CN102046085B

CN102046085B - Optical sensor apparatus and method of using same

Info

Publication number: CN102046085B
Application number: CN2009801203104A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 达恩·古尔·弗曼
Original assignee: CARDIOART TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
Current assignee: CARDIOART TECHNOLOGIES Ltd; Cardio Art Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2008-05-12
Filing date: 2009-05-12
Publication date: 2013-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-12
Also published as: IL209213A; IL209212A0; WO2009138880A3; EP2285288A4; CN102046085A; IL209211A; CN102065773A; CA2722659A1; JP5497008B2; WO2009138881A4; JP5591794B2; WO2009138882A3; JP2011519703A; WO2009138880A2; IL209212A; CA2722593A1; IL209210A; JP2011526498A; CN102046069A; EP2282673A2

Abstract

An apparatus for, and method of, sensing characteristics of a vessel and a fluid conveyed therein.

Description

The method of optical sensor arrangement and use optical sensor arrangement

Require priority

The application required all in the 12/119th of being entitled as of submitting on May 12nd, 2008 " OPTICAL SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME (optical sensor arrangement and use the method for optical sensor arrangement) ", No. 315 U.S. Patent applications, be entitled as " DOPPLER MOTION SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME (Doppler motion sensor device and use the method for Doppler motion sensor device) " the 12/119th, No. 339 U.S. Patent applications, be entitled as " INTEGRATED HEART MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME (integrated cardiac monitoring equipment and use the method for integrated cardiac monitoring equipment) " the 12/119th, No. 325 U.S. Patent applications, be entitled as " METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A HEALTH CONDITION (for monitoring the method and system of health status) " the 12/119th, the 12/206th of No. 462 U.S. Patent applications and being entitled as of submitting in 9th JIUYUE in 2008 " DOPPLER MOTION SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF SUING SAME (Doppler motion sensor device and use the method for Doppler motion sensor device) ", the priority of No. 885 U.S. Patent applications, all applications are submitted to by identical therewith inventor, and the full content of all applications merges to herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to sensor device and, more specifically, relate to the sensor device for target is positioned and/or measures.

Background technology

For medical reasons, need within a period of time, be monitored by the body intrinsic parameter to the patient.Cardiac arrhythmia is the variation that causes heart normal sequence of the electric pulse of pump blood between health.May need continuous monitoring to detect arrhythmia, may only occur contingently because abnormal cardiac pulses changes.The healthcare givers utilizes the continuous monitoring can the characterization heart and set up suitable therapeutic process.

A kind of prior art equipment of measuring the rhythm of the heart is " Reveal " monitor in Medtronic (Medtronic) (U.S., the Minnesota State, Minneapolis city).Whether this equipment comprises the implantable cardiac monitor, relevant with the cardiac rhythm problem for faint (the fainting) of for example determining the patient.The Reveal monitor is continuously monitored the speed of heart and the length that the rhythm and pace of moving things reaches 14 months.After waking up from the experience of fainting, the patient by recording equipment be placed on the skin outside, above the Reveal monitor of implanting, and touch the button data be sent to recording equipment from monitor.Recording equipment is offered to the doctor, thereby the doctor has been determined whether to be recorded to abnormal cardiac rhythm to information analyze be stored in recording equipment.The use of recording equipment neither automatically neither be autonomous so the needs patient is conscious or another person's intervention is sent to recording equipment by information from monitor.

The implantable monitoring equipment of another known type is the equipment of transponder types, wherein by the transponder patients with implantation, also with hand-held electromagnetism reader, the mode with non-intrusion type conducts interviews to it subsequently.The 5th, the device examples of a rear type has been described in 833, No. 603 United States Patent (USP)s

Summary of the invention

Herein disclosed is sensor device and the method for obtaining signal computation and measurement result according to an embodiment of the invention.Sensor device comprises sensor cluster and computing equipment.Sensor cluster comprises a plurality of emitters and for generating a plurality of detectors of a plurality of signals.Emitter and detector are towards a side of conduit.Computing equipment is operated and a plurality of signals is processed to obtain measured value a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detector.Sensor cluster and computing equipment are enclosed in shell.

Comprise the following steps: according to one embodiment of the method for the invention to provide for example such sensor device of sensor device described in above paragraph, operate a plurality of emitters and detector and obtain a plurality of signals, signal is processed to obtain measured value, and measured value analyzed obtained at least one the parameter value of characteristic meaned in conduit and fluid.

Disclose according to another embodiment of the invention for to blood vessel with flow through the equipment that at least one characteristic of the blood of blood vessel is carried out optical measurement.This equipment comprises shell, sensor cluster and computing equipment.Sensor cluster is mounted to shell and comprises a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detector, and a plurality of emitters are for the first side emission photon through shell, and a plurality of detectors are for receiving at least a portion of the photon of launching through the first side of shell.Each emitter is that match and be oriented to launch from emitter from different detectors on operating, photon beam that impinge upon the blood vessel adjacent with sensor cluster will partly reflect to the detector of pairing, and each detector is configured to produce the signal of expression by the photon of the emission of detector reception.Computing equipment is configured to a plurality of emitters are activated and the signal that carrys out self-detector carried out to decipher and determine characteristic.

In conjunction with the drawings with reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention, feature of the present invention and the mode that realizes them will become and more understand and the present invention self will better understand.

The accompanying drawing explanation

Figure 1A is the schematic side view of sensor device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B is that the outer surface of the sensor device of Fig. 1 is schemed towards (outwardly-facing);

Fig. 1 C is the perspective view of the sensor device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is the schematic side view of sensor device and the blood vessel of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the perspective illustration of sensor cluster according to an embodiment of the invention and blood vessel;

Fig. 4 is the diagrammatic side view of sensor cluster according to an embodiment of the invention, blood vessel, emission light beam and folded light beam;

Fig. 5 A, 5B and 5C are the diagrammatic side view of sensor cluster according to an embodiment of the invention, trunk, little blood vessel, emission light beam and folded light beam;

Fig. 6 A and Fig. 6 B are respectively schematic front view and the diagrammatic side view that is applicable to the system that the sensor device with Fig. 1 communicates;

Fig. 7 is the flow chart of the method according to this invention.

Run through several figure, the corresponding part that corresponding Reference numeral means.Although accompanying drawing means embodiments of the invention, for description and interpretation the present invention better, accompanying drawing is not must be proportional and can amplify some feature.The example that proposed herein with several formal specifications embodiments of the invention and such example will can not be interpreted as by any way scope of the present invention being limited.

The specific embodiment

That embodiment discussed below does not plan limit or the present invention is limited to disclosed precise forms in following detailed description.More properly, embodiment is selected and description so that others skilled in the art can Application Example teaching.

Figure 1A illustrates sensor device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.Sensor device 1 generally includes a plurality of parts, and parts comprise sensor cluster 2, computing equipment 20, communication equipment 30 and energy storage device 40, and each parts is arranged on plate 80 and with computing equipment 20 and carries out electronic communication.Parts are enclosed in shell 90.Sensor cluster 2 comprises the transmitter array 100 with a plurality of emitters and has the detector array 200 of a plurality of detectors.

According to one embodiment of present invention, sensor device 1 is applied to determine patient's physiological situation." patient " refers to the measured human or animal of the sensed equipment 1 of physiological situation.Although invention disclosed herein is to be described under medical ground, teaching disclosed herein can be applicable to need under other background that small-sized data acquisition assembly measured along with the time equally.For example, sensor cluster according to the present invention in the water that submerges or unapproachable application in, under dangerous environment, have in the application of weight and size restrictions, enquiry-based activity is medium at the scene can be desirable.

According to one embodiment of present invention, sensor device 1 is implanted in patient body by subcutaneous.Yet, should be appreciated that and can use various implanted prosthetics that sensor device 1 is implanted in to different positions.For example, can be implanted in thoracic cavity by sensor device 1, under rib wide (rib cage).Shell 90 can form with the shape of circular discs or oblong-shaped disc, and its size roughly 25 cent dollar coins stacking with two is identical.Certainly, depend on application, shell 90 can be configured to multiple other shape.Can comprise four outside outstanding rings 92, shown in Figure 1B and Fig. 1 C, thus for accepting to sew up in patient's body, that assembly is fixing hypodermically.The shape that depends on shell 90 can arrange more or less ring 92.When by so fixedly the time, sensor cluster 2 quilt covers are upcountry located, and the energy coupler of following detailed description towards outside.

In another embodiment, sensor device 1 is positioned to the outside of patient body.Be provided with supporting member and support sensor device 1 at the outside sensing of health.Supporting member for good and all or provisionally can be coupled to sensor device 1.In one embodiment, supporting member comprises adhesive layer, for supporting member adhesively is coupled to patient body.In another embodiment, supporting member comprises it can being elastic belt, for the fixing sensor device 1 of the health with respect to the patient.

Can be by means of outside map (mapping) system of for example Ultrasound Instrument by the subcutaneous implantation of sensor device 1 or be positioned on the patient.Suitable placement guarantees that the blood vessel of paying close attention to is positioned at the sensing range of sensor device 1.At the blood vessel of paying close attention to, be in aortal situation, certain ，Gai position, position that sensor device 1 can be positioned to patient's chest or back make by the mode with described herein obtain measurement result, by the caused interference of rib, reduced to some extent.

According to one embodiment of present invention, sensor device 1 have COM1 for miscellaneous equipment, be connected and with the miscellaneous equipment exchange message.Show adapter 85.Adapter 85 is connected with other parts of sensor device 1 by plate 80, below with reference to Fig. 6 A and 6B, the operation of adapter 85 further is described in more detail.

1. blood vessel detector

According to one embodiment of present invention, the parameter of blood 1 couple of patient of sensor device, that transmit in the blood vessel of for example vein or tremulous pulse is carried out sensing.In the exemplary embodiment, sensor device 1 is transmitted in the interior electromagnetic energy beam of infrared ray (IR) scope of electromagnetic spectrum, and the IR signal that the blood circulation from blood vessel is reflected is detected.Yet, should be appreciated that, can as one man adopt with teaching of the present invention the electromagnetic energy of other type.Sensor device 1 can be launched the IR light beam on one or more frequencies, these frequencies are because disturbed by health or absorb minimum and, through the ability of patient body or because be selected from the ability of specific blood constituent reflection, wherein specific blood constituent is selected because of the ability that the blood parameters value of wanting to obtain is transmitted.In the exemplary embodiment, sensor device 1 emission is selected to from the infrared beam of hemoglobin reflection, and hemoglobin is the iron content oxygen transport metal albumen in erythrocyte.

Can utilize photovoltaic element (photocell) array to launch and detect the IR light beam.As following in detail disclosed, each array is shown as to have and is arranged as 16 photoelectricity list ponds of grid that every row has the four lines of four unit.Under certain operating condition described below, all photovoltaic elements in transmitter array 100 are launched light beam simultaneously; And, under other operating condition, each photovoltaic element obtains specific information and/or preserves energy at selected moment emission light beam.In yet another embodiment, photovoltaic element is dispersed in by any way to the surface of sensor device, comprises the mode of the layout of emitter and detector being scattered in the row and column replaced of emitter and detector and/or disperseing.

The relation that Fig. 2 illustrates blood vessel 3 and a pair of photovoltaic element that the blood 4 to having the hemoglobin in erythrocyte 5 is transmitted between---emitter 101 and detector 201 or sensor cluster 2---.Can from the 8572 serial optical pickocffs of being manufactured by Motorola Inc. (Motorola), select optical module 2.Emitter 101 emission comprise photon 101 ' the photon light beam.As referring to Fig. 3 in further detail as described in, a part of photon in light beam is reflected as folded light beam through blood vessel 3 and a part, comprise in this example photon 101 '.Receptor 201 receives folded light beam.Computing equipment 20 guiding emitters 101 emission light beams are also measured the 201 required times of detection of reflected light beam of unit.Light beam passes tissue with known constant speed.Can be from emission and the propagation time between detecting and the geometrical relationship between

photovoltaic element

101 and 201 calculate the distance of mid point between

photovoltaic element

101 and 201, centrage 8 to blood vessel 3, as shown in arrow 9.

In one embodiment, can comprise one or more lens come at least in part to the light beam by emitter 101 emissions focused on so that on the propagation distance of light beam, the cross sectional dimensions of light beam keeps constant within the little percentage rate of light beam original size.Can comprise that collimator is focused on the light beam generated by each emitter.Emitter beam then can with the interrelated additional information provided about blood vessel of the signal produced by detector.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrate an embodiment of sensor cluster 2, and sensor cluster 2 comprises transmitter and the receptor be positioned respectively in transmitter array 100 and detector array 200.Transmitter array 100 comprises 16 emitter 101-116 that are arranged to matrix and 16 light beams of emission that can guide according to computing equipment 20.For simply, in Fig. 3, only illustrate from the light beam 10 of emitter 104 emissions.From blood vessel 3 antireflection part light beams 10 as folded light beam 11.Numeral 7 means a part of light beam 10 do not reflected by hemoglobin.Detector array 200 comprises 16 detector 201-216 that are arranged to matrix.The photon that detector array 200 receives in folded light beam 11.More specifically, the photon that detector 204 receives in folded light beam 11 in this example.

Although the four lines that exemplary square matrix comprises four unit of every row is shown, depends on the size of unit, certainty of measurement and the more or less unit of layout in sensor cluster 2 of the distance between sensor cluster 2 and target blood of expectation.Must launch the folded light beam that enough photons provide the expection purpose that is suitable for it.In another embodiment, each array comprises 25 unit.In yet another embodiment, each array comprises 12 unit.Number of unit in transmitter array and detector array and the size of each unit need not be equal.As, being described further below, can increase the resolution that other detector increases vessels to detector array.In one embodiment, the detector in detector array 200 is foursquare and the length on every limit is 1mm.In another embodiment, the length on every limit is 2.5mm.The width of emission light beam can be widened slightly along with distance.For example, when impinging light beam, on the blood vessel that is positioned at the 10cm distance time, the 2.5mm light beam can be widened to about 3.5mm.

Fig. 4 illustrates the side view illustrated of sensor cluster 2 depicted in figure 3.Should be appreciated that the corresponding detector pairing of each emitter of transmitter array 100 and detector array 200.More specifically, emitter 101 and detector 201 pairings, emitter 105 and detector 205 pairings, emitter 109 and detector 209 pairings, and emitter 113 and detector 213 pairings.Other emitter and detector (not shown) match in a similar fashion.In embodiments of the invention, the angle between the detector of emitter and its pairing is identical for every pair.As illustrated, emission light beam 113E point to blood vessel 3 and, if its clashes into blood vessel 3, folded light beam 113R is received by detector 213.For each sensor cluster 2, the angle formed with folded light beam 113R by emission light beam 113E is identical with the formed angle of folded light beam with the emission light beam right by other transmitter unit/detector cell.This angle refers to common angle herein.

Yet should be appreciated that, various sensor cluster 2 can be configured with the different emitters separately at them and detector between common angle.For example, the common angle between the unit of the detector array 200 of the unit of the transmitter array 100 of Fig. 4 and pairing can be 45 degree.In another sensor cluster 2 of the health that is configured to penetrate deeper the patient, between common angle can be 30 degree.Can determine the suitable sensor cluster 2 that will use to patient's concrete analysis.For example, when implanting hypodermically in very thin or very little patient by sensor device 1, therefore distance between the blood vessel 3 of sensor cluster 2 and concern is compared with the respective distance in very heavy or very large patient can be little, the sensor cluster 2 that has large common angle between the detector of emitter and pairing will be suitable for thin patient, and the sensor cluster 2 with less common angle will be suitable for heavy patient.

Be also to be understood that in certain embodiments, can be by transmitter array 100 and detector array 200 relative to each other to be arranged in sensor device 1 certain angle.In Fig. 4, transmitter array 100 and detector array 200 are coplanar (relative to each other zero degree).Due to the transmitter array 100 of dimension constraint or expectation and the installation site of detector array 200, array can tilt towards each other as be shown in dotted line in figure.

Fig. 5 A-C is illustrating of the additional little blood vessel 12 with blood vessel 3 vertical orientations of the sensor cluster 2 described in Fig. 4.In Fig. 5 A, only illustrate along the outer peripheral unit of transmitter array 100 and detector array 200.Each transmitter unit 101,105,109,113 is launched respectively

IR light beam

101E, 105E, 109E, 113E.Blood vessel 12 is illustrated with phantom because it in the drawings at a distance and be not launched in

light beam

101E, 105E, 109E, 113E any one clash into.As shown, emission light beam 101E fully misses two blood vessels 3 and blood vessel 12.Therefore, detector 201 does not detect folded light beam.The part of emission light beam 105E impinges upon on blood vessel 3.The a part of photon impinged upon on blood vessel 3 is reflected and is detected at detector 205 places as folded light beam 105R.All emission light beam 109E impinge upon on blood vessel 3.Emission light beam 109R, by a part of photon that hemoglobin reflected in blood vessel 3, as folded light beam 109R, at detector 209 places, be detected.To emission, light beam 101E is similar, thereby a part of only launching light beam 113E impinges upon on blood vessel 3 and produces folded light beam 113R at detector 213 places.

With respect to Fig. 5 A, Fig. 5 B is the farther figure entered into basically through the page on the plane of secondary series emitter 102,106,110,114 and secondary series detector 202,206,210,214.In the figure, with solid line, blood vessel 12 is shown, because it is arranged in the zone of being irradiated by the light beam from emitter 102,106,110 and 114 emissions.When emitter 102 is activated, the light beam 102E of blood vessel 3 is missed in emitter 102 emissions fully.Yet the part of emission light beam 102E impinges upon on blood vessel 12 and part shock photon is reflected as folded light beam 102R '.In this example, because the residing position of blood vessel 12, so folded light beam 102R ' is not detected by detector 202.As the situation of the emission light beam 105E of Fig. 5 A, the part of emission light beam 106E is clashed into blood vessel 3.Yet another part of launching light beam 106E here clashed into blood vessel 12 before arriving blood vessel 3.Some photons that clash into blood vessel 12 are reflected as the folded light beam 106R ' do not detected by detector 206.Therefore, due to the interference of blood vessel 12, the part of the shock blood vessel 3 of emission light beam 106E is less than the part of the shock blood vessel 3 of emission light beam 105E.Similarly, the folded light beam 106R detected at detector 206 places has less intensity than the folded light beam 105R detected at detector 205 places.Similarly, the interference of blood vessel 12 causes respectively folded light beam 110R ' and folded light beam 114R ', and folded light beam 110R ' and folded light beam 114R ' make respectively the folded light beam 110R that detects at

detector

210 and 214 places and the number of the photon in 114R reduce to some extent.

Fig. 5 C is the farther figure entered into basically through the page on the plane of the 3rd row emitter 103,107,111,115 and the 3rd row detector 203,207,211,213.In Fig. 5 C, by blood vessel 12, the form with phantom illustrates again, because it does not occupy, is not launched the zone that light beam 103E, 107E, 111E, 115E irradiate.Blood vessel 12 does not disturb identical with shown in Fig. 5 A of the position of emission light beam and blood vessel 3, launches the characteristic of the propagation path of light beam 103E, 107E, 111E, 115E and the folded light beam 107R caused, 111R, 115R with identical about the described corresponding light beam of Fig. 5 A.

According to one embodiment of present invention, computing equipment 20 is processed by the signal that signal is carried out to filtering, calibration (scale) and regulate receiving from detector array 200, thus to the light beam by 200 receptions of detector array, corresponding to the measured value of intensity or power, calculated.In one embodiment, the analog signal digital that computing equipment 20 will be generated by detector array 200.In following table 1 and table 2, be worth the general power of 1 expression 100%.In other words, if corresponding transmitter unit emission meets with the ripple of the maximum interference (and the blood vessel 3 therefore be concerned reflects) of the blood vessel 3 to paying close attention to, be worth 1 and equal the expection power received by detector cell.In an interchangeable embodiment, the signal that the electronic circuit (not shown) is used to receiving from detector array 200 carries out filtering, calibration and adjusting, and by the output of electronic circuit offer computing equipment 20 for the treatment of.In another step, as following, further describe, thereby computing equipment 20 pairs of measured values calculate and map is determined position and the diameter of blood vessel 3.

According to one embodiment of present invention, full power signal is scaled for the vasculature part with 0.7 cm width and equates.Flat-out each partial linear ground means the part of 0.7 cm width.Determine as the case may be, by the measured value in the row or column to detector cell, carry out width or the diameter that blood vessel calculates in the phase Calais.When two row or more the measured value in multirow differ when being less than 10%, or the measured value addition in row be two row or more the measured value in multiple row differ when being less than 10%, determine the diameter of blood vessel.In another embodiment, when two row or more in multirow or two row or more the measured value in multiple row differ when being less than 5%, determine the diameter of blood vessel.

Table 1 illustrates the representation of concept of describing corresponding measured value with the blood vessel 3 shown in Fig. 4.The light beam that value representation is launched from emitter 101 to 104, do not have photon to be reflected and 201 to 204 of the detectors of the pairing in array 200 subsequently detect.Unit inspection in the second row (detector 205-08) and fourth line (detector 213-16) is to more photon, and the unit inspection in the third line (detector 209-12) is to even more photon.As obvious in table 1, in every string detector, detected signal is identical.The embodiment that equals 0.7 centimetre according to above disclosed total power signal, signal times that can be by each detector in being listed as is with 0.7 centimetre of width or diameter that then the whole phases of resulting product Calais is calculated to blood vessel 3.More specifically, the diameter of the blood vessel 3 in this example is 0.0*0.7+0.8*0.7+1.0*0.7+0.8*0.7, or 1.82 centimetres.

Table 1

Table 2 illustrates representation of concept similar to table 1, that still with the blood vessel 3 shown in Fig. 5 A-C and blood vessel 12, describe corresponding processing costs.Value representation in the 2nd row, the minimizing corresponding with detector 206,210 and 214 as described in Fig. 5 B by the caused interference of blood vessel 12.1st, the value in 3 and 4 row differs and is less than 5% (in fact, they are identical as illustrating).Therefore, computing equipment 20 can ignore the signal in the 2nd row and according to mode described above, with the 1st, 3 and 4, be listed as in any string in signal calculate the diameter of blood vessel 2.

Table 1

According to one embodiment of present invention, will mean that blood vessel is that exist, measured value that have the diameter less than predetermined size is deleted or filtering obtains the more clearly expression of the blood vessel of concern.In one embodiment, measured value that will be corresponding with the blood vessel diameter than 1 centimetre little is deleted.In such embodiments, the blood vessel of concern is the large artery trunks with known approximate diameter (physical characteristics that depends on the patient), and this diameter is basically all large than near almost any other blood vessel installation site at sensor device 1.

Should be appreciated that, when its position of the diameter of determining in the above described manner blood vessel map, each emitter 101-116 is activated separately by adjoining land fast.When in various figure, several emission light beam being shown simultaneously, once only launch a light beam to avoid light beam to overlap and to generate the signal of not upset by such overlapping.By launching a light beam and receiving folded light beam at the detector place of pairing, each signal provides the information about the not multilated of blood vessel.The interference that each signal indication is experienced by single light beam and diffusion.In one embodiment of the invention, in the mode of lining by line scan, launch separately light beam, from emitter 101, follow unceasingly until emitter 116 is activated.What follow in other embodiments, is other order.

In the time of detector in scanning array, interference and diffusion that each light beam of the signal indication generated by each detector experiences.Total is got up, and scanning provides the information of carrying out map for the position to blood vessel and diameter.If the blood in blood vessel is by oxidized fully, blood will comprise more ferrum and detector and will generate and mean flat-out signal so.If the blood in blood vessel is not by oxidation fully, detector will generate and mean the signal fewer than total power so.Yet, because scanning occurs rapidly, thus oxidation level in each scan period, be constant and, therefore, can not consider oxidation level and the difference power of the light beam that will be received by each detector is used for position and the diameter of map blood vessel.

Near Pulmonic diameter large artery trunks is similar to aortic diameter.Thereby, in order to identify and measure aortic diameter, sensor device 1 must be distinguished pulmonary artery and large artery trunks, because the two all will have the diameter that surpasses predetermined diameter threshold.The oxygen saturation of sensor device 1 by measuring each blood vessel also selects the blood vessel with the highest oxygen saturation to distinguish two blood vessels, the blood vessel with the highest oxygen saturation always trunk because pulmonary artery is transported to lung by deoxidation blood from heart.

When carrying out oxygen saturation measurements, sensor device 1 activates all emitter 101-116 of transmitter array 100 simultaneously.At first, sensor device 1 according to the scan method calculated example of having described position and the diameter as the blood vessel of the concern of trunk.Geometric position between size based on blood vessel, transmitter array and detector array and blood vessel and for example transmitter array of the layout of width, emitter and the transmitter of size, the emitter beam of array and the physical characteristic of detector array, sensor device 1 calculates the maximum possible oxygen saturation value according to known photon diffusion formula.Because each patient's physiological property difference, so sensor device 1 can be calibrated the maximum possible value for each patient by the reference value in the memorizer that is stored in computing equipment 20.Then sensor device 1 side by side from transmitter array emission light beam, at detector array place detection of reflected light beam, and is converted to power signal by folded light beam.In one embodiment, the signal that detector produced that sensor device 1 will be received from the photon to by vasoreflex is added up to and is obtained the saturation ratio by aggregate value divided by the maximum possible value, the percent saturation of this ratio representative in the transvascular blood of stream.In another embodiment, sensor device 1 only will expect that producing the emitter will impinge upon the light beam on blood vessel activates and do not activate the emitter that its light beam will not impinge upon on blood vessel and save energy.In another embodiment, sensor device 1 only produces to expection the emitter will impinge upon on blood vessel and will not impinge upon the light beam on other blood vessel and activates to save energy and simplify photon diffusion calculating.In yet another embodiment, sensor device 1 can optionally activate paired emitter and receptor the paired quantity activated is minimized in order to save energy.

Under normal operating condition, sensor device can be carried out oxygen saturation measurements once or twice 1 every day.Under unusual condition being detected or ought be as described below as in pulse wave detector, sensor device 1 can be carried out repeatedly oxygen saturation measurements within very short a period of time.Although consumed actual electric power when carrying out measurement very frequently, the data that obtain may be important for patient's health.

In one embodiment, sensor device 1 also calculates heart pulse rate.As before discuss, detector produces the power signal that represents iron content in blood.Aspirate the blood of oxidation by large artery trunks along with heart, power signal also fluctuates.Adjoining land obtains a plurality of power signals and catches the power measurement fluctuation fast.More specifically, for example, by carrying out repeatedly oxygen saturation measurements (per second is ten times), for example, through after a while (15 seconds), oxygen saturation measurements will present pattern or the cycle that means heartbeat.Computing equipment 20 can determine that curve comes the matching saturation to measure, and curve is the direct sine curve corresponding with cardiac cycle for example.Computing equipment 20 can determine that the frequency of the peak value of curve determines the cycle of curve.Each cycle means cardiac cycle.Be multiplied by the number of the cardiac cycle of (for example 15 seconds) in same period by the factor with suitable, computing equipment 20 can be determined pulse velocity with the form of cardiac cycle number per minute.In one embodiment, computing equipment 20 storage heart pulse rate values are as normal reference value and by the heart pulse rate value is compared detect abnormal or irregular cardiac rhythm with reference value.

In another embodiment of sensor device 1 according to the present invention, by the further feature of sensor cluster 2 and sensor device 1, together with the implantable cardiac integration of equipments, implantable cardiac equipment such as pacemaker, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) equipment, implanted heart rate turn multiple defibrillator (1CD) etc.

2. computing equipment

Computing equipment 20 comprises a plurality of parts.Although parts described herein are individual components as them, can be by the unit construction precedent single equipment as special IC.Computing equipment 20 comprises processor, memorizer, program, input equipment and outut device.Memorizer can include but not limited to RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), EEPROM (EEPROM), flash (flash memory) memorizer or other memory technology.Can be by processor and memory construction in integrated circuit.This integrated circuit can comprise transmitter array 100, detector array 200 and communication equipment 30.In addition, computing equipment 20 can comprise A/D converter and/or D/A converter on integrated circuit.Replacedly, A/D converter and/or D/A converter can be set respectively.

Program representation guidance of faulf handling device is carried out the computer instruction in response to the task of data.Program is present in memorizer.The data that comprise reference data and measurement data also are present in memorizer.Can be with reference to data-storing in ROM, or it can be stored in RAM make can be along with the time in response to the outside input or modify in response to the characteristic of the measurement data gathered along with the time.The agreement that measured value is responded can also be set.Agreement can be stored in permanent memory or it can be stored in the volatile memory of RAM for example.

Computing equipment 20 is controlled sensor cluster 2 and communication equipment 30 by input equipment and outut device.Computing equipment 20 can control the measurement result that obtains expectation with minimum energy to number, frequency, power stage and the shooting sequence of a plurality of light beams of being launched by emitter 101-116.

Fig. 6 A discloses for the system 300 with sensor device 1 exchange message.System 300 comprises the sensor device 1 with communication equipment 30, and has alternatively adapter 85.System 300 can also comprise computer 302, operationally be coupled to Docking station (docking station) 304, the phone 306 of computer 302 via cable 303.In one embodiment of the invention, the processing of system 300 based on performed by computing equipment 20 comes wirelessly to sensor device 1 transmission signal of communication 312 and from sensor device 1 receiving communication signal 312.

Adapter 85 is applied to be inserted into Docking station 304.Sensor device 1 is illustrated docking (dock) on Docking station 304.When being docked, sensor device 1 can be charged to energy storage device 40.Docking station operationally is coupled to computer 302, sensor device 1 is being placed on to the patient with it or before in patient body, the program in the memorizer that is stored in computing equipment 20 and reference value is being upgraded.In another embodiment, sensor device 2 can be positioned over to patient's appearance, thereby and adapter operationally be coupled to energy source sensor device 2 is provided with power and prevents exhausting of energy storage device 40.

According to still another embodiment of the invention, can be by adapter 85 by other sensor and devices, coupled to sensor device 1.Other sensor and equipment can unrestrictedly comprise other sensor cluster 2, temperature sensor, pressure transducer and accelerometer.Other equipment can comprise or can not comprise computing equipment.Other equipment can also be combined in shell 90 with sensor device 1.In the relevant U.S. utility patent application of cited above being entitled as " INTEGRATED HEART MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME (method of integrated cardiac monitoring equipment and the integrated cardiac monitoring equipment of use) ", integrated sensor device is disclosed.By being applicable to operate program other sensor and equipment, that revised, download in the memorizer of computing equipment 20, the operation of sensor device 1 goes for other sensor and operate.Download can occur in when computing equipment 20 is docked to Docking station.Replacedly, new procedures wirelessly can be downloaded by computing equipment 40.

Fig. 7 is the flow chart that a routine of the program of being carried out by computing equipment 20 according to one embodiment of present invention is shown.At step 400 place, the measurement of computing equipment 20 based on carrying out as above description carrys out activated sensors assembly 2 so that all emitter 101-116 emission light beam or emitter are sequentially launched independent light beam.Step 400 also is illustrated in the process that detector 201-216 place generates the signal that means folded light beam.

At step 402 place, 20 pairs of signals of computing equipment process to obtain measured value.Processing can relate to and removes the intrinsic signal noise, the signal from analog formal transformation is digital form, from the light formal transformation, is digital form, calibration or detection signal is regulated.Replacedly, can carry out some processing capacities by the circuit of for example A/D converter.After processing, measured value can be stored in memorizer or can determine whether be stored this value to measured value

analysis.Repeating step

400 and 402 obtains enough measured values thereby the parameter of calculation expectation is provided according to above provided disclosure as required.Can perform

step

400 and 402 simultaneously.

At step 404 place, 20 pairs of measured values of computing equipment are analyzed.Analysis can comprise calculating and/or the diagnosis of supplemental characteristic.Supplemental characteristic refers to the value of calculation such as blood vessel diameter and position, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythm etc.Diagnosis refers to the unusual condition that parameter value and reference value is compared to detect the patient.Reference value is corresponding to patient's normal condition.If unusual condition detected, computing equipment 20 can transmit alarm rather than transmit measured value (consuming unnecessary power) when collecting measured value or wait until memorizer is full or just send when reaching the predetermined transmission time measured value (wait for the time interim the patient is exposed to unnecessary danger).

Reference value can comprise desired value and acceptable excursion or restriction.When parameter value exceeds reference target value or scope, parameter value can be indicated extremely.In certain embodiments, parameter value can produce the statistic as moving average for example, and when parametric statistics amount and reference statistical amount differ over anticipated number, will detect abnormal.

If supplemental characteristic and reference value differ over anticipated number, computing equipment 20 is starting and new measuring period supplemental characteristic is being tested meeting before extremely making diagnosis so.In one embodiment, when measured value and desired value differ when surpassing 10%, computing equipment 20 is the aortic position of map and diameter again.In another embodiment, differ when surpassing 5% the computing equipment 20 aortic position of map and diameter again when measured value and desired value.

An abnormal medical condition is low oxygen saturation.Computing equipment 20 can be configured to carry out the analysis of measured value is determined to for example whether oxygen saturation value is too low.Although " normally " oxygen saturation value is different and depend on patient's situation between patient and patient, is usually less than 90% oxygen saturation measurements and is considered to low.Another abnormal medical condition is can be according to the detected irregular cardiac rhythm of mode described above.

Use the outside value obtained or can other abnormal medical condition be detected from the value of other sensor.At " DOPPLER MOTION SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME of cited above being entitled as, (method of Doppler motion sensor device and use Doppler motion sensor device) " and " INTEGRATED HEART MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING SAME, (integrated cardiac monitoring equipment and use the method for integrated cardiac monitoring equipment) " relevant U.S. utility patent application in the other sensor that can be included in sensor device 1 is disclosed.

In the embodiment of the sensor device 1 that comprises doppler sensor, blood vessel diameter and position can be used for to speed and the aspiration rate (pumping rate) of Fluid Computation.When blood vessel is aortic situation, these parameters can be used for to the unusual condition relevant with cardiac output with diagnosis to calculating.The large artery trunks parameter can be combined to calculate heart contraction blood pressure and diastole blood pressure with the heart contraction obtained with doppler sensor blood rate value and diastole blood rate value.Other sensor can comprise ECG sensor and temperature sensor.

At step 406 place, if unusual condition detected, agreement according to the rules determines that situation is serious situation or dangerous situation especially, and computing equipment 20 sends alarms.Alarm can be used for starting siren or warn the patient to adopt remedial measures.Remedial measure can be to stop or the minimizing physical exertion.Alarm can also provide global location (GPS) information to emergency service.With reference to Fig. 6 A, when the existence of the situation of noting abnormalities, it can be presented on computer 302 and/or for example, via communication equipment 30 (Nokia's modem KNL 1147-V) and send it to the caregiver.Alarm can comprise text message or the code corresponding with situation.Computing equipment 20 can also start new measuring period and be measured in response to the unusual condition detected continuously.

At step 408 place, computing equipment 20 can start treatment.Sensor device 1 can receive external command by communication equipment 30 and carry out treatment in response to alarm.Alternatively, based on agreement, thereby also can be instructed this treatment is provided the equipment that is applicable to provide treatment with unusual condition.Treatment can comprise for example shocks by electricity or medicine is provided.

At step 410 place, parameter value or other information are passed to external equipment.Can together with above any step, side by side perform step 410.Parameter value can be stored in memorizer and with communication equipment 30 and wirelessly send.Signal of communication from communication equipment 30 can be activated periodically under following situation, situation comprises: in response to abnormal conditions, the order received in response to outside, as long as long as memorizer uses and surpasses predetermined quantity or when determining that energy storage levels is low, set up that latter two situation prevents because memorizer overflows or energy loss and the loss of data that causes.Be also to be understood that sensor device 1 can also comprise a plurality of communication equipments except communication equipment 30.For example, when communication equipment 30 is situations of cellular modem, sensor device 1 can also comprise standby Bluetooth communication equipment or radio frequency communication devices.Such stand-by equipment in the situation that cellular modem can not send information (such as because available horsepower is low, honeycomb or the bad reception of other signal of communication, the bad network coverage etc.) may be the desirable interchangeable means of communication that provides.Under these circumstances, computing equipment 20 can activate standby communication equipment to interchangeable outside receiving equipment and send information or alarm.

Just perform step 410 in order to basically upgrade to the caregiver in real time once unusual condition for example detected.Step 410 is carried out at regular intervals, for example once a day, weekly, one month one inferior.Replacedly or except these transmission, thereby can be programmed by making communication equipment 30 send requested data or mean that the information of requested data is responded the request to data (for example, from medical personnel) received by communication equipment 30 to computing equipment 20.

Signal of communication can be received to warn the patient that situation is arranged by near the equipment patient, or remotely (for example passes through network) by medical personnel, relative or other predetermined recipient and receive.

3. communication equipment

Referring again to Fig. 6 B, wherein show system according to an embodiment of the invention, as to be applicable to the sending and receiving signal of communication.Communication equipment 30 is for example via the bi-directional communication device of mobile telephone system and/or gps satellite system.Communication equipment 30 comprises the antenna 32 for the sending and receiving signal of communication.By the signals of communication of numeral 312 signs, wirelessly to one in a plurality of optional external communication devices, propagated and a propagation from a plurality of optional external communication devices.

External communication device can be computer 302 or any electronic equipment that can the wireless receiving signal of communication, for example is exemplified as the phone 306 of mobile phone herein.Phone 306 can also be emergency service switchboard or hospital or medical centre switchboard.Signal of communication refers to the signal of the feature collection with one or more signals or is changed the signal that the information in signal is encoded.For instance, and be not restriction, signal of communication comprises sound, radio frequency (RF), infrared ray, other wireless media, and above any combination.External communication device can also be the health outside that is positioned at the patient, the TU Trunk Unit that for example clips to patient's belt.TU Trunk Unit can comprise the receptor from the transmission of communication equipment 30 for reception, and for forward the emitter of signal of communication to another external communication device.TU Trunk Unit can also be fix and be hard-wired, for connecing in succession with Internet connection or with medical personnel's computer direct.Similarly, TU Trunk Unit can receive from medical personnel's signal of communication and signal is sent to communication equipment 30.

Signal of communication from communication equipment 30 can comprise voice message, text message and/or measurement data.The communication received by communication equipment 30 can comprise order or data, the reference data of for example upgrading.Order for example can comprise the instruction to computing equipment 20, for example is used for carrying out patient's treatment, collection and sends other data or upgrade the task of reference data.In cited above being entitled as, the relevant U.S. utility patent application of " METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A HEALTH CONDITION (for monitoring the method and system of health status) " discloses the other embodiment according to the method for the communication information of the present invention.

4. energy storage device

Referring again to Figure 1B, 1C and 6, the system that can be provided for energy storage device is recharged according to one embodiment of present invention.The energy that computing equipment 20 receives from energy storage device 40.Energy storage device 40 comprises for example energy storage member of battery.Alternatively, sensor device 1 can also comprise the energy coupler that the energy for receiving from external source is charged to energy storage device 40.

An example of energy coupler is electromagnetic equipment, and for example sensing coil 308, for receiving external electromagnetic signal 310 and such signal being converted to the electric energy for energy storage member is recharged.External electromagnetic equipment 308 generates electromagnetic signals 310, by energy storage device 40 receiving electromagnetic signals 310 and be converted into electric energy.Energy storage device 40 can provide charge signal to computing equipment 20.Computing equipment 20 can compare charge signal and reference charge signal start for warning patient and/or medical personnel's low electric charge signal of communication.Replacedly, the detector of for example voltage sensor can be used for monitoring the electric charge of energy storage device 40 and provide signal to computing equipment 20 when electric charge is reduced to threshold value following the time.Near electromagnetic equipment 308 can being placed on to sensor device 1, energy storage device 40 is charged.

Can alternatively or additionally provide energy with the form of ultrasonic vibration.For example, can comprise piezoelectric transducer in sensor device 1.Ultrasonic vibration can be arranged on to outside.When transducer is driven by ultrasonic vibration, transducer generates electricity.

Although the present invention has been described as have exemplary design, can have revised further the present invention in the spirit and scope of present disclosure.Therefore the application is intended to contain any variation, use or the adaptability revision that the present invention is carried out that uses universal principle of the present invention.In addition, the application be intended to contain fall in the technical field of the invention known or customary practice, with the departing from of present disclosure.

Claims

1. a sensor device, for obtaining signal computation and measurement result, described sensor device comprises:

The implantable sensor assembly, described sensor cluster comprises a plurality of emitters and for generating a plurality of detectors of a plurality of signals, described emitter and described detector are towards a side of conduit, and described a plurality of emitters are configured to be transmitted in the infrared beam as on lower frequency: when this frequency is selected as on conduit as described in infrared beam impinges upon, this infrared beam reflects from hemoglobin; Each detector operationally matches with emitter;

Computing equipment, to described a plurality of emitters with described a plurality of detector is operated and described a plurality of signals are processed to pairing based on described a plurality of emitters and described a plurality of detectors obtains the parameter value that comprises described catheter position and diameter;

Energy storage device, powered for stored energy and to described computing equipment and described implantable sensor; And

Shell, surround described implantable sensor assembly, described energy storage device and described computing equipment.

2. sensor device according to claim 1, wherein said computing equipment comprises the algorithm for the calculating parameter value.

3. sensor device according to claim 2, wherein said computing equipment only activates its infrared beam and is expected and will impinges upon described supravasal emitter to save energy.

4. sensor device according to claim 1, wherein said parameter value comprises at least one in large artery trunks position, large artery trunks diameter, oxygen saturation and cardiac rhythm.

5. sensor device according to claim 1, wherein said a plurality of emitters are aligned to matrix.

6. sensor device according to claim 5, wherein said a plurality of detectors are aligned to matrix.

7. sensor device according to claim 5, wherein said emitter matrix comprises the four lines of four emitters of every row and the four lines that described detector matrix comprises four detectors of every row.

8. sensor device according to claim 1, the number of the emitter in wherein said a plurality of emitters is different from the number of detector in described a plurality of detectors.

9. sensor device according to claim 1, the size of wherein said sensor device 25 cent coins stacking with two are identical.

10. sensor device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor cluster and described computing equipment are integrated in single part.

11. sensor device according to claim 1, also comprise one or more communication equipments, is used for the sending and receiving signal of communication.

12. sensor device according to claim 11, wherein said communication equipment sending and receiving wireless communication signals.

13. sensor device according to claim 11, wherein said communication equipment comprises adapter, and described adapter is applicable to operationally be coupled to one or more in Docking station and the second sensor device.

14. sensor device according to claim 11, wherein said sensor cluster, described computing equipment and described one or more communication equipment are integrated in single part.

15. sensor device according to claim 1, wherein said energy storage device comprises energy coupler, for received energy, described energy storage device is recharged.

16. one kind for obtaining the method for signal computation and measurement result, comprising:

Sensor device is provided, and described sensor device comprises

A plurality of photon emitters and detector, described emitter emission light beam, described detector detects light beam and generates a plurality of signals corresponding to the light beam detected, and described emitter and described detector be towards a side of conduit, and

Computing equipment, for operating described a plurality of emitter and detector;

Operate described a plurality of emitter and detector and obtain a plurality of signals;

Process described a plurality of signal and obtain measured value; And

Analyze described measured value and obtain parameter value, described parameter value means at least one the characteristic in described conduit and fluid,

Wherein, each emitter matches from different detectors in operation, and

The step that operates described a plurality of emitter and detector comprises and is operable to right emitter and receptor obtains measured value,

Wherein said operating procedure also comprises the following steps:

Adjoining land operates described emitter and detector to obtaining first group of a plurality of signal corresponding to the first parameter value;

Obtain described the first parameter value;

Select a plurality of emitters and detector pair based on described the first parameter value;

And

Operate selected emitter and detector to obtaining second group of a plurality of signal corresponding to the second parameter value simultaneously.

17. method according to claim 16, wherein said the second parameter value is oxygen saturation value.

18. one kind for to blood vessel with flow through the equipment that at least one characteristic of the blood of described blood vessel is carried out optical measurement, described equipment comprises:

Shell, have the first side and the second side;

Sensor cluster, be mounted to described shell and comprise a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detector, described a plurality of emitter is for described the first side emission photon through described shell, described a plurality of detector is for receiving at least a portion of the photon of launching through described first side of described shell, each emitter match from different detector and is oriented to launch from described emitter in operation, the photon beam impinged upon on the blood vessel adjacent with described sensor cluster will partly reflect to matched detector, each detector is configured to produce the signal of expression by the photon of the emission of described detector reception,

Computing equipment, be configured to described a plurality of emitters are activated and the described signal from described detector carried out to decipher and determine described characteristic,

Wherein said computing equipment is configured to calculate based on described signal position and the diameter of described blood vessel, and wherein said computing equipment is further configured to: the geometric position between the size based on described blood vessel, described a plurality of emitters and described a plurality of detector and described blood vessel and the physical features of described a plurality of emitter and described a plurality of detectors calculate the maximum possible oxygen saturation value, a plurality of described signals are added up to, and calculate the signal add up to and the ratio of described maximum possible oxygen saturation value, as the oxygen saturation ratio, and

Wherein said computing equipment only activates its infrared beam and is expected the emitter that will impinge upon on described blood vessel to save energy.