Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting a clinically-significant pulmonary fluid accumulation within a patient using a pacemaker or other implantable medical device. Briefly, the device detects left atrial pressure (LAP) within the patient and tracks changes in the LAP values over time that are indicative of possible pulmonary fluid accumulation within the patient. The device determines whether the changes in LAP values are sufficiently elevated and prolonged to warrant clinical intervention using, e.g., a predictor model-based technique. If the fluid accumulation is clinically significant, the device then generates warning signals, records diagnostics, controls therapy and/or titrates diuretics. False positive detections of pulmonary edema due to transients in LAP are avoided with this technique. Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP)-based techniques are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for ambulatorily sensing pulmonary artery pressure from within a patient, and producing a pulmonary artery pressure measurement from the sensed pulmonary artery pressure. Power is ambulatorily provided within the patient to facilitate sensing of the pulmonary artery pressure and producing of the pulmonary artery pressure measurement. Acute pulmonary embolism is detected based on a change or rate of change in the pulmonary artery pressure measurement. An alert is preferably generated in response to detecting pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: A blood pressure manometer comprises a body and a separate display, and the body and separate display are provided with first and second communication parts, respectively. The first communication part has a light emitting element and is configured so that the element sends an infrared signal including blood pressure data. The second communication part has a light receiving element and is configured so that the light receiving element receives the infrared signal including the blood pressure data from the first communication part. The light emitting element is supported by the body to be opposite a subject even if a blood pressure measuring portion of the body measures the subject's blood pressure from any of the subject's left and right regions. The light receiving element is supported by the separate display to received the infrared signal which is sent from the light emitting element to be reflected on the subject.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for assessing the reliability of left atrial pressure (LAP) estimates made by an implantable medical device based on impedance values or related electrical values. In one example, various cardioelectric and cardiomechanical parameters are used to corroborate LAP estimation in circumstances where the LAP estimates deviate from an acceptable, satisfactory or otherwise healthy range. The cardioelectric parameters include, e.g.: ST elevation; heart rate (HR); heart rate variability (HRV); T-wave alternans (TWA); QRS waveform parameters; P-wave duration; evoked response (ER) parameters; and intrinsic PV/AV/VV conduction delays. The cardiomechanical parameters include, e.g.: heart rate turbulence (HRT); cardiogenic impedance signals; heart sounds; and non-LAP blood pressure measurements, such as aortic pressure measurements.

Abstract: An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal.

Abstract: A network for monitoring bodily functions of a patient is disclosed. The network comprises at least two distinct network nodes that can be connected to a body of the patient. At least two of the network nodes can have at least one medical function, such as, for example, a diagnostic function and/or a medication function. The network nodes can communicate directly with one another via the body of the patient and can interchange data and/or commands.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a patient's volemic status can make use of a physiological heart-lung interaction during spontaneous breathing or mechanical ventilation. Further, a computer program for determining the patient's volemic status has instructions for carrying out the steps of generating data of a physiological heart-lung interaction during spontaneous breathing or mechanical ventilation, and determining the patient's volemic status when making use of the data of the physiological heart-lung interaction, when run on a computer.

Abstract: An assembly for a fluid transfer system includes: a connector having a proximal end and an opposite distal end connected by an inner passage; and a container having an internal fluid reservoir. The connector is coupled to the internal fluid reservoir of the container to form a series fluid connection between the inner passage and the internal fluid reservoir, and the connector and the container are made of a biodegradable material.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the propagation velocity of a pressure wave comprises a first sensor of cutaneous vibration to measure a vibration generated in a first application point, creating a corresponding first signal, and a second sensor of cutaneous vibrations to measure a local cutaneous vibration generated in second point of an arterial vessel, creating a corresponding second signal caused by the deformation of the vessel responsive to the progression of the pressure wave in the vessel. A control unit detects on the first and second signal respectively a first instant time T1 and a second instant time T2 corresponding to a same event of a cardiac cycle. On the basis of T1 and T2 a transit time PTT (Pulse Transit Time) is calculated of the pressure wave and then the propagation velocity is measured of the pressure wave as the ratio between the length of the path arterial.

Abstract: A pressure sensor wire assembly measures pressure inside a body of a patient. The assembly comprises a pressure sensor element for measuring pressure and to generate a pressure sensor signal representative of the pressure, and a pressure sensor wire having the pressure sensor element at its distal portion, and adapted to be inserted into the body in order to position the sensor element within the body. A sensor signal adapting circuitry is an integrated part of the assembly, wherein the pressure sensor signal is applied to the adapting circuitry which is adapted to automatically generate an output pressure signal, related to the sensor signal, in a standardized format such that the measured pressure is retrievable by an external physiology monitor. The assembly further comprises an external pressure sensor to measure the pressure outside the patient's body and to generate external pressure values in dependence thereto.

Abstract: A pressure measurement device isolates liquid, such as blood, from an intermediate fluid, such as air, by means of a diaphragm. The diaphragm is arranged between first and second chambers of respective first and second shells of a pressure pod body. The first shell has first and second ports, which are connected to the first chamber. The second shell has a measurement port with a connector in communication with the second chamber. A pressure transducer with a mating connector is directly connected to the measurement port connector to minimize the sealed volume between the diaphragm and the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a non-invasive blood pressure monitor that utilizes an SpO2 plethysmograph waveform to determine the initial inflation pressure for the NIBP monitor. A pulse sensor is placed on the patient's limb distal to the blood pressure cuff and provides a pulse waveform to the NIBP monitor. The NIBP monitor calculates a second derivative of the pulse waveform, which includes a series of acceleration peaks corresponding to pulse signals within the pulse waveform. When the blood pressure cuff reaches systolic pressure, the acceleration peaks contained within the acceleration waveform are eliminated, thus providing an indication that the cuff pressure has reached systolic pressure for the patient.

Abstract: A system and method of determining hemodynamic parameters uses sensed ventricular blood pressure during a portion of ventricular pressure waveform following peak pressure. An estimated arterial diastolic pressure is based upon an amplitude of the sensed ventricular pressure corresponding to a time at which a first derivative of ventricular pressure as a function of time is at a minimum (dP/dtmin). Fill parameters such as isovolumetric relaxation constant, ventricular suction pressure, atrial kick pressure, and transvalve pressure gradient are derived from measured pressures representing minimum ventricular pressure, ventricular diastolic pressure, and diastasis pressure.

Abstract: A method is described for determining at least one patient-related parameter for monitoring a patient. A general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship of the arterial vascular bed is used and the arterial pressure of the patient is measured to obtain a prediction of the cross sectional area (CSA) of the thoracic part of the aorta. The cross sectional area is measured, wherein at least one parameter of the general population-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship is corrected by means of the measured cross sectional area to determine a patient-related non-linear pressure/CSA relationship such that the cross sectional area obtained with this patient-related pressure/CSA relationship is equal to the measured cross sectional area.

Abstract: A method for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment includes acquiring a blood pressure (BP) signal having a first oscillatory pattern from a first individual, acquiring a blood flow velocity (BFV) signal having a second oscillatory pattern from the first individual, decomposing the BP signal into a first group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decomposing the BFV signal into a second group of IMFs, determining dominant oscillatory frequencies in the first group of IMFs, automatically selecting a first characteristic IMF from the first group of IMFs that has its associated dominant oscillatory frequency in a predetermined frequency range, automatically selecting a second characteristic IMF from the second group of IMFs, calculating a time sequence of instantaneous phase difference between the first characteristic IMF and the second characteristic IMF, computing an average of the instantaneous phase difference in the time sequence, and identifying a pathological condition in the first individual.

Abstract: A physical configuration of cables connecting a monitoring apparatus to a human patient, where said patient and his immediate surroundings define a potentially infectious contaminated zone. The configuration provides for the monitor and main trunk cable to lie outside of the contamination zone, and one or more serial cables connect to the trunk cable and enter the contamination zone to provide contact with the patient. This physical configuration prevents contamination of the monitor and trunk cable, so they may be reused on successive patients, while lightweight and inexpensive serial cables contacting the patient and his contamination zone may be disposable. Examples of monitoring various physiological variables are provided to exemplify the universal concept of such physical configuration. Adaptation for wireless transmission is also described.

Abstract: Certain examples provide a blood collection system including an operator user interface to allow an operator to configure the system for a blood collection procedure from a donor. The system also includes a donor display, separate from the operator user interface, arranged in the system to be within view of the donor who is to donate via the system. The donor display is to display information and instruction to the donor. The information and instruction include a first indicator regarding a progress of the blood collection procedure for the donor and a second indicator including a visual instruction to the donor regarding the blood collection procedure. The system includes a processor and a memory. The processor is to execute instructions stored in the memory to process input from and provide output to the operator user interface and the donor display.

Abstract: It is provided a blood vessel function inspecting apparatus including: a blood vessel diameter measuring portion configured to measure a diameter of a blood vessel; a blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion configured to measure a wall thickness of the blood vessel; and a blood vessel function index value calculating portion configured to calculate a function index value for diagnosing the blood vessel of its function, after releasing of the blood vessel from blood flow obstruction, by dividing an amount of dilatation of said diameter of the blood vessel continuously measured by said blood vessel diameter measuring portion, by the wall thickness measured by said blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion.

Abstract: The blood pressure monitoring apparatus and method are disclosed that can monitor a blood pressure of a subject using an electrocardiogram signal, a pulse wave signal and a body characteristic information of the subject, wherein the electrocardiogram signal and the pulse wave signal of the subject are monitored to remove a noise signal generated from monitoring of the pulse wave signal, allowing monitoring a precise blood pressure of the subject, and calculating the pulse wave analysis information using the monitored pulse wave signal, and using the electrocardiogram signal and the pulse wave signal to calculate a pulse transit time (PPT), and plugging a calculated pulse wave propagation time, pulse wave analysis information and body characteristic information of the subject into a predetermined regression equation to monitor the blood pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating human ophthalmic artery for testing of ultrasound devices is disclosed, whereby two chambers are provided and are capable of being independently pressurized, one representing the intra-cranial space and the other representing extra-cranial space, and whereby a tube running through both chambers is provided, simulating the course of the ophthalmic artery and capable of being pressurized to stimulate arterial pressure. The apparatus is operated by pressuring both chambers, and pumping a blood-imitating fluid through the vessel in a pulsatile manner.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for calibrating and estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) using an implantable medical device, based on impedance, admittance or conductance parameters measured within a patient. In one example, default conversion factors are exploited for converting the measured parameters to estimates of LAP. The default conversion factors are derived from populations of patients. In another example, a correlation between individual conversion factors is exploited to allow for more efficient calibration. In yet another example, differences in thoracic fluid states are exploited during calibration. In still yet another example, a multiple stage calibration procedure is described, wherein both invasive and noninvasive calibration techniques are exploited. In a still further example, a therapy control procedure is provided, which exploits day time and night time impedance/admittance measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for noninvasively estimating a blood pressure are provided. A bandpass filter is applied to a second heart sound (S2) component to generate a filtered S2 component. The bandpass filter has a lower cutoff frequency greater than a maximum frequency of the S2 component. The maximum frequency of the S2 component is estimated using the filtered S2 component, a predetermined relationship is applied between the estimated maximum frequency and blood pressure to generate a blood pressure estimate and the blood pressure estimate is displayed.

Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.

Abstract: A method of determining respiratory effort in a medical device in which pressure signals are sensed to generate corresponding sample points, an inspiration and an expiration are detected in response to the sensed pressure signals, a breath is detected in response to the detected inspiration and the detected expiration, and the respiratory effort is determined in response to the detected breath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring a patient that includes a cuff configured to inflate to at least partially occlude an artery of the patient and a cuff controller configured to control inflation and deflation of the cuff. The system also includes a sensor configured to receive a signal associated with the at least partially occluded artery and generate an output signal based on the received signal. Also included is a signal analysis module configured to receive the output signal and determine a first hemodynamic parameter based on a first set of data obtained during inflation of the cuff and a second set of data obtained during deflation of the cuff.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for non-invasive heart monitoring comprising a pulse wave transit time (PWTT) determining device for determining a PWTT at predefined intervals, a first storing means for storing PWTT values resulting of the determining, a blood pressure measuring device for measuring a blood pressure close in time with the determining and a second storing means for storing blood pressure values resulting of the measuring. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a cardiovascular dynamic change calculating device for calculating a relative change of the PWTT values and the blood pressure values as a function of time. The apparatus further comprises an alarm emitting device for emitting an alarm if the blood pressure values are substantially constant as a function of time and the PWTT values decrease as a function of time. A method for non-invasive heart monitoring is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blood pressure detection method and the apparatus therefor, in which the method includes the steps of recording a voice describing the patient's state when measuring blood pressure and transmitting blood pressure data and voice data to a network server. The network server transforms the blood pressure data of the patient for a given time period into a blood pressure variation curve based upon a plurality of blood pressure measurements. The blood pressure measurement apparatus preferably includes a blood pressure measurement unit with an air pump, an inflatable cuff and a pressure sensor, and a computer processing unit having a CPU, a memory for data storage, a communication interface and a human-machine interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining when to update a blood pressure measurement. The value of a physiological metric may be monitored and compared to a reference value. A patient monitoring system may compute a difference between a monitored metric and a reference value, and compare the difference to a threshold value to determine whether to update a blood pressure measurement. The threshold value may be constant or variable, and may depend on the monitored metric.

Abstract: A computerized health management method and a health management electronic device are provided. The computerized health management method includes the following steps. A blood pressure curve of a user is measured. A systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure of the blood pressure curve are calculated by a microprocessor. A high blood pressure risk level of the user is analyzed by the microprocessor according to the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. A cardiovascular disease risk level of the user is analyzed by the microprocessor according to the high blood pressure risk level. A measuring frequency for measuring the blood pressure is suggested to the user by the microprocessor according to the high blood pressure risk level or the cardiovascular disease risk level.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for calibrating the calculation of physiological parameters. Two or more calibration techniques may be used to determine a relationship between physiological measurements and a desired physiological parameter, such as a relationship between differential pulse transit time (DPTT) and blood pressure. Different calibration techniques may be used in a serial fashion, one after the other, or in a parallel fashion, with different weights accorded to each calibration technique. When physiological or other changes occur, the calibration data may be stored for later use and new calibration data may be generated.

Abstract: A system for detecting and measuring increased global or local intracranial pressure includes various devices for performing controlled occlusion of jugular cranial blood outflow and generating occlusion data related to said controlled occlusion, a cranial blood outflow pressure measurement device and a processor for processing jugular cranial blood outflow occlusion data and cranial blood outflow data to identify and/or measure a functional relationship between the jugular controlled occlusion and the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure. A device communicates the functional relationship a display device and/or a patient monitoring system. The processor also detects a state of equilibrium between the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure and the jugular occlusion pressure at occlusion.

Abstract: A method of determining endothelial dependent vasoactivity of a subject, the method is effected by recording pressure-related signals of a plurality of locations adjacent to at least one blood vessel; extracting at least one parameter from the pressure-related signals; and using the at least one parameter to determine a change of at least one characteristic of the at least one blood vessel, the change being representative of endothelial functioning; thereby determining the endothelial dependent vasoactivity of the subject.

Abstract: Provided is a configuration capable of executing a detection test for a comfort level including the quality of sleep, which is measurable at home without requiring the measurement of brain waves or electrocardiogram. The respiratory waveform of a subject during sleep is continuously measured and recorded from the respiratory gas flow, etc., and is window-Fourier transformed at each measurement time to generate a frequency spectrum, and a bandwidth including a respiratory frequency is extracted. The index indicating the regularity of the respiratory period of the subject is also calculated at each time point during the sleep, and the time-dependency of this index during the sleep is represented as a graph. A medical device includes a sleep evaluation system equipped with a control means for performing control so that a sleep cycle repeated at a cycle of about 90 minutes is clearly observed if the comfort level including the quality of sleep of the subject is favorable.

Abstract: A device for continuous, uninterrupted patient monitoring includes a portable, self-contained Patient Worn Hub (PWH) device. The PWH is a compact, lightweight patient monitoring device designed to remain with the patient for the duration of care. Parameter measurement devices connect to the PWH. Third party parameter measurement devices connect to the PWH via the use of a connection assembly that translates the information provided by the third party device to the protocol embedded within the PWH. The PWH is able to communicate with a bedside monitor via wired cables or wirelessly. Measured values are shown on external displays and/or on an optional integrated PWH touchscreen display. The PWH includes internal memory for storage of patient data and trends. The PWH optionally includes a docking station for providing operating and battery charging power.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a blood pressure measurement to compensate for a pressure offset due to obtaining the blood pressure measurement at an elevation other than heart level is illustrated. The method includes measuring a blood pressure at a location above or below a heart level and adjusting the measured blood pressure in accordance with a pressure difference between the location at which the blood pressure is obtained and the heart level.

Abstract: Techniques exist for measuring local blood velocity of flow rate waveforms in, for example, mammalian vascular segments. A method and system for deriving information on disease in vascular segments, for example mean pressure, drop in mean pressure and/or hydraulic resistance, from such measured waveforms is described. The waveforms can, for example, be measured non-invasively using Doppler ultrasound or magnetic resonance techniques. Form factors (Vff, Pff) for the velocity waveform and the centreal arterial pressure are determined. Stenosis may be detected by detecting changes e.g in Vff/Pff.

Abstract: A method for measuring arterial pressure involves hydraulically separating a static pressure source from a body area situated opposite thereto and containing an artery by placing a rigid separating element between the two and along the artery. With the aid of the separating element, pulse waves are converted into pressure waves, which run along said element on the first side thereof, and the passage of the pulse waves is detected with the aid of the pressure waves. A device for measuring arterial pressure comprises a rigid separating element which has a first contact surface for interacting with the body and a second contact surface which is opposite to the first and is used for interacting with the static pressure source. A push-type pressure gauge with a contact area that is embedded into one of the two contact surfaces of the separating element and a pulse wave detector are disposed inside the rigid separating element. The sensing element of the detector is located on the first contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a monitoring system for monitoring physiological data of a patient. For saving power, motion activity data of the patient is obtained and the measurement of physiological data of the patient is initiated, if the motion activity is non-zero and below a selected threshold.

Abstract: A medical system according to embodiments of the present invention includes at least one sensor configured to monitor physiological status of a patient and to generate sensor data based on the physiological status, a user interface device, a processor communicably coupled to the user interface device, the processor configured to: present via the user interface device an array of two or more possible input elements, the input elements each comprising a class of patients or a diagnosis and treatment pathway; receive a selected input element based on a user selection among the two or more possible input elements; acquire the sensor data and process the sensor data to generate physiological data; and present via the user interface screen the physiological data according to a template that is customized for the selected input element.

Abstract: In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which in an alternating manner the coronary sinus is occluded by an occlusion device and the occlusion is released, the curve of the fluid pressure occurring in the coronary sinus after the release of the occlusion is estimated by calculation and the time of the beginning of the next occlusion is determined as a function of the estimated pressure curve.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.

Abstract: When monitoring physiological parameters (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) of a patient, a threshold limit (30) is set (e.g., automatically or manually) and the monitored parameter is continuously compared to the threshold limit, which may be constant or may vary with time. An alarm (36) is triggered if the monitored parameter exceeds the threshold limit at any time, or if the monitored parameter has not reached a target value by the end of a predefined time period by which an administered drug or therapy should have been effective.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for producing audible indicators that are based on a subject's measured blood pressure. Audible properties of the indicators are processed to represent blood pressure. For example, the duration or volume of the audible indicators may be varied based on the values of the subject's blood pressure. The audible indicators may further be varied based on the subject's blood pressure's deviation from a normal blood pressure and/or previously calculated blood pressure. For example, the audible indicators may be indicative of changes in the subject's blood pressure over time. The audible indicators representing blood pressure may be synchronized with other audible indicators that represent other physiological parameters of the subject, such as, the subject's heart rate.

Abstract: An implantable medical system includes a first die substrate with a first outer surface. The system also includes a second die substrate with a second outer surface. Furthermore, the system includes a medical device with a first portion that is mounted to the first die substrate and a second portion that is mounted to the second die substrate. The first and second die substrates are fixed to each other and substantially hermetically sealed to each other. Also, the medical device is substantially encapsulated between the first and second die substrates. The first portion is electrically connected to the second portion. Moreover, the first and second outer surfaces of the first and second die substrates are directly exposed to a biological material.

Abstract: A therapy regimen, e.g., a contingent medication prescription, may be created and automatically distributed to a patient via an integrated patient care system. A clinician may create therapy instructions by at least associating patient conditions with one or more therapy regimens, e.g., medication prescriptions. In some examples, the integrated patient care system may present historical condition data to the clinician to aid the clinician with creating and/or updating the therapy instructions specific to the patient. A therapy module of the integrated patient care system may use the therapy instructions to automatically select a therapy regimen from the therapy instructions based on a patient condition detected based on a sensed physiological parameter. The physiological parameter of the patient may be sensed by an implanted or external sensor. In some examples, the therapy regimen can be presented to the patient according to a predetermined schedule or in response to the detected condition.

Abstract: A cuffless blood pressure monitor is revealed. The cuffless blood pressure monitor includes a pressure detection module, a signal processing module and a display module. The pressure detection module detects blood pressure to generate a blood pressure pulse signal. The signal processing module processes the blood pressure pulse signal to generate a measurement result that is displayed by the display module. The cuffless blood pressure monitor measures continuous blood pressure pulse signals, processes the blood pressure pulse signals by the signal processing module, and calculates the measurement result for real-time measurement of blood pressure. A measurement point on the user is pressed by a soft pressure-transferring medium so that the user won't feel uncomfortable. Moreover, the cuffless blood pressure monitor is compact and portable.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring the fluid status of a patient. The system may include a patient monitor that receives blood pressure data. A first fluid model receives the blood pressure data, and a personalized fluid model is derived from the application of the blood pressure data to the first fluid model. An estimation of the patient's fluid status may be derived from the personalized fluid model. The method may include the steps of measuring a first blood pressure value, creating a personalized fluid model, measuring a second blood pressure value, applying the second blood pressure value to the personalized fluid model; and deriving an estimation of the fluid status of the patient.

Abstract: In a device for treating blood in an extracorporeal circuit, at least one blood pump and at least one filtering device are provided for carrying out the blood treatment. The device includes at least one pressure-measuring element for detecting the blood pressure, which is characterized in that the pressure-measuring element has a sensor unit and an RFID transponder unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of non- invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring systems and particularly to a system that allows the identification of other components of the system via coding elements that are readable without the need for placement of this system components to the body of a patient.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for vitalimetrics-guided health/lifestyle and improvement.