Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
  • A61B5/1116—Determining posture transitions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/0205—Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
  • A61B5/02108—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels from analysis of pulse wave characteristics
  • A61B5/02125—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels from analysis of pulse wave characteristics of pulse wave propagation time
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/021—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
  • A61B5/022—Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
  • A61B5/1112—Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
  • A61B5/1126—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb using a particular sensing technique
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/7271—Specific aspects of physiological measurement analysis
  • A61B5/7275—Determining trends in physiological measurement data; Predicting development of a medical condition based on physiological measurements, e.g. determining a risk factor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient; User input means
  • A61B5/746—Alarms related to a physiological condition, e.g. details of setting alarm thresholds or avoiding false alarms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
  • A61B8/08—Clinical applications
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2560/00—Constructional details of operational features of apparatus; Accessories for medical measuring apparatus
  • A61B2560/02—Operational features
  • A61B2560/0242—Operational features adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
  • A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
  • A61B2562/0219—Inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, tilt switches
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/024—Measuring pulse rate or heart rate

Definitions

• the following relates generally to medical monitoring. It finds particular application in conjunction with vital sign monitoring and motion detection, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it will be understood that it also finds application in other usage scenarios and is not necessarily limited to the aforementioned application.
• Vital sign devices are typically limited in their mobility by storage capacity and power generation capability. For example, a continuously monitored vital sign can quickly fill computer storage of a portable device and quickly consume battery power. Monitoring a person for dizziness or fainting continuously, including during inactive periods, e.g. sitting, unnecessarily consumes both storage and power.
• Accelerometers which detect motion have been included with some vital sign devices, such as athletic fitness devices which monitor pulse rate and motion rate.
• athletic fitness devices which monitor pulse rate and motion rate.
• such devices do not discriminate body motion, such as changing from a sitting position to a standing position, and consume power, to measure and track motion.
• a medical monitoring device includes a motion detection device and a vital sign monitoring device communicatively connected to the motion detection device.
• the motion detection device is adapted to detect whole body motion of a person.
• the vital sign monitoring device is adapted to monitor at least one vital sign for a predetermined time interval, in response to the detected whole body motion.
• a method of monitoring vital signs includes detecting whole body motion of a person. At least one vital sign is monitored for a predetermined time interval in response to the detected whole body motion.
• a medical monitoring device includes a motion detection device, a vital sign monitoring device, a vital sign evaluation device, and an alarm device.
• the motion detection device is adapted to detect body motion of a person indicative of a change in position, e.g. from sitting to standing.
• the vital sign monitoring device is communicatively connected to the motion detection device and adapted to monitor e.g. blood pressure for a predetermined time interval in response to the detected body motion.
• the vital sign evaluation device is adapted to evaluate the monitored blood pressure for conditions indicative of orthostatic intolerance.
• the alarm device is configured to generate a signal in response to the evaluated conditions
• One advantage is ability to monitor persons for syncope in a non-hospital setting.
• Another advantage resides in alarms for possible falls due to fainting, dizziness, or syncope.
• Another advantage resides in reduced power and memory requirements.
• the invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangement of steps.
• the drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
• FIGURE 1 diagrammatically illustrates an embodiment of the motion triggered vital sign measurement system in a time sequence.
• FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of the motion triggered medical monitoring device.
• FIGURE 3 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of the motion triggered vital sign measurement system in a time sequence.
• FIGURE 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the motion triggered medical monitoring device with an optical motion detection device.
• FIGURE 5 flowcharts one method of motion triggered vital sign measurement.
• the system includes a medical monitoring device 12, adapted to affix to a person 14 and monitor the person.
• the device 12 operates in two states, a resting state 16, and a motion triggered state 18.
• the device In the resting state 16, the device does not monitor patient vital signs, or if intermittent monitoring is required in resting state, the intermittent monitoring frequency is e.g. lower compared to the intermittent monitoring frequency in the motion triggered state.
• the motion triggered state 18 the device actively monitors vital signs of the person for a predetermined interval triggered by detected whole body motion at a motion triggered state 18, either continuously or intermittent. For example, as a person moves from a sitting position to a standing position, orthostatic stress is applied to the person.
• the system is ideally suited for use as a fall prediction and prevention system.
• a motion detection device or means 20 detects whole body motion. For example, as the person moves to a standing position 18, whole body movement 22, such as an change in elevation 24 relative to the center of gravity, is detected. The change in elevation creates orthostatic stress. The detected motion exceeds a predetermined threshold for whole body motion. For example, the person at rest generates motion, and the motion detection device discriminates between whole body motion indicative of standing and other motions such as respiration. In one embodiment, the motion detection device separates the acceleration vectors for elevation and other whole body movement. The motion detection device is located and/or affixed to the person in a position to discriminate whole body motion from fine motor motion. The motion detection device determines acceleration vectors that separate elevation changes from other body motion vectors.
• the motion includes forward movement, not to be confused with a leaning movement, e.g. forward motion vector, or a twisting movement, e.g. left-right motion vector without standing.
• the motion detection device can alternatively detect motion with accelerometers, a multi-axis accelerometer, barometric pressure sensor, video monitoring, ultrasound monitoring, gyroscope, GPS receiver, or the like.
• a vital sign monitoring device or means 26 is triggered by the detected whole body movement to monitor one or more vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, ECG, SpC"2 and the like.
• the vital sign monitoring device monitors the vital signs for a predetermined period of time, such as x minutes. For example, the person sits at a time to and stands at a time ti, and the vital sign monitoring device 26 monitors blood pressure, continuously or intermittently, in a cuff-less configuration for a time interval of 45 minutes beginning at ti.
• the predetermined time interval can be adjusted according to medical guidelines in which syncope presents.
• the intermittent monitoring includes an adjustable sampling rate.
• the rate is adjusted to sample frequently in an initial period after standing, and steps down the sampling rate according to medical guidelines and/or patient population statistics after the initial period.
• the medical monitoring device 12 evaluates the monitored vital sign, e.g. the signals generated by the vital sign monitoring device 24, such as blood pressure.
• the vital sign evaluation includes a determination of symptoms of syncope, such as a minimum blood pressure or a threshold change in blood pressure.
• the blood pressure measured over time after the detected motion is compared to blood pressure versus time curves indicative or predictive of syncope. Such curves can be determined by data mining patient records of patient's that have suffered syncope for preceding blood pressure variations.
• the monitored blood pressure can be compared with a preselected low blood pressure value, e.g. indicative of low blood flow to the brain.
• the medical monitoring device 12 generates an alert signal in response to a minimum blood pressure and/or threshold change in blood pressure.
• the medical monitoring device 12 can audibly sound and/or visually indicate an alert 28.
• a caregiver 30 responds to the alert to prevent the person experiencing symptoms of syncope, e.g. dizziness, fainting, etc., from falling.
• the alert can be sent to a computing device 32 of the caregiver.
• the alert can also alert the patient to sit or recline before becoming unconscious.
• the device 12 includes a mechanism or means 34 to affix to the patient, such as a strap, clip, band, adhesive, and/or the like.
• a mechanism or means 34 to affix to the patient such as a strap, clip, band, adhesive, and/or the like.
• the motion detector device is affixed to the torso, or around the neck with a strap.
• the device 12 can be configured with physically connected pieces with wired communication or physically separated pieces communicatively connected 36 via a wireless communication device, such as through a radio frequency (RF) transceiver or near body communication device.
• a wireless communication device such as through a radio frequency (RF) transceiver or near body communication device.
• the motion device communicates with an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device and a photoplethysmogram (PPG) communication through skin contact and the near body communication.
• ECG electrocardiogram
• PPG photoplethysmogram
• the pieces communicate using Bluetooth or 802.x protocols and RF communications.
• the device 12 includes the motion detection device or means 20 to detect whole body motion indicative of orthostatic stress.
• the motion detection device 20 includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, GPS receiver and/or the like to detect body motion and a processor or other software device which analyzes the body motion to determine whether whole body motion has occurred. The analysis can be based on changes in elevation, relative vertical motion vectors, horizontal motion vectors, and the like.
• the vital sign monitoring device includes a cuff-less blood pressure (BP) measuring device such as two pulse sensing devices, e.g. ECG, PPG, and the like, which are used to determine the pulse wave velocity between the pulse sensing devices.
• the blood pressure is proportional to the pulse wave velocity.
• the cuff-less BP measuring device uses the signals of the ECG and PPG to measure or determine BP, e.g. systolic/diastolic blood pressure. The measures can be continuous or repeated measures over the time interval.
• a vital sign evaluation device or means 38 is communicatively connected to the vital sign monitoring device 26, receives the monitored vital signs, and evaluates the received vital signs for symptoms of dizziness, fainting, and/or syncope which can cause the person to fall. For example, with the systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg, or the diastolic blood pressure less than 60 mm Hg, the vital sign evaluation device generates an alarm signal in response. In another example, with a change in systolic or diastolic greater than 20 mm Hg, the vital sign evaluation device generates an alarm signal in response.
• the vital sign evaluation device can also compare other physiological values, such as heart rate or Sp0 2 , to thresholds. In another embodiment, time evolution patterns of physiological parameters are compared with patterns indicative of syncope or other potential events.
• the vital sign evaluation device is communicatively connected to one or more alarm devices 40.
• the alarm device includes an audible and/or visual indicator, such as sounded alarm and/or flashing light.
• the alarm device includes the computing device of the caregiver, which can indicate the alarm, the person's identity, and/or location. For example, as the person stands, the motion detection device 20 detects an elevated whole body motion of 20 cm which triggers monitoring blood pressure by the vital sign monitoring device for a 45 minute period. During the 45-minute period, the vital sign evaluation device evaluates the monitored blood pressure, determines whether blood pressure drops more than 20 mm Hg and, in response to the evaluated drop in blood pressure, generates the alarm signal.
• the alarm signal received by the alarm device sets the audible indicator and flashing light attached to the medical monitoring device 12, indicating to the caregiver that the person is in danger of falling. Simultaneously, the alarm signal is communicated to the portable computing device 32, which records the alarm signal, and/or indicates with a flashing message display and sound that the person is in danger of falling.
• the motion detection device 20, vital sign monitoring device 26, vital sign evaluation device 38, and alarm device 40 are communicatively connected with a communication device or means 42.
• the communication device 42 includes a wired connection in a wired configuration with devices physically connected.
• the communication device 42 includes a wireless connection in a wireless configuration with devices physically separated.
• the wireless connection includes RF, infrared, or near body communication.
• the medical monitoring device can include different configurations between component devices.
• the motion detection device can be in the wired configuration with the ECG device and in a wireless configuration with the PPG device.
• the motion detection device includes an optical motion detector 50, such as one or more cameras and a processor configured to view body motion of the person, e.g. identify and track movement indicative of orthostatic stress.
• the camera receives images of the person in the field of view of the camera moving from the sitting position to the standing position.
• the processor communicatively connected to receive the images uses object recognition to identify the person and analyze the motion.
• initial objects can include facial recognition, a badge or device worn by the patient, and the like, and then a growing algorithm to identify and associate other body parts.
• the person wears an energy emitter, such as an LED, ultrasound emitter, infrared LED, RF transmitter, or the like.
• the emitted energy is received by appropriate stationary mounted receivers which use triangulation to monitor motion and distance and duration moved.
• the medical monitoring device 12 in communication with the optical motion detector, receives a signal indicating whole body motion.
• the medical monitoring device 12 in one embodiment, includes a cuff-based vital sign monitoring device 52 adapted to monitor blood pressure of the person.
• the medical monitoring device 12 includes the components integrated as a single physical device adapted to fit over the upper arm.
• the medical monitoring device includes a pressure cuff to measure blood pressure, and the pressure cuff slides over the upper arm of the person and is adjustable, to be held in place by an attachment mechanism, such as elastic band, hook and loop, etc.
• the vital sign evaluation device and alarm device are physically attached to the pressure cuff.
• the cuff can include a region of a characteristic color to assist in discriminating between monitored persons and bystanders.
• the optical motion detection device 50 such as the camera and configured or programmed processor, views the person at time to person in the sitting position, and at time ti person moving to standing position.
• the optical motion detection device 50 uses object recognition with motion separation to determine a change in position, e.g. a change in altitude of a center of mass, a characteristic point, or the like, giving rise to orthostatic stress.
• the motion detection device signals the vital sign monitoring device 52, e.g. pressure cuff measuring blood pressure for the predetermine time interval.
• the vital sign evaluation device 38 in response to blood pressure indicative of a minimum blood pressure, or a threshold change in blood pressure, signals the alarm device 54, which includes a speaker that sounds the audible signal.
• the system is a person worn fall prevention system which alerts the person or caregiver or relative of a potential fall before the fall occurs.
• the system is a fall detection system that signals for help before or when a fall occurs.
• the various devices 20, 26, 38, 40, 50, 52 include or share one or more electronic data processing devices, such as a processor or electronic processing device powered by either solar and/or battery power.
• the optical motion detection device 50 can include a AC/DC power source.
• the disclosed vital sign evaluation and communication techniques are suitably implemented using a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions (e.g., software) readable by an electronic data processing device and executable by the electronic data processing device to perform the disclosed techniques.
• instructions e.g., software
• FIG. 5 one method of motion triggered vital sign measurement is flowcharted.
• body motion of a person is detected, visually and/or physically.
• the motion is analyzed to determine whether the motion is whole body motion indicative of orthostatic stress, such as a change in elevation by moving from the sitting to the standing position.
• At least one vital sign is monitored by the vital sign monitoring device for a predetermined time interval in response to the detected whole body motion in a step or by a module 62.
• the blood pressure of the person is monitored using a cuff-less 26 or pressure cuff 42 blood pressure monitor.
• the at least one measured monitored vital sign is evaluated for orthostatic stress. For example, blood pressure is monitored for a minimum blood pressure, or a threshold change in blood pressure.
• the alarm is signaled in response to an evaluated measure in a decision step or by a module 66. For example, in response to monitored blood pressure dropping below a minimum value or changing more than a threshold value, the alarm condition is signaled.
• the alarm is sent in response to the alarm signal in a step or by a module 68.
• the alarm signal causes an audible sound, tone, noise, or voice message indicative of the person in danger of falling.
• the alarm signal sets both the audible indicator and a visual indicator such as a light signal or a message on a caregiver display.
• the communicating of conditions between modules or devices includes the detected motion, the monitored vital signs, the evaluated measures, and the alarm signal.
• the communicating can include devices physically distributed or separated.
• the devices or modules can include attachment mechanisms which attached the device or component to the person.
• a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium carrying software which controls one or more electronic data processing devices to perform the steps of communicating, detecting and/or analyzing motion, monitoring vital signs, evaluating vital signs, and signaling an alarm.
• particular elements or components described herein may have their functionality suitably implemented via hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. Additionally, it is to be appreciated that certain elements described herein as incorporated together may, under suitable circumstances, be stand-alone elements or otherwise divided. Similarly, a plurality of particular functions described as being carried out by one particular element may be carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting independently to carry out individual functions, or certain individual functions may be split up and carried out by a plurality of distinct elements acting in concert. Alternately, some elements or components otherwise described and/or shown herein as distinct from one another may be physically or functionally combined where appropriate.

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• 2015
  • 2015-04-23 US US15/310,277 patent/US20170265782A1/en not_active Abandoned
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  • 2015-04-23 WO PCT/IB2015/052964 patent/WO2015173679A1/en not_active Ceased
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