Measuring Pressure In Heart Or Blood Vessel Patents (Class 600/485)
  • Patent number: 8298150
    Abstract: A method of monitoring pressure within a medical patient, includes measuring an actual pressure in a medical patient in a first time period; measuring an indicator of the actual pressure in the first time period, wherein the indicator is derived from an electrical signal of the patient's heart; determining a correlative relationship between the actual pressure and the indicator, wherein both the actual pressure and the indicator are obtained in the first time period; measuring the indicator in a second time period; and determining the actual pressure in the second time period based on the correlative relationship obtained in the first time period and the indicator obtained in the second time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: Brian Mann, James S. Whiting, Neal L. Eigler
  • Patent number: 8292821
    Abstract: To improve measurement accuracy of blood pressure. A wrist sphygmomanometer comprises a cuff spring formed in a curved shape to fit the semicircle on the side of the pulsation part of the wrist, having a mount portion formed outside; a cuff band including the cuff spring as a core material, having an air bag inside, and wound around a wrist; and a sphygmomanometer main body mounted on the mount portion of the cuff spring, having a pressure pump for supplying air to the air bag, wherein the cuff spring has a protrusion protruding inward formed in a nearly central position in a peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Seimitsu Sokki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20120265081
    Abstract: This is a diagnostic method to determine and predict disease and observe the development of a disease by using a dual-arm blood pressure monitor that measures the balance of relationship between human organs and functions. This method uses the dialectical theory of “the balance of yin and yang’ in traditional Chinese medicine and is combined with modern blood pressure measuring tools, and is able to forecast and observe the process and effects of treatment of a disease. The method makes it possible for efficacy of Chinese medicine diagnosis go out of fuzzy situation, and is a breakthrough in disease forecast, diagnosis, and treatment which is also considered a significant contribution to Western medicine for diagnostics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Ben Jun Wu
  • Patent number: 8287458
    Abstract: Disclose herein is a method of measuring pressures in a coronary sinus. In one embodiment, the method includes: introducing a distal portion of a lead or tool into the coronary sinus, wherein the distal portion includes first and second pressure sensors and at least one selectably expandable member; expanding the at least one expandable member such that the first and second sensors are isolated from each other within the coronary sinus; and taking pressure measurements with the first and second sensors when isolated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Vanney, Scott Salys, Thao Ngo, Elizabeth Nee, Annapurna Karicherla, Ravisankar Gurusamy, Gene A. Bornzin
  • Patent number: 8287739
    Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis LeeGrande Barrett, David Wayne Peterson, Kristian Allen Sammann
  • Patent number: 8287459
    Abstract: Exemplary techniques and systems for interpolating left ventricular pressures are described. One technique interpolates pressures within the left ventricle from blood pressures gathered without directly sensing blood pressure in the left ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Gene A. Bornzin
  • Publication number: 20120259189
    Abstract: New algorithms to estimate cardiovascular indices by analysis of the arterial blood pressure (ABP) signal. The invention comprises recording and identification of cardiovascular descriptors (including ABP signal, diastolic pressure, systolic pressure, pulse pressure, and end systole), calculation of cardiovascular system parameters, and calculation of aortic blood flow, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and characteristic time constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard Jonathan Cohen, Tatsuya Arai
  • Publication number: 20120259236
    Abstract: A medical diagnostic device performs diagnostics for assessing the ability of the arteries to respond to an increase in blood flow. The medical diagnostic device determines relative changes in arterial volume of the limb segment during a time period after a stimulus relative to the arterial volume of the limb segment during a baseline period using the amplitudes or other portions of the component pulse waves (such as early systolic components) of volume pulse waves during the baseline period and after the stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: ANGIOLOGIX, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Parfenov, Maria A. Parfenova, Nikolay Vasilyevich Konstantinov
  • Publication number: 20120259235
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a correlation between heart rate and blood pressure in a patient. When a characteristic of the correlation exceeds a threshold, a patient status indicator signal is sent to a monitoring device. In some embodiments, the patient status indicator signal indicates a particular medical condition or alerts a care provider to a change in status. In some embodiments, the heart rate signal is used to improve a blood pressure estimate generated by a different signal. In some embodiments, the heart rate, blood pressure and correlation signals are used in a predictive mathematical model to estimate patient status or outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Paul Stanley Addison, James Watson, Rakesh Sethi
  • Patent number: 8282569
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining ejection fraction. The method includes: measuring a physiologic signal indicative of blood pressure; analyzing the physiologic signal at more than one time instance so as to extract information present in its temporal variations; and determining ejection fraction based in part on the extracted information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Ramakrishna Mukkamala
  • Patent number: 8282564
    Abstract: The methods and systems for estimating cardiac output and total peripheral resistance include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine intra-beat and inter-beat variability in arterial blood pressure and estimating from the variability a time constant for a lumped parameter beat-to-beat averaged Windkessel model of the arterial tree. Uncalibrated cardiac output and uncalibrated total peripheral resistance may then be calculated from the time constant. Calibrated cardiac output and calibrated total peripheral resistance may be computed using calibration data, assuming an arterial compliance that is either constant or dependent on mean arterial blood pressure. The parameters of the arterial compliance may be estimated in a least-squares manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tushar A. Parlikar, Gireeja V. Ranade, Thomas Heldt, George C. Verghese
  • Patent number: 8282563
    Abstract: Problems To provide a cardiac disease treatment system for accurately diagnosing the functional cause of an abnormality of a cardiac disease by analyzing the hemodynamic state of a patient, automatically performing medication in accordance with the diagnosis result, and treating the cardiac disease. Means for solving problems The cardiac disease treatment system is characterized by comprising input means (2) for inputting the cardiac output value of the patient, the left atrial pressure value and/or the right atrial pressure value, first calculating means (31) for calculating the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart from the inputted cardiac output and the left or right atrial pressure value, first comparing means (41) for comparing the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart with a target pumping ability value, and first medicating means (51) for medicating the patient in accordance with the result of the comparison by the first comparing means (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Health Sciences Foundation
    Inventors: Kazunori Uemura, Atsunori Kamiya, Masaru Sugimachi, Kenji Sunagawa
  • Publication number: 20120253168
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which produce and detect quantum entanglement and non-local effects of substances on responsive targets such as biological systems. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing two parts of a quantum-entangled medium, applying one part to a biological system such as a human, contacting the other part with a desired substance such as a medication or substance encoded with a message, and detecting change of a biological parameter with a detecting device, whereby a non-local effect of the substance on the said biological system is produced and detected for a beneficial purpose. Also described are a number of implementations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Huping Hu, Maoxin Wu
  • Publication number: 20120253208
    Abstract: An electronic sphygmomanometer having a function to calculate an index value of risk of circulatory system disease from measured blood pressure information includes a CPU, a memory, and a display. The CPU calculates the blood pressure of a person being examined based on pressure changes of an air bladder as measured by a pressure sensor. The memory stores data of the measured blood pressure together with time information of the measurement. The CPU calculates an index value of risk of circulatory system disease of the person being examined based on a difference between a blood pressure value obtained from a measurement and a blood pressure value obtained from a previous measurement and an elapsed time between the measurement and the previous measurement, A display part displays the calculated index value of risk of circulatory system disease of the person being examined together with the measured blood pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukiya Sawanoi, Kanako Saito, Toshiaki Yuasa
  • Publication number: 20120253205
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring blood flow includes a detection part and a signal processing part. The detection part includes a blood flow detector for measuring a blood flow of a measured portion of an object, which makes contact with the measured portion, and a force detector for detecting a contact force between the blood flow detector and the measured portion. The signal processing part produces a corrected blood flow in reflection of an error of the blood flow due to the contact force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Young-Ho Cho, Jai-Kyoung Sim, Se-Chan Youn
  • Publication number: 20120253154
    Abstract: A method and system for biometric identity confirmation is based on the pulse wave of a subject. During an initial enrollment mode, pulse wave data for a known subject are used to generate subject characterization data for the known subject. During a subsequent operational mode, pulse wave data for a test subject are analyzed using the subject characterization data to confirm whether the identity of the test subject matches the known subject. The subject characterization data can be a probability density in a phase space in which at least two quasi-periodic variables based on the pulse wave (e.g., blood pressure and volume time-series data) are correlated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: INTEGRATED MONITORING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Phillips, Geoffrey A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8277384
    Abstract: A system, method and medical tool are presented for use in non-invasive in vivo determination of at least one desired parameter or condition of a subject having a scattering medium in a target region. The measurement system comprises an illuminating system, a detection system, and a control system. The illumination system comprises at least one light source configured for generating partially or entirely coherent light to be applied to the target region to cause a light response signal from the illuminated region. The detection system comprises at least one light detection unit configured for detecting time-dependent fluctuations of the intensity of the light response and generating data indicative of a dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. The control system is configured and operable to receive and analyze the data indicative of the DLS measurement to determine the at least one desired parameter or condition, and generate output data indicative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ilya Fine
  • Patent number: 8277387
    Abstract: In order to provide a technique for determining high-quality blood pressure values of a patient, especially in cases of unsupervised blood pressure measurements in a home environment, it is suggested to use a system (1) for determining the blood pressure of a patient (2) comprising a blood pressure measuring device (3, 4) for measuring a blood pressure value, an auxiliary device (6, 7, 8, 9) for measuring the motor activity of the patient (2) during a defined period of time prior to the blood pressure measurement, and a processing device (13, 14), said processing device (13, 14) being adapted to obtain the motor activity information and the blood pressure value, said processing device (13, 14) being further adapted to automatically assess the blood pressure value using the motor activity information, and said processing device (13, 14) being further adapted to provide a measuring result depending on the result of the assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jens Muehlsteff, Gerd Lanfermann, Xavier Aubert, Olaf Such
  • Patent number: 8277385
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessment of hemodynamic and functional state of the brain is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus includes non-invasive measurement of intracranial pressure, assessment of the brain's electrical activity, and measurement of cerebral blood flow. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus include measuring the volume change in the intracranial vessels with a near-infrared spectroscopy or other optical method, measuring the volume change in the intracranial vessels with rheoencephalography or other electrical method, and measuring the brain's electrical activity using electroencephalography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Berka, Daniel J. Levendowski, Djordje Popovic, Philip R. Westbrook
  • Publication number: 20120245439
    Abstract: A physiological measuring system is disclosed that monitors certain physiological parameters of an individual through the use of a body-mounted sensing apparatus. The apparatus is particularly adapted for continuous wear. The system is also adaptable or applicable to calculating derivations of such parameters. A oxygen debt measuring embodiment is directed predicting an outcome in response to injury and illness. The technique allows for closed-loop resuscitation, early identification of illness and early corrective action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: David Andre, Kevin Ward, Nisang Vyas, Eric Teller, John M. Stivoric, Jonathan Farringdon, Scott K. Boehmke, Christopher Pacione, Raymond Pelletier, Kevin Ross, Scott Safier, Suresh Vishnubhatla, Gregory Kovacs, James Gasbarro, Christopher Kasabach
  • Publication number: 20120245477
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magneto-resistive effect device, includes a stacked body stacked on a substrate, a pair of first electrodes that feeds current to the stacked body, a strain introduction member, and a second electrode for applying a voltage to the strain introduction member. The stacked body includes a first magnetic layer that includes one or more metals selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, a second magnetic layer stacked on the first magnetic layer, having a composition that is different from the first magnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Devin GIDDINGS, Hideaki Fukuzawa, Yoshihiko Fuji, Michiko Hara, Hiromi Yuasa
  • Publication number: 20120245476
    Abstract: An implantable medical device includes an integrated or connectable implantable three-dimensional acceleration sensor, and a ballistocardiogram (BCG) capturing unit that is connected or connectable to the acceleration sensor. The BCG evaluation unit processes an acceleration signal provided by the acceleration sensor and derives a BCG from the 3D accelerometer output signal. A BCG evaluation unit is connected to the BCG capturing unit, and is designed to evaluate a BCG provided by the BCG capturing unit and supply an output signal representing stroke volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Olaf Skerl, Michael Lippert, Jens Kirchner
  • Patent number: 8273031
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are introduced for determining proportional cardiac output (CO), absolute left atrial pressure (LAP), and/or other important hemodynamic variables from a contour of a circulatory pressure waveform or related signal. Certain embodiments of the invention provided herein include the mathematical analysis of a pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) waveform or a right ventricular pressure (RVP) waveform in order to determine beat-to-beat or time-averaged proportional CO, proportional pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and/or LAP. The invention permits continuous and automatic monitoring of critical hemodynamic variables with a level of invasiveness suitable for routine clinical application. The invention may be utilized, for example, to continuously monitor critically ill patients with pulmonary artery catheters installed and chronically monitor heart failure patients instrumented with implanted devices for measuring RVP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
    Inventors: Richard Cohen, Ramakrishna Mukkamala
  • Patent number: 8273030
    Abstract: A method of estimating blood pressure Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) in the aorta from a recording of a pressure waveform at a single site. The method comprises the following steps: 1. measuring the patient's arterial pressure relative to time in order to estimate a central pressure waveform (CPW); 2. estimating the patient's aortic pressure pulse transit time (PPTT) from the CPW; 3. estimating the patient's carotid to femoral arterial distance from the patient's physical characteristics; and 4. dividing the patient's estimated carotid to femoral arterial distance by the patient's estimated PPTT to estimate the patient's PWV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Atcor Medical Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Chris Harpas, Ahmad M. Qasem
  • Patent number: 8273029
    Abstract: Determining an index for assessing cardiac function. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving ventricular pressure data during an invasive cardiac procedure, wherein the received pressure data includes a diastatic ventricular pressure value, a minimum ventricular pressure value, and a predefined fiducial marker pressure value. An index value is calculated by comparing a first pressure difference to a second pressure difference. The first pressure difference represents the difference between the received diastatic ventricular pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The second pressure difference represents the difference between the received fiducial marker pressure value and the received minimum ventricular pressure value. The index value is provided to a health care provider to assess early diastolic cardiac function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Sandor J. Kovacs, Leonid Shmuylovich, Wei Zhang, Charles Chung
  • Publication number: 20120232409
    Abstract: A catheter includes a flexible shaft having a length sufficient to access a patient's renal artery relative to a percutaneous access location. A treatment arrangement is provided at a distal end of the shaft and configured for deployment in the renal artery. The treatment arrangement includes an ablation arrangement configured to deliver renal denervation therapy. An occlusion arrangement is configured for deployment in the renal artery and for altering blood flow through the renal artery during or subsequent to renal denervation therapy delivery. A monitoring unit is configured for monitoring for a change in one or more physiologic parameters influenced by the renal denervation therapy. The monitoring unit is configured to produce data useful in assessing effectiveness of the renal denervation therapy based on the physiologic parameter monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Allan C. Shuros
  • Publication number: 20120232411
    Abstract: A pressure measuring System (11, 111, 211) is described comprising a sensor assembly (13, 113, 213) and a vessel adapter (17, 217), with the sensor assembly defining a compartment (19, 119, 219, 220), comprising a measurement port (29, 129, 229, 230), an actuator (21, 121, 221, 222) for enabling and disabling pressure transmission across the measurement port, and at least one pressure sensor (23, 123, 223, 224, 225) for measuring a pressure in the compartment relative to a reference pressure, and the vessel adapter defining a fluid chamber (47, 247, 248), said chamber being in pressure connection with the compartment by means of said measurement port, and characterized in that in-between the compartment and the fluid chamber at least one membrane (15, 215) is located which separates the medium in the compartment from the medium in the fluid chamber. The pressure measuring System is used to measure the pressure of a medium in a vessel adapter relative to a reference pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SWISSTOM AG
    Inventors: Josef X. Brunner, Stephan H. Bohm
  • Publication number: 20120232382
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal jugular veins (IJV) or azygous veins (AZV). In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's IJV or AZV veins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Mary L. Gaddis
  • Patent number: 8265321
    Abstract: A method for detecting a position of a pair of headphones at a user and a detection apparatus for detecting a position of a pair of ear phones at a user are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Martin Nystrom
  • Patent number: 8262580
    Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Miracor Medical Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Mohl, Loay Alzubaidi
  • Patent number: 8262579
    Abstract: Systems and methods for prediction and detection of circulatory shock using estimates or measurements of arterial blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, cardiac ejection fraction, cardiac contractility and ventricular end-diastolic volume are provided. These estimates and measurements are used to determine a type of circulatory shock. In some embodiments, the type of circulatory shock is determined to be one of septic shock, hypovolemic shock, anaphylactic shock, hemorrhagic shock, and cardiogenic shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tushar A. Parlikar, Thomas Heldt, George C. Verghese, Roger G. Mark
  • Publication number: 20120226153
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Deep Vein Thrombosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal peripheral veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's peripheral veins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Mary L. Gaddis
  • Publication number: 20120226109
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Joe E. Brown, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Mary L. Gaddis
  • Patent number: 8260484
    Abstract: To perform updating of maximum values and minimum values of measurement data with a simple procedure without incurring an increase in the computational load of an arithmetic processing element such as a microcomputer. When processing is started, a most recent maximum value stored in a nonvolatile storage element is written to a maximum value-use variable Xmax and a positive maximum value is written to a minimum value-use variable Xmin. Each time temperature data is acquired, a value of acquired data Xk and a most recent minimum value Xmin are compared and the smaller value is set as a new minimum value Xmin. Each time updating of this minimum value is repeated a predetermined number of times of processing Ns, the minimum value Xmin at that point in time and the maximum value Xmax are compared and the larger value is set as a new maximum value Xmax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20120220882
    Abstract: A device (10) for the non-invasive determination of arterial blood pressure of a human or animal body, comprising at least a bioimpedance measuring device (20) having a plurality of electrode pairs (21, 22, 23) for capturing the admittance signals (Y(t)) caused by an impressed alternating current on at least one first section of the body, wherein the captured admittance signals (Y(t)) correspond to a composite signal made of signal components of a pulse admittance (YP(t)), a respiration admittance (YB(t)) as well as a base admittance (Y0(t)), as well as at least one device for the non-invasive measurement of the blood pressure (30), wherein a processor (40) of the device (10), which separates from the admittance measurement signals (Y(t)), which are received by the bioimpedance measuring device (20) from several electrode pairs (21, 22, 23) arranged at a distance from each other on at least one first section of the body, wherein the measurements are carried out multiple times, each time using electrode pairs
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Arnulf Heller
  • Publication number: 20120220861
    Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Multiple Sclerosis or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal jugular veins (IJV) or azygous veins (AZV). In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's IJV or AZV veins are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph E. Brown, Marja Pauliina Margolis, Mary L. Gaddis
  • Patent number: 8251913
    Abstract: A control unit determines the level of sleep of a subject on the basis of biological information measured by a biological information measuring unit starts blood pressure measurement of the subject upon determining that the determined level of sleep satisfies a predetermined condition. The control unit stores the result of the blood pressure measurement in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihisa Takahashi, Yukiya Sawanoi, Osamu Shirasaki, Kazuomi Kario
  • Patent number: 8249815
    Abstract: Embodiments include a system for planning treatment for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient, create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data, and determine a first fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model and information regarding a physiological condition of the patient. The at least one computer system may be further configured to receive input from a user regarding a plan of treatment, modify the physiological condition of the patient based on the received input, and determine a second fractional flow reserve within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the modified physiological condition of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: HeartFlow, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120209126
    Abstract: A method of analyzing physiological data indicative of myocardial activity is disclosed. The method comprises: identifying in the data a set of N features, each corresponding to a ventricular depolarization, and calculating M time-intervals for each ventricular depolarization feature, thereby providing a vector of N*M time-intervals. The method further comprises fitting the vector to a power density function of time-intervals, and determining possible cardiac arrhythmia based on statistical parameters characterizing the function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Widemed Ltd.
    Inventors: Yariv Avraham Amos, Gil Kaminski
  • Patent number: 8241222
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to monitoring intracardiac or vascular impedance to determine a change in hemodynamic status by detecting changes in an impedance parameter over cardiac cycles. An example method includes measuring a plurality of impedance values of a path within a patient over time, wherein the path includes at least one blood vessel or cardiac chamber of the patient, and wherein the impedance values vary as a function of blood pressure within the at least one vessel or chamber, determining a plurality of values of an impedance parameter over time based on the measured impedance values, wherein each of the impedance parameter values is determined based on a respective sub-plurality of the impedance values, comparing at least one of the impedance parameter values to at least one prior impedance parameter value, and identifying a change in a cardiovascular parameter related to the blood pressure based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Zielinski, Douglas A. Hettrick, Mattias Rouw
  • Publication number: 20120203087
    Abstract: During patient monitoring, a depth of consciousness (DOC) measure, such as a bispectral index, may be used in conjunction with additional information obtained from an awareness metric derived from one or more physiological signals, such as a photoplethysmograph signal. In an embodiment, a DOC measure may be combined with information from an awareness metric to produce a combined DOC measure. In an embodiment, information from an awareness metric derived from one or more physiological signals may be used to provide an indication of confidence in a DOC measure. In an embodiment, a DOC measure may be used to provide an indication of confidence in a depth of consciousness assessment based on an awareness metric. In an embodiment, one or the other of a DOC measure and an awareness metric may be used to provide an indication of a patient's depth of consciousness (e.g., by one “overriding” the other).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Edward M. McKenna, Bo Chen, Youzhi Li, Paul Stanley Addison, James N. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120203116
    Abstract: A system and method for managing preload reserve and tracking the inotropic state of a patient's heart. The S1 heart sound is measured as a proxy for direct measurement of stroke volume. The S3 heart sound may be measured as a proxy for direct measurement of preload level. The S1-S3 pair yield a point on a Frank Starling type of curve, and reveal information regarding the patient's ventricular operating point and inotropic state. As an alternative, or in addition to, measurement of the S3 heart sound, the S4 heart sound may be measured or a direct pressure measurement may be made for the sake of determining the patient's preload level. The aforementioned measurements may be made by a cardiac rhythm management device, such as a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Gerrard M. Carlson, Ramesh Wariar, Krzysztof Z. Siejko
  • Patent number: 8239010
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for continuously monitoring a patient during hemodialysis. The system includes a hemodialysis machine for performing the hemodialysis process that features a controller, a pump, a dialyzer filter, a lumen, and an interface to a body-worn monitor. A patient attaches to the dialysis machine through the lumen, and wears a body-worn monitor for continuously measuring blood pressure. The monitor includes an optical system for measuring an optical waveform, an electrical system for measuring an electrical waveform, and a processing component for determining a transit time between the optical and electrical waveforms and then calculating a blood pressure value from the transit time. The body-worn monitor features an interface (e.g. a wired serial interface, or a wireless interface) to transmit the blood pressure value to the controller within the hemodialysis machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Andrew James King
  • Patent number: 8235910
    Abstract: The methods and systems for estimating cardiac ejection fraction, cardiac contractility, and ventricular end-diastolic volume on a beat-by-beat basis include observing arterial blood pressure waveforms to determine ventricular compliances for a pressure-volume loop in the ventricle. Uncalibrated or calibrated cardiac ejection fraction may be calculated from estimates of stroke volume and the ventricular compliances. Cardiac contractility may be calculated from estimates of a ventricular compliance. Uncalibrated or calibrated ventricular end-diastolic volume may also be calculated from estimates of stroke volume and the ventricular compliances. A set of calibration parameters for calibrating cardiac ejection fraction or ventricular end-diastolic volume may be estimated in a least-squares manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Tushar A. Parlikar, George C. Verghese, Thomas Heldt, Ramakrisna Mukkamala
  • Patent number: 8239009
    Abstract: A biosignal measurement module is provided and includes a biosignal measurement unit, a pose detection unit, and a processing unit. The biosignal measurement unit measures an electrocardiogram signal and a pulse signal of a subject. The pose detection unit detects a position of the biosignal measurement module and outputs position signals. The processing unit receives the electrocardiogram signal, the pulse signal, and the position signals. The processing unit generates a height variation parameter, which indicates the height difference between the position of the biosignal measurement module and a reference position, according to the position signals. The processing unit calculates a current pulse transit time according to the electrocardiogram signal and the pulse signal and compensates for the current pulse transit time according to the height variation parameter to obtain a compensated pulse transit time. The processing unit obtains a blood pressure signal according to the compensated pulse transit time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Lee, Tsun-Che Huang, Chih-Hsiang Ko
  • Patent number: 8231539
    Abstract: An automated patient care system and method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory insufficiency is presented. A plurality of monitoring sets are stored into a database. Each monitoring set includes recorded measures, which each relate to patient information and contain medical device measures recorded on a substantially continuous basis or derived measures calculable therefrom. The monitoring sets are retrieved from the database. A set of indicator thresholds are defined. Each indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency. A respiratory insufficiency finding is diagnosed. A change in patient status is determined by comparing at least one recorded measure to at least one other recorded measure with both recorded measures relating to the same type of patient information. Each patient status change is compared to the indicator threshold corresponding to the same type of patient information as the recorded measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gust H. Bardy
  • Patent number: 8231537
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved combination sensor tip that includes a pressure sensor and a second sensor other than a pressure sensor, both disposed at or in close proximity to the distal end of the combination sensor tip. The present invention also provides for an improved connector to couple a guide wire to a physiology monitor that reduces torsional resistance when maneuvering the guide wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Masood Ahmed, Edward Anthony Oliver, Joseph Puleo, Christopher Dee Ingman, Blair D. Walker
  • Patent number: 8231536
    Abstract: A medical device for determining a respiratory effort having a pressure sensor to sense pressure signals, a housing having system components positioned therein, and a microprocessor positioned within the housing, wherein the microprocessor detects an inspiration and an expiration in response to the pressure signals, detects a breath in response to the detected inspiration and the detected expiration, and determines the respiratory effort in response to the detected breath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong K. Cho, Tommy D. Bennett, Mark K. Erickson, Maneesh Shrivastav, Saul E. Greenhut, Karen J. Kleckner, Charles P. Sperling, Robert A. Corey
  • Patent number: 8231538
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an in-vivo blood pressure sensor device including a strain transducer and flexible biocompatible material that carries the strain transducer. The flexible biocompatible material is configured to encircle the outside of a blood vessel when surgically installed. A preferred embodiment in-vivo blood pressure sensor device of the invention includes a strain transducer carried by a flexible biocompatible ring that is configured to be surgically installed to encircle a blood vessel. The device also includes passive circuitry encased in biocompatible material for sensing strain in the strain transducer and for providing data to an external reader. The passive circuitry is also configured to be surgically installed in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia W. Aebersold, Guruprasad A. Giridharan, George M. Pantalos, Laman A. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8231540
    Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in respiratory insufficiency management and heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures are stored and include direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by a medical device for a patient or measures derived from the direct measures. The physiological measures are sampled, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry. A status is determined through analysis of those sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Any trends are identified and include one of a status quo and a change, which might affect cardiac performance or respiratory performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gust H. Bardy