output is calculated from the central blood pressure curve, the transformation of the blood pressure curve measured at the periphery into the corresponding central blood pressure curve is performed by the aid of an artificial neural network whose weighting values are determined by learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: ARC Seibersdorf Research GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Wassertheurer, Christopher Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140369530
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a film part, and a sensing unit. A circumscribing rectangle circumscribing a configuration of a film surface of the film part has a first side, a second side, a third side connected to one end of the first side and one end of the second side, a fourth side connected to one other end of the first side and one other end of the second side, and a centroid of the circumscribing rectangle. The circumscribing rectangle includes a first region enclosed by the first side, line segments connecting the centroid to the one end of the first side, and to the one other end of the first side. The sensing unit includes sensing elements provided on a portion of the film surface overlapping the first region. Each sensing element includes a first, second magnetic layers, and a spacer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshihiko FUJI, Kei Masunishi, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiro Higashi, Michiko Hara, Akio Hori, Tomohiko Nagata, Shiori Kaji, Akiko Yuzawa
  • Patent number: 8911378
    Abstract: A method for detecting cuff slippage in a blood pressure monitoring device includes starting a cuff inflation on the blood pressure monitoring device. A plurality of pressure samples is obtained when the cuff is inflating. A level of background noise is determined during the cuff inflation. The level of background noise is determined from the plurality of pressure samples. When the background noise is determined, a determination is made from the plurality of blood pressure readings whether a pressure pattern indicating cuff slippage is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson B. Whitaker, Matthew J. Kinsley, Joseph D. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8911469
    Abstract: Ischemia-reperfusion injury commonly results from any surgical procedure requiring stopping of blood supply to an organ followed by reperfusion such as in heart bypass, angioplasty or organ transplant. The invention discloses a method to harness the innate power of repetitive transient ischemia in protecting organs against imminent ischemia-reperfusion, or any patho-physiological insults. This method of optimal remote ischemic preconditioning (ORIP) comprises of utilizing a pair of programmable pneumatic cuffs that inflate/deflate alternately occluding blood circulation to each of the limbs for pre-defined time intervals. The apparatus delivers maximal ORIP dose in shortest possible time either as an EMS procedure during patient transportation to hospital, as elective pre-surgery treatment, or in critical care for preventing multiple-organ-dysfunction-syndrome. ORIP can be self-administered and remotely monitored by clinician especially in chronic patients for homeostasis of malfunctioning target organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: NeoCardium, Limited
    Inventor: Fazal Raheman
  • Patent number: 8905939
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a cardiovascular parameter including receiving an input signal corresponding to an arterial blood pressure measurement over an interval that covers at least one cardiac cycle, determining a propagation time of the input signal, determining at least one statistical moment of the input signal, and determining an estimate of the cardiovascular parameter using the propagation time and the at least one statistical moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Feras S. Hatib, Charles R. Mooney, Luchy D. Roteliuk
  • Patent number: 8906056
    Abstract: System and method that is directed to medical treatments of organs having anatomical spaces, such as (but not limited to) the heart and the pericardial space. Specifically, an apparatus and method is provided for safely accessing anatomical spaces with surfaces to deliver medical devices or media into such spaces, or to remove fluids from such spaces. The methods and apparatus may include a first elongated member with a sharp tip used to penetrate the surface surrounding the anatomical space with a second elongated member with a helical tine used to engage the surface and lift the surface away from the underlying anatomical space. Once the first elongated member has incised the surface, it is removed, and the incision may be used as a point of entry for delivering media or medical devices into the anatomical space, or for carrying out further medical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: George T. Gillies, Peter Pollak, Srijoy Mahapatra
  • Publication number: 20140358015
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein enable reliable estimation of cardiovascular indices on real-time, non-invasive or minimally-invasive, and heat-to-beat basis. Cardiovascular indices which can be estimated include: stroke volume (SV), which being limited to, cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). In various embodiments, one or more of these indices are estimated continuously, on a beat-to-beat basis, using peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms and certain parameters derived from the peripheral ABP waveforms. The derived parameters are substantially insensitive to distortions of the ABP waveform arising from tapered arterial branches throughout the arterial tree. The methods describe herein can provide a more accurate and reliable estimate of hemodynarnic parameters than existing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Jonathan Cohen, Kichang Lee, Tatsuya Arai
  • Publication number: 20140357995
    Abstract: A method for identifying cardiac dysrhythmia behavior may include acquiring pulse volume wave data from a sensor associated with a patient, and calculating metrics associated with peaks detected therein. The metrics may include differences in amplitudes of successive pulse volume peaks and differences in the times of occurrence of successive pulse volume peaks. A dispersion analysis of the time differences, obtained during a defined time window, may result in one or more time difference dispersion metrics. Amplitude differences may be compared to an amplitude baseline, and time differences may be compared to a time baseline. Cardiac dysrhythmia behavior may be identified by a combination of an amplitude difference outside of the amplitude baseline, a corresponding time difference outside of the time baseline, and the values of one or more time difference dispersion metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Anne M. Brumfield, Jan K. Berkow
  • Patent number: 8900153
    Abstract: A patient monitoring device that combines physiological data collection with actigraphy data collection and associates the physiological data with synchronous actigraphy data. A method for processing actigraphy data by calculating absolute difference vectors of actigraphy signal vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mortara Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Merat Bagha, Pedro Mateo Riobo Aboy
  • Publication number: 20140350416
    Abstract: Patient monitoring systems can include a system for transmitting information from a patient parameter sensor to a patient monitor. The system can include an analogue-to-digital converter close to the patient parameter sensor and can transmit digital signals through a cable to the patient monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jack Balji, Cadathur Rajagopalan, Scott Eaton
  • Patent number: 8896462
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable medical device and a method for power management for power efficient use of RF telemetry during, for example, conditions where long periods of continuous monitoring of the device and the patient is desired such as during MRI procedures. A protocol module adapted to, at receipt of a low power protocol indication, activate and use a low power protocol for communication between the device and external units. The protocol module is capable of switching between different communication protocols including a low power communication protocol and a default RF communication protocol depending on, for example, whether continuous long-term monitoring of the patient is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical AB
    Inventors: Niklas Skoldengen, Hans Abrahamson, Therese Danielsson
  • Publication number: 20140343441
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic system may include a plurality of blood pressure measuring devices each configured to measure blood pressure of a respective extremity from among a plurality of extremities of a patient, and a blood pressure diagnostic device including at least one input device and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the at least one input device to determine blood pressure measurements for the respective patient extremities based upon the plurality of blood pressure measuring devices, receive an indicator of at least one symptom of the patient via the input device, and determine statistical probabilities that a condition of the patient is within a first group of vascular conditions requiring a first course of treatment, and a second group of vascular conditions requiring a second course of treatment different than the first course of treatment, based upon the determined blood pressure measurements and the indicator of the at least one symptom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony Alatriste
  • Patent number: 8888707
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement apparatus for measuring blood pressure in a predetermined period includes a blood pressure measuring unit for measuring the blood pressure of a subject, an information acquiring unit for acquiring information that is related to variation in blood pressure and changes in a time-series in the predetermined period, a determining unit for determining whether or not the information acquired by the information acquiring unit satisfies a predetermined condition, and a trigger output unit for, in a case where the determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, causing the blood pressure measuring unit to start and execute blood pressure measurement. The predetermined condition is expressed as a function of time that varies and is measured in the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignees: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd., Jichi Medical University
    Inventors: Osamu Shirasaki, Takashi Watanabe, Mitsuo Kuwabara, Kazuomi Kario
  • Publication number: 20140330093
    Abstract: A method is provided of systematically evaluating and treating dynamic autonomic dysregulation in a subject. The method includes having the subject sequentially assume a plurality of distinct postures that may include, for example, walking, standing, sitting or supine. In each posture of the subject, the subject is subjected to sensory stimulation while measuring at least one autonomic physiological response of the subject. The autonomic physiological response may include, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, pupillary response, blood pressure, sweat production, pseudomotor activity or respiration. The physiological responses in each of the distinct postures are evaluated to identify a posture wherein the subject exhibits a least amount of dysfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Victor M. Pedro
  • Publication number: 20140330087
    Abstract: A medical device that can have at least one sensor for obtaining data relating to at least one physiological condition of a patient. Some embodiments of the medical device can include internet communication which can allow the data obtained by the sensor(s) to be transmitted to a computer monitored by either a physician or the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MEDSENSATION, INC.
    Inventors: Marc Succi, Andrew Bishara
  • Patent number: 8880155
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for determining a risk, onset, or presence of hypovolemia based on one or more features of a plethysmographic waveform during a patient breathing cycle. For example, a hypovolemic patient may exhibit characteristic changes in pulse amplitude or stroke volume during inhalation and exhalation relative to a healthy patient. Further, a trend or pattern of such features may be used to assess the patient's fluid condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael Mestek, Daniel Lisogurski
  • Publication number: 20140323885
    Abstract: A method is presented. The method includes determining a plurality of temporal training features corresponding to one or more hemodynamic parameters of a plurality of elected-patients based upon temporal training signals representative of the one or more hemodynamic parameters, and generating an acute hypotension prediction classifier based upon the plurality of temporal training features corresponding to the one or more hemodynamic parameters of the plurality of elected-patients, wherein the plurality of temporal training features comprises covariance between two or more of the temporal training signals corresponding to the one or more hemodynamic parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sahika Genc, Gyemin Lee
  • Publication number: 20140323825
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a pulse oximeter attachment having an accessible memory. In one embodiment, the pulse oximeter attachment stores calibration data, such as, for example, calibration data associated with a type of a sensor, a calibration curve, or the like. The calibration data is used to calculate physiological parameters of pulsing blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Don Carothers, David Dalke, Mohamed K. Diab, Julian M. Goldman, Massi Joe E. Kiani, Michael Lee, Jerome Novak, Robert A. Smith, Val E. Vaden
  • Publication number: 20140323884
    Abstract: Passive physiological monitoring apparatus and method has a sensor for sensing physiological phenomenon. The sensor is a piezoelectric film of polyvinylidene fluoride. A pad may incorporate the PVDF film. The film converts mechanical energy into voltage signals. A microcomputer is used for recording, analyzing and displaying data from the sensor for on-line assessment and for providing realtime response. The sensor may be an array of sensors provided in a MEDEVAC litter or other patient support for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the body of a patient for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, home, remote monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HOANA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick K. Sullivan, Ken C.K. Cheung, Christopher J. Sullivan, Paul Pernambuco-Wise
  • Patent number: 8870781
    Abstract: A pressure supplier including an actuator that may be selectively expanded and contracted by applying a voltage, an elastic board being transformed in a predetermined direction to apply pressure upon a body part of a user when the actuator is contracted, and a guide member connecting with the actuator and the elastic board, and guiding the elastic board to be transformed in the predetermined direction while applying the pressure when the actuator is contracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Youn Lee, Kenichi Yamakoshi, Kun Soo Shin, Shinobu Tanaka, Takehiro Yamakoshi
  • Patent number: 8870782
    Abstract: In a pulse wave analyzer, an ECG signal and a pulse wave signal are detected from an object to be analyzed. A plurality of feature points are extracting from the acquired ECG signal, the feature points appearing in a waveform of the ECG signal. The acquired pulse wave signal is segmented into a plurality of pulse wave signal pieces based on times at which the feature points appear. Each of the pulse wave signal pieces is segmented every heart beat. A reference pulse wave is calculated based on the plurality of pulse wave signal pieces, by multiplying the pulse wave signal pieces by coefficients and averaging the pulse wave signal pieces multiplied by the coefficients. The reference pulse wave is used to estimate the blood pressure of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouki Futatsuyama, Harutsugu Fukumoto, Tsuyoshi Nakagawa, Naoki Mitsumoto, Tatsuya Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20140316287
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for displaying a fluid responsiveness predictor (FRP) based on an analysis a physiological signal detected by a physiological sensor applied to a patient. A method may include detecting the signal of the patient with the physiological sensor, determining an FRP with a FRP determination module, wherein the determining operation comprises analyzing at least one characteristic of the physiological signal over time to determine the FRP, receiving a report request to report the FRP at a requested time through a user interface, generating a reported FRP in relation to the requested time using the FRP determination module, and displaying the reported FRP on a display. The displaying operation may include displaying the FRP using at least one graphic representation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: COVIDIEN LP, COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: James Nicholas Watson, Paul Stanley Addison
  • Publication number: 20140316288
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved transformation method whereby the peripheral pulse waveform is filtered to separate different phases which make up the waveform. The separate phases are transformed before being re-combined to provide an estimated intra-arterial transfer function. For example, in one embodiment the peripheral pulse waveform is filtered by a first high pass filter, and a copy of the peripheral pulse waveform filtered by a second high pass filter, having a different cut-off frequency. The two filtered waveforms may then be further processed, for example by being added back to original wave-form, and are then multiplexed together in a time division manner to provide a final waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Jan Chowienczyk, Antoine Yves Marie Guilcher, Sally Emma Brett, Christopher Patrick Lawson
  • Patent number: 8864678
    Abstract: A blood pressure measuring method, according to which a pulse oscillogram of a patient is defined, the blood pressure is then determined from the pulse oscillogram and displayed. Reliable blood pressure values are obtained without additional cost to the user, by obtaining an evaluation criterion for the presence of haemodynamic stability from the individual pulse oscillogram, the determination of the blood pressure value or the determined blood pressure value being related to the criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Beurer GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Klaus Forstner
  • Patent number: 8864670
    Abstract: An ultrasonic monitoring device includes a substrate, a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, a computer readable memory medium, a microprocessor, and a power source. The ultrasonic transducer elements are coupled to the substrate. Each ultrasonic transducer element is separately configured to transmit a signal to a target area of a mammal and to receive an echo return signal from the target area. The computer readable memory medium includes program instructions. The microprocessor is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer elements and to the computer readable memory medium for executing the program instructions to determine a physiological parameter of the mammal based on a combined analysis of the echo return signals received by the ultrasonic transducer elements. The power source is coupled to at least one of the ultrasonic transducer elements, the computer readable memory medium, or the microprocessor for supplying electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald S. Lisiecki, Tamas Ban
  • Publication number: 20140309541
    Abstract: A blood pressure measurement device determines an amplitude and a frequency of a voltage applied to a piezoelectric pump, carries out control so that a voltage at the determined amplitude and frequency is applied to the piezoelectric pump, and calculates a blood pressure value based on a detected cuff pressure during inflation when the cuff pressure is increased by the piezoelectric pump. A control frequency at which a pump efficiency of the piezoelectric pump is maximum in the case where the fluid is supplied to the cuff at a required flow rate during inflation using a predetermined voltage as the voltage is determined, and first control that applies a voltage at the amplitude of the predetermined voltage and at the determined control frequency is carried out. The amount of power consumed can be reduced when increasing the cuff pressure for blood pressure measurement using the piezoelectric pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Yuki Yamashita, Tatsuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8858452
    Abstract: A check valve structure has a first space and a second space. The check valve structure is configured to allow a flow of a fluid from the first space to the second space and to inhibit flow of the fluid from the second space to the first space. The check valve structure has a partition wall arranged between the first space and the second space and provided with a communication hole providing communication between the first space and the second space, an elastic film body for covering the side of the second space of the communication hole so as to prevent a reverse flow of the fluid, an elastic member having a wall portion surrounding the communication hole for holding the elastic film body, and a nipping member for nipping the elastic member with the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: OMRON HEALTHCARE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Sano
  • Patent number: 8858435
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a health-related condition of a subject has an input interface for receiving a sequence of samples of a first biological quantity derived by a first measurement method, the first measurement method being an invasive measurement and having a first impact on the subject, and for receiving a sequence of samples of a second biological quantity derived by a second measurement method, the second measurement method being a non-invasive measurement and having a second impact on the subject, wherein the first biological quantity gives a more accurate indication of the health-related condition of the subject than the second biological quantity, wherein the first biological quantity and the second biological quantity have a correlation to the health-related condition of the subject, and wherein the second impact is smaller than the first impact; a predictor for providing, for a certain time, for which no sample for the first biological quantity exists, an estimated value of the first biologic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Diabetes Tools Sweden AB
    Inventors: Lars Gustaf Liljeryd, Ulf Frederik Magnusson
  • Patent number: 8858445
    Abstract: A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Freeman, Daniel M. Lisogurski
  • Patent number: 8858451
    Abstract: An injection system for injecting an injectate fluid into a blood vessel of the patient and for carrying out a blood pressure measurement of a patient. The injection system includes a catheter tube having a first end for penetrating the blood vessel of the patient, and a pressure sensor which is arranged close to a second end of the catheter tube and can sense a pressure of a liquid in the catheter tube as an indication of the blood pressure of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences IPRM AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Pfeiffer, Daniel Moulas, Reinhold Knoll
  • Publication number: 20140303509
    Abstract: A non-invasive method and apparatus determines continuously cardiac output by first analysing the trace obtained from an optical sensor which has been scaled and calibrated using an electronic sphygmomanometer. From this the mean arterial pressure and time constant are determined. Compliance is determined from the pulse delay between two other optical sensors at well separated sites. Cardiac output is the product of mean arterial pressure and compliance divided by the time constant. A microcomputer provides the necessary calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Duncan Islay Campbell
  • Patent number: 8852094
    Abstract: A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, John Graybeal, Massi E. Kiani, Michael Petterson, Chris Kilpatrick
  • Publication number: 20140296653
    Abstract: A brace device for the support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a flexible smart fabric, operable to partially or substantially enclose and/or lie adjacent to one or more portions of the thoracic, lumbar and/or cervical portions of the spine of the wearer. Fabric hardening means are provided, operable to partially or substantially harden one or more regions of the smart fabric upon application of an activating stimulus, thereby to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of one or more portions of the spine of the wearer. One or more predetermined regions of the smart fabric are in a substantially flexible configuration when the fabric hardening means are not activated, facilitating positioning, fitment and/or adjustment of the device around the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur L. JENKINS, III
  • Publication number: 20140288441
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing and audio devices for monitoring health and wellness. More specifically, disclosed are an apparatus and a method for processing signals representing physiological characteristics sensed from tissue at or adjacent an ear of an organism. In one or more embodiments, a wearable device includes a sensor terminal and a physiological sensor coupled to the sensor terminal to sense one or more signals originating at the sensor terminal. The wearable device may also include a radio frequency (“RF”) communications interface. Also, the wearable device can include a processor configured to cause generation of data representing a physiological characteristic of the organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: AliphCom
    Inventors: Michael Edward Smith Luna, Thomas Alan Donaldson, Scott Fullam
  • Publication number: 20140288443
    Abstract: A device, system and method for monitoring blood pressure information of a user. A device is configured with first and second pressure sensors, a fastening element, and a processing component. In the method the first pressure sensor is detachably attached to a first position and the second pressure sensor to a second position on the outer surface of a skin of the user. The pressure sensor generate signals that vary according to deformations of the skin in response to an arterial pressure wave expanding or contracting a blood vessel underlying the skin. The first signal and the second signal are used to compute at least one output value that represents a detected characteristic of the progressing arterial pressure wave of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ulf MERIHEINÄ, Pekka KOSTIAINEN
  • Patent number: 8840548
    Abstract: The information relating to physical and/or biomedical parameters of a person carrying out, in real conditions, an activity distinguished by high mechanical stresses is detected by sensors (10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 30) which are mounted on, or form part of, a garment worn while carrying out said activity. During all the stages of said activity this information is converted into data in digital format which are stored in an electronic recording device (100) or “data logger”. Advantages: the stored data may be used by other persons also far from the location where the activity is being performed and/or at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Alpinestars Research SRL
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzarolo
  • Publication number: 20140275925
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using information from a subject heart sound signal and information from a subject physiological pulsatile signal to identify subject systolic time intervals. An example system for identifying systolic time intervals includes a heart sound detector circuit, configured to detect a subject heart sound signal using an acoustic signal. The system can include a physiological signal sensing circuit configured to detect a physiological pulsatile signal, including at least one of a pulsatile cervical impedance signal or a pulsatile pulmonary artery pressure signal. A timing circuit can be configured to calculate a systolic time interval between a feature on the heart sound signal and a feature on the pulsatile signal. A subject physiologic diagnostic indication can be provided using information from the timing circuit about the systolic time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiac Pacemaker, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramodsingh Hirasingh Thakur, Qi An, Barun Maskara, Julie A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140275851
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for sharing medical data are described. In one aspect, one or more data streams are received from one or more medical imaging/sensing or other types of devices. Frames are obtained from the streams. In some embodiments, particular frames and/or parts of frames are selectively encrypted. The frames are transmitted to a remote device, where they are rendered and/or displayed at the remote device. In various embodiments, the frames of different streams are synchronized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ravi N. AMBLE, Harish P. HIRIYANNAIAH, Farooq Mirza Mohammad RAZA, Steven J. SALVE
  • Publication number: 20140276071
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick Hunziker, Oleksii Morozov, Felix Friedrich
  • Publication number: 20140276137
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining coronary flow reserve (CFR). The invention provides systems and methods for determining coronary flow reserve using a flow reserve index obtained at rest and during hyperemia. One flow reserve index obtained under the two conditions can be used to compute coronary flow reserve. The difference between the resting value and the hyperemic value of the index correlates to a coronary flow reserve value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Burnett, Bret Millett
  • Publication number: 20140275886
    Abstract: A probabilistic digital signal processor using data from multiple instruments is described. Initial probability distribution functions are input to a dynamic state-space model, which operates on state and/or model probability distribution functions to generate a prior probability distribution function, which is input to a probabilistic updater. The probabilistic updater integrates sensor data from multiple instruments with the prior to generate a posterior probability distribution function passed (1) to a probabilistic sampler, which estimates one or more parameters using the posterior, which is output or re-sampled in an iterative algorithm or (2) iteratively to the dynamic state-space model. For example, the probabilistic processor operates on fused data using a physical model, where the data originates from a mechanical system or a medical meter or instrument, such as an electrocardiogram or pulse oximeter to generate new parameter information and/or enhanced parameter information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrigo E. Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20140276134
    Abstract: The invention presents a non-invasive method and device of measuring the real-time continuous pressure of fluid fluctuating in an elastic tube and the dynamic compliance of the elastic tube, in which the theory of VLDT (Vascular Loading Decoupling Technique) is used. After searching the initial critical depth and determining the decoupled ratio, a DC controller generates a DC control gain to maintain the elastic tube at critical depth, and an AC controller employs the self-adaptive and Step-Hold control rules to create the pulsation of elastic tube without effect of surrounding tissues, and be capable of measuring the real-time continuous fluid pressure and dynamic compliance of elastic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GONG BU DESIGN COMPANY
    Inventor: ALBERT CHIN-YUH LIN