Detector Responsive To Movement Induced Variation In Impedance Of Body To Electric Current Patents (Class 600/536)
  • Patent number: 8740807
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features an impedance pneumography sensor and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises a processing system, configured to operably connect to the impedance pneumography sensor and motion sensor, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the impedance pneumography sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Patent number: 8720441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for determining a patient-ventilator breath contribution index in a spontaneously breathing, mechanically ventilated patient. A patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume without mechanical ventilatory assist and a patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume with mechanical ventilatory assist are calculated and used to determine the patient-ventilator breath contribution index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: St. Michael's Hospital
    Inventor: Christer Sinderby
  • Patent number: 8688190
    Abstract: An adherent device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient with an adherent patch, for example breathable tape, coupled to at least four electrodes. The device comprises impedance circuitry coupled to the at least four electrodes and configured to measure respiration of the patient to detect sleep apnea and/or hypopnea. The impedance circuitry may be used to measure hydration of the patient. An accelerometer can be mechanically coupled to the adherent patch such that the accelerometer can be coupled to and move with the skin of the patient. Electrocardiogram circuitry to generate an electrocardiogram signal may be coupled to at least two of the at least four electrodes to detect the sleep apnea and/or hypopnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Corventis, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Yatheendhar D. Manicka, Mark J. Bly
  • Patent number: 8668653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a garment for measuring biological information, a biological information measurement system, a biological information measurement device and a method of controlling thereof capable of measuring biological information with accuracy regardless of variations of the constitution of each examinee yet a simple structure. A resistance value sensor 21 senses variation of electric resistances of a chest respiratory information sensor 502 and a chest respiratory information sensor 504 on a shirt 500 of a biological information measuring shirt. A CPU 10 of an analysis device 100 calculates variation cycles of resistance in accordance with the resistance data and outputs respiration values based on the calculation results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Nagata, Ryuji Nagai
  • Patent number: 8627821
    Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Pulmatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Edwards, Mark J. Gabrielson, Robert William Clarke, Wesley H. Dehaan, Matthew Frederick Brande, Jonathan Chun-Wah Man
  • Patent number: 8622922
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor which is selected from the group consisting of an impedance pneumography sensor, an ECG sensor, and a PPG sensor; and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises (iii) a processing system, configured to operably connect to the first and motion sensors, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the first sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Publication number: 20130289401
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in diagnosing the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a patient includes a sensing module structured to measure a parameter indicative of a tremor in the patient's neck, tongue and/or throat muscles while the patient is awake, the parameter not being airflow through the patient's airway. The sensing module generates one or more electrical signals based on the measured parameter. The apparatus also includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensing module, the processor being structured to receive the one or more electrical signals, perform an analysis of the one or more electrical signals, and based on the analysis determine whether the transducer tremor has a frequency in at least one predetermined frequency range that is indicative of OSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Colbaugh, Ronald Dean Dean Fligge, Vijay Kumar Iyer, Douglas Mechlenburg, Edmund Arnliot Shaw, Nathan Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20130281875
    Abstract: A method and system for determining a respiratory rate of a user are disclosed. The method comprises measuring a differential voltage across first and second electrodes of a sensor device coupled to the user. The method includes sampling the differential voltage using an analog-to-digital converter to produce an output signal. The method includes processing the output signal to detect a breath of the user based on a positive voltage transition through a midpoint, wherein the breath of the user is utilized to determine the respiratory rate of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Vigilo Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi NARASIMHAN, Nima FERDOSI
  • Patent number: 8545417
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor which is selected from the group consisting of an impedance pneumography sensor, an ECG sensor, and a PPG sensor; and a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer) configured to attach to the patient's torso and measure therefrom a motion signal. The system further comprises (iii) a processing system, configured to operably connect to the first and motion sensors, and to determine a respiration rate value by applying filter parameters obtained from the first sensor signals to the motion sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sotera Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Patent number: 8529457
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a kit for stress and relaxation management. A cardiac activity sensor (101) is used for measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) signal of the user and a respiration sensor (102) for measuring the respiratory signal of the user. The system contains a user interaction device (103) having an input unit (104) for receiving user specific data and an output unit for providing information output to the user. A processor (106) is used to assess the stress level of the user by determining a user related stress index. The processor is also used to monitor the user during a relaxation exercise by means of determining a relaxation index based on the measured HRV and respiratory signals, the relaxation index being continuously adapted to the incoming measured signals and based thereon the processor instructs the output unit to provide the user with biofeedback and support messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Sandrine Magali Laure Devot, Andreas Brauers, Elke Naujokat, Robert Pinter, Harald Reiter, Jeroen Adrianus Johannes Thijs
  • Patent number: 8442627
    Abstract: An implantable medical device used for thoracic fluid monitoring by detection of changes in impedance in a patient. The device measures impedances of the patient in a supine position and in an upright position. The device determines impedance differences between the supine and upright positions which correspond to a diurnal delta value, which may in turn be employed as a diagnostic parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Hess
  • Patent number: 8423129
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inductively measuring the bio-impedance of a user's body without complex circuitry. An apparatus is described for inductively measuring the bio-impedance of a user's body, wherein the apparatus includes a number of first inductors being adapted to induce an alternating magnetic field in the user's body and the apparatus further includes a number of second inductors being adapted to measure a secondary magnetic field in the user's body, wherein each of the number of first inductors overlaps at least one of the number of second inductors to form a number of measuring areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Andreas Brauers, Harald Reiter, Robert Pinter
  • Patent number: 8403848
    Abstract: An assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing is determined from the cardiopulmonary coupling between two physiological data series. In an embodiment, an R-R interval series is derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The normal beats from the R-R interval series are extracted to produce a normal-to-normal (NN) interval series. The amplitude variations in the QRS complex are used to extract to a surrogate respiration signal (i.e., ECG-derived respiration (EDR)) that is associated with the NN interval series. The two series are corrected to remove outliers, and resampled. The cross-spectral power and coherence of the two resampled signals are calculated over a plurality of coherence windows. For each coherence window, the product of the coherence and cross-spectral power is used to calculate coherent cross power. Using the appropriate thresholds for the coherent cross power, the proportion of sleep spent in CAP, non-CAP, and wake and/or REM are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Mietus, Chung-Kang Peng, Robert Joseph Thomas, Ary L. Goldberger
  • Patent number: 8394029
    Abstract: The invention refers to a monitoring device for monitoring and analyzing physiological signals. The monitoring device comprises a transthoracic impedance measurement unit and an evaluation unit connected to the transthoracic impedance measurement unit. The transthoracic impedance measurement unit is adapted to conduct a transthoracic impedance measurement and to generate a transthoracic impedance signal representing a measured transthoracic impedance at consecutive points in time. The evaluation unit being configured to process the transthoracic impedance signal received from the transthoracic impedance measurement unit and to thus generate a respiration signal and to generate therefrom an evaluation signal reflecting at least a diurnal pattern of the respiration rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Biotronik CRM Patent AG
    Inventors: Jie Lian, Sharon Lefkov, Dirk Muessig, Christopher S. de Voir, Michael V. Orlov
  • Patent number: 8321007
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining functional lung characteristics of a patient includes an electrical impedance tomography (EIT) imaging device adapted to record the impedance distribution within a plane of the thorax of the patient. The EIT imaging device includes a control and analysis unit for performing the impedance measurement and deriving the impedance distribution within the plane of the thorax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Teschner, Ola Stenqvist
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120172742
    Abstract: A device embodiment is configured to deliver vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of a patient. The device embodiment includes a neural stimulator, an implantable impedance sensor and an impedance analyzer. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver the VST to the vagus nerve in a cervical region of the patient. The implantable impedance sensor is configured to detect impedance changes in a cervical region of the patient caused by laryngeal vibrations. The impedance sensor is configured to generate sensed impedance values. The impedance analyzer is configured to analyze the sensed impedance values generated by the sensor. The analyzer is configured to detect laryngeal vibrations or cough from the sensed impedance values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Yi Zhang, John D. Hatlestad
  • Publication number: 20120165622
    Abstract: A method for determining at least one physiological parameter of a driver, pilot or transport of defence vehicle or system operator, comprising: a) injecting or inducing current into said individual; b) measuring in said individual an electrical parameter indicating their impedance, comprising: b1) measuring the electrical parameter with at least two pairs of injector-detector electrodes; b2) determining the impedance signal from the electrical parameter measured; b3) from amongst the impedance signals determined, identifying those with a physiological origin; and b4) selecting the pair of electrodes that produce the best quality impedance signal; and c) obtaining said physiological parameter from the best quality impedance signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.
    Inventors: Noelia RODRÍGUEZ IBÁÑEZ, Mireya FERNÁNDEZ CHIMENO, Juan José RAMOS CASTRO, Miguel Angel GARCIA GONZÁLEZ, Eduard MONTSENY MASIP, Daniel BANDE MARTINEZ
  • Publication number: 20120157866
    Abstract: A system and method for determining physiological parameters based on electrical impedance measurements is provided. One method includes obtaining electrical measurement signals acquired from a plurality of transducers coupled to a surface of an object and constructing a system matrix to define one or more relationships between the impedance measurement signals. The method also includes decomposing the system matrix to separate the electrical measurement signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Seth Ross, Jeffrey Michael Ashe
  • Patent number: 8180428
    Abstract: A method and system for use in selecting a cardiac pacing site includes sensors for tracking wall motion (e.g., sensors coupled to the right and left ventricular heart wall). The wall motion of one or more non-paced cardiac cycles is compared to the wall motion of one or more paced cardiac cycles to determine the effectiveness of one or more pacing sites. For example, image data may be generated to notify the user as to the effectiveness of the one or more pacing sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Kaiser, Michael R. Neidert, Nicholas David Skadsberg, Kenneth C. Gardeski, Lawrence J. Mulligan, James F. Kelley, Michael B. Shelton, Trent M. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8052612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sleep respiration monitoring system for monitoring sleep quality of a user. The sleep respiration monitoring system has a sensing fabric, a detecting circuit and a judging and analysis circuit. The electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric vary with respiration status or extent of body movement of a user. The detecting circuit detects the electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric. The judging and analysis circuit performs signal processing, signal collection, signal classification and signal determination on output signals of the detecting circuit, so as to determine whether the user lies on the sensing fabric and the sleep quality of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Fa Tang, Ching-Tang Huang
  • Patent number: 8043225
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprising circuits for measuring trans-thoracic impedance and delivering an impedance signal varying with respiratory activity of a patient. A signal representative of the respiratory activity of the patient is delivered starting from the impedance signal, and circuits for diagnosing respiratory disorder analyze variations of the respiratory signal on a plurality of successive cycles to detect there a profile of predetermined variation in relation to a given respiratory disorder. The device also includes circuits for automatically controlling respiratory cycles with artifacts, able to identify in the impedance signal a jump of static impedance, and/or to identify in a respiratory cycle or in a sequence of respiratory cycles a predetermined singularity representative of a cycle with artifact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ELA Medical S.A.S.
    Inventor: Yann Poezevara
  • Publication number: 20110257553
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Marshal DHILLON, Devin McCOMBIE
  • Publication number: 20110257554
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for measuring respiratory rate (RR) from a patient. The system includes an impedance pneumography (IP) sensor, connected to at least two electrodes, and a processing system that receives and processes signals from the electrodes to measure an IP signal. A motion sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) measures at least one motion signal (e.g. an ACC waveform) describing movement of a portion of the patient's body to which it is attached. The processing system receives the IP and motion signals, and processes them to determine, respectfully, frequency-domain IP and motion spectra. Both spectra are then collectively processed to remove motion components from the IP spectrum and determine RR. For example, during the processing, an algorithm determines motion frequency components from the frequency-domain motion spectrum, and then using a digital filter removes these, or parameters calculated therefrom, from the IP spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Marshal DHILLON, Devin McCOMBIE
  • Patent number: 8034001
    Abstract: This invention includes improved IP sensors that both have improved sensitivity, performance, and other properties and are multifunctional. The improved IP sensors have IP sensor conductors with waveforms having legs that are substantially parallel throughout the operating range of stretch. The multifunctional IP sensors include, in addition to IP sensors, accessory conductors, additional sensors, and other compatible modules. This inventions also includes embodiments of apparel incorporating the improved IP sensors. This apparel can range from band-like to shirt-like, and so forth, and include one or more IP sensors sensitive to expansions and contractions of underlying regions of a monitored subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Yoav Gal
  • Patent number: 8032206
    Abstract: A method for accurate heart rate detection includes receiving a signal indicative of motion due to respiration, and using the signal indicative of motion to adjust a threshold value of a signal indicative of activity of the heart. The adjusted threshold value is used to detect an accurate heart rate of a patient. A system for accurate heart rate detection comprises a motion sensor which produces a signal indicative of motion due to respiration, and a processor which adjusts a threshold value of a signal indicative of activity of the heart according to the signal indicative of motion. The adjusted threshold value is used to detect an accurate heart rate of a patient. The motion sensor can be any device that can determine direction of motion, such as an accelerometer, a displacement sensor, a velocity sensor, or a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi, Yelena Nabutovsky
  • Publication number: 20110224568
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and a method for externally assessing and monitoring placement of an endo-tracheal tube for ventilation of patients based on thoracic impedance measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Lars Wik
  • Patent number: 7967759
    Abstract: The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7938782
    Abstract: An approach for predicting disordered breathing involves detecting one or more conditions associated with disordered breathing. The detected conditions are compared to disordered breathing prediction criteria. A prediction of disordered breathing is performed based on the comparison of the detected conditions to the prediction criteria. At least one of comparing the detected conditions to the prediction criteria and predicting disordered breathing is performed at least in part implantably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Stahmann, John D. Hatlestad, Quan Ni, Jesse Hartley, Douglas R. Daum, Kent Lee
  • Patent number: 7925339
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and a method for externally assessing and monitoring placement of an endo-tracheal tube for ventilation of patients based on thoracic impedance measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Medinnova AS
    Inventor: Lars Wik
  • Publication number: 20110066039
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Matt BANET, Devin McCOMBIE, Marshal DHILLON
  • Publication number: 20110066007
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-sensor system that uses an algorithm based on adaptive filtering to monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The system features a first sensor selected from the following group: i) an impedance pneumography sensor featuring at least two electrodes and a processing circuit configured to measure an impedance pneumography signal; ii) an ECG sensor featuring at least two electrodes and an ECG processing circuit configured to measure an ECG signal; and iii) a PPG sensor featuring a light source, photodetector, and PPG processing circuit configured to measure a PPG signal. Each of these sensors measures a time-dependent signal which is sensitive to respiratory rate and, during operation, is processed to determine an initial respiratory rate value. An adaptive digital filter is determined from the initial respiratory rate. The system features a second sensor (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Matt Banet, Devin McCombie, Marshal Dhillon
  • Patent number: 7819815
    Abstract: Automatic ongoing adjustment of the cycling-off time of ventilator inflation phase during assisted ventilation in accordance with true respiratory rate of a patient. Electrical signals are generated corresponding to the gas flow exchanged between patient and ventilator (flow) and/or to airway pressure (Paw) and the true respiratory rate of the patient (patient RR) is determined on an ongoing basis from the flow and/or Paw. The current average cycle duration of patient respiratory efforts (current patient TTOT) is estimated from patient RR. A current desirable duration of the inhalation phase (desirable TI) is calculated from the product of current patient TTOT a TI/TTOT ratio chosen to be in the physiological range, usually 0.25 to 0.50. The ventilator phase is caused to terminate in accordance with the desirable TI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: YRT Limited
    Inventor: Magdy Younes
  • Patent number: 7806830
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for stroke volume determination by bioimpedance from a patient's upper arm, or brachium, or a patient's thorax, utilizing pulsations of the arteries contained therein. The apparatus includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and in-between alternating current flow electrodes. The system and method utilizes the mean value of the second time-derivative of the cardiogenically induced impedance variation of the patient using the measured voltage from the voltage sensors in calculating the stroke volume of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Cordeus, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7783345
    Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the volume, the composition and the movement of electroconductive body fluids, based on the electrical impedance of the body or a body segment, especially for performing electromechanocardiography (ELMEC) or impedance cardiography (IKG) measurements for determining hemodynamic parameters. According to the method, an alternating measuring current of at least one frequency is introduced into the body, and the impedance and temporal variations thereof of essentially the same body segment through which the alternating measuring current flows are measured for at least two different measuring lengths (L, L2, L3, L4, L5), essentially in the longitudinal direction of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: CNSystems Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Falko Skrabal, Jürgen Fortin
  • Publication number: 20100204601
    Abstract: A respiration type evaluation apparatus includes a bioelectrical impedance determiner for determining a bioelectrical impedance at at least a body region of a human subject that contributes to respiration of the human subject, and a respiration type determiner for determining whether respiration of the human subject is abdominal or costal on the basis of change over time of the bioelectrical impedance determined by the bioelectrical impedance determiner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihisa MASUO
  • Patent number: 7740590
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for stroke volume determination by bioimpedance from a patient's upper arm, or brachium, or a patient's thorax, utilizing pulsations of the arteries contained therein. The apparatus includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and in-between alternating current flow electrodes. The system and method utilizes voltage sensed by the voltage sensing electrodes to calculate a cardiogenically induced impedance variation value of the patient, and to determine a stroke volume of the patient by multiplying the cardiogenically induced impedance variation value by a volume conductor VC and by a left ventricular ejection time TLVE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Cordeus, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Bernstein
  • Publication number: 20100152553
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detection and treatment of respiratory disorders using implanted devices are described. In one form, afferent nerves are electrically or electro-mechanically stimulated to increase the tone of upper airway muscles. Detection of respiratory disorders is carried out using electrodes implanted in sub-pectoral regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony John UJHAZY, Gregory Newton Brewer
  • Patent number: 7734334
    Abstract: An assessment of sleep quality and sleep disordered breathing is determined from cardiopulmonary coupling between two physiological data series. An R-R interval series is derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The normal beats from the R-R interval series are extracted to produce a normal-to-normal interval series. The amplitude variations in the QRS complex are used to extract a surrogate respiration signal (i.e., ECG-derived respiration) associated with the NN interval series. The two series are corrected to remove outliers, and resampled. The cross-spectral power and coherence of the two resampled signals are calculated over a plurality of coherence windows. For each coherence window, the product of the coherence and cross-spectral power is used to calculate coherent cross-power. Using the appropriate thresholds for the coherent cross-power, the proportion of sleep spent in CAP, non-CAP, and wake and/or REM are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Mietus, Chung-Kang Peng, Robert J. Thomas, Ary L. Goldberger
  • Patent number: 7729756
    Abstract: A measurement system for examining a section of tissue on a patient in which electric current and/or voltages are applied to a patient in at least one location and are measured on the section of tissue to be examined by at least one electrode of a contact surface of the measurement system. As a result, conclusions can be drawn about the interior of the section of tissue to be examined. The electrode is at least partially surrounded by a conductor element for contacting with a potential which deviates from that of the conductor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Mertelmeier, Bernhard Scholz
  • Patent number: 7708698
    Abstract: A circuit for measuring respiratory waveform with impedance method and a method and device for resisting electrical fast transient interference are provided, and wherein an output from the peak detector circuit and a reference signal are input to two input terminals of the comparator circuit, an output terminal of the comparator circuit is connected to a control terminal of the electronic switch, and one terminal of the electronic switch is connected to an output terminal of the signal amplifier circuit and the other to an input terminal of the demodulator/amplifier circuit. If a level of the output signal of the peak detector circuit is greater than the level of the reference signal, the electronic switch is switched off in response to an inversion of the output of the comparator circuit so that the interference is isolated from the next stage circuit. The present invention is prone to be implemented with significant effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaoyu Wu, Yu Sun, Jian Cen
  • Patent number: 7690378
    Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Turcott
  • Patent number: 7567831
    Abstract: A respiratory measurement system and a method for measuring respiratory motion are provided. The system includes a strapping device that is configured to be placed across a chest of a person. The strapping device is substantially transparent to x-rays. The system further includes a sensor operatively coupled to the strapping device generating a measurement signal indicative of a displacement of the strapping device during respiration by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ronald Miller, Elizabeth Ann Thottakara, Phil E. Pearson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7524292
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring respiration including sensing a signal that varies with respiration, deriving a respiration parameter, applying criteria for detecting a respiration disturbance and determining one or more respiratory disturbance metrics. The system preferably includes an implantable sensor with an associated implantable medical device such that chronic respiration monitoring is possible. The implantable medical device may execute methods for detecting and measuring respiratory disturbances or may store data to be transferred to an external device for detecting and measuring respiratory disturbances. Respiratory disturbance detection may trigger a responsive action such as physiological data storage, a change in therapy delivery, or a clinician warning. Assessment of cardiac function may be made based on metrics of respiratory disturbances or a measure of circulatory delay time following detection of a respiratory disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong K. Cho, Steven L. Ning, Luc R. Mongeon, Scott W. Davie, Todd J. Sheldon, Mark K. Erickson, H. Toby Markowitz
  • Patent number: 7491174
    Abstract: A system for performing electrical impedance tomography. The system includes a first set of electrodes positioned in a first plane and a second set of electrodes positioned in a second plane. The system also includes a third set of electrodes positioned in a third plane between the first and second planes. The third set of electrodes is rotatable around an axis intersecting the third plane. Furthermore, the third set of electrodes may be moveable in an axial direction between the first and second planes to various other planes, e.g., a fourth plane, a fifth plane, etc. The processor is further configured to process the voltage measurements taken by the voltage measurement device so as to generate a current density distribution in the various other planes. In addition, the processor is further configured to generate a three-dimensional image corresponding to the current density distribution between the first and second planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Renal Research Institute, LLC
    Inventors: Fansan Zhu, Nathan W. Levin
  • Publication number: 20090020131
    Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: NEURONANO AB
    Inventors: Jens O. Schouenborg, Per Petersson
  • Patent number: 7435226
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method and an apparatus for displaying information obtained by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data from a part of a patient's body. In order to provide a method for displaying information which can be immediately used in order to determine a specific pathological condition of said part, a method according to the invention performs te following steps: processing the EIT data with a plurality of predetermined processing modes; determining specific pathological conditions of said part in accordance with the results of the predetermined processing modes; selecting a screen mode from a plurality of predetermined screen modes in accordance with the specific pathological conditions; and displaying the EIT data in accordance with the selected screen modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Fernando Sipmann Suarez
  • Publication number: 20080228097
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sleep respiration monitoring system for monitoring sleep quality of a user. The sleep respiration monitoring system has a sensing fabric, a detecting circuit and a judging and analysis circuit. The electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric vary with respiration status or extent of body movement of a user. The detecting circuit detects the electrical characteristics of the sensing fabric. The judging and analysis circuit performs signal processing, signal collection, signal classification and signal determination on output signals of the detecting circuit, so as to determine whether the user lies on the sensing fabric and the sleep quality of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Chien-Fa Tang, Ching-Tang Huang
  • Patent number: 7357775
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for controlling therapy delivered in response to Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR) or other forms of periodic breathing in an effort to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary therapy directed toward preventing sleep interruption. Following each burst of respiration during CSR, a prediction is made as to whether the amount of respiration achieved during the burst will be sufficient to sustain the patient through a period of apnea until the next respiration burst. If not, aggressive therapy, such as aggressive diaphragmatic pacing, is delivered to improve respiration and prevent the imminent sleep interruption. If, however, the amount of respiration achieved during the burst appears to be sufficient to sustain the patient until the next respiration burst, then relatively mild therapy is instead delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Koh