WO2023012265A1

WO2023012265A1 - Sensor system that is to be worn on the human body of a patient, and method for detecting a cardiac arrest, an impending cardiac arrest, or an immediately life-threateningly weakened cardiovascular system, and for triggering an emergency call

Info

Publication number: WO2023012265A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/071916
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Erhard WINKLER
Original assignee: Winkler Bernd Erhard
Priority date: 2021-08-04
Filing date: 2022-08-04
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Also published as: DE202021104168U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor system to be worn on the human body of a patient for automatically detecting a cardiac arrest, an impending cardiac arrest, or an immediately life-threateningly weakened cardiovascular system according to the independent claim. For the purposes of the invention, a patient includes people with and without pre-existing medical conditions. In particular, this includes patients who have unknown pre-existing conditions. The invention also relates to a method for detecting a cardiac arrest, an impending cardiac arrest or an immediately life-threateningly weakened cardiovascular system, and for generating an emergency call, in which method several specific measurement parameters of the patient are recorded simultaneously.

Description

Sensor system to be worn on the human body of a patient and method for detecting a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and for triggering an emergency call

The invention comprises a sensor system to be worn on a patient's human body for the automatic detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system according to the independent claim. A patient within the meaning of the invention includes people with and without previous illnesses. In particular, this includes patients whose previous illnesses are unknown. The invention also includes a method for detecting a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and for generating an emergency call in which several specific measurement parameters of the patient are recorded simultaneously.

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death. One of the most important factors affecting the patient's chance of survival is the time between the onset of cardiac arrest and the onset of effective resuscitation. According to current data, only about 10% of patients worldwide are alive one year after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, many say serious neurological damage and the need for care is high. Therefore, the earliest possible detection of circulatory arrests and the early alerting of rescue services and lay helpers is of the utmost importance in emergency medicine. In order to improve the prognosis of patients after circulatory arrest, early detection of a brain function disorder is of crucial importance, since the brain is the most time-critical organ, i.e. the earliest to suffer irreversible damage.

Technical solutions for sensor systems to be worn permanently on the patient are known in the prior art, which enable automatic detection of circulatory arrest with the aid of data provided by sensors. Some devices are designed in such a way that they transmit an automatic emergency call to emergency services when a circulatory arrest is detected.

Current sensor systems from the prior art are based on the detection of only a single specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulatory system. For example, sensor systems are known which can detect acute, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. However, these sensor systems have the disadvantage that they cannot detect cardiac arrests if they do not cause one specific measurement parameter. Basically, many of the existing approaches focus on an analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) and on the detection of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. These approaches are associated with the inherent disadvantage that the ECG signal can display waveforms similar to ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia due to artifacts, although these are not present, and that in the early phase of circulatory arrest there is often primarily a pulseless electrical activity, the electrical signal of the ECG still looks mostly normal. Thus, neither sufficient sensitivity nor sufficient specificity can be achieved with these approaches.

The inadequacy of the approaches in the prior art can also be underpinned by the fact that to date there is not a single system that detects a cardiac arrest with clinically acceptable accuracy and initiates a corresponding emergency call. US 2015/0335288 A1 relates to a system for monitoring one or more physiological signals of a human body. US 2020/0196878 A1 discloses a system for measuring blood pressure, in which not only the blood pressure but also other parameters are measured. Both US 2015/0335288 A1 and US 2020/0196878 A1 aim to monitor and record physiological parameters of a human being, but this alone does not enable the reliable detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system .

The invention is based on the object of providing a sensor system to be worn on the human body of a patient for detecting circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular has increased sensitivity and specificity for the detection of circulatory arrests, impending circulatory arrests or immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, the sensor system according to the invention should enable a method for the reliable and rapid detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or a weakened cardiovascular system that is immediately life-threatening.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the invention according to the independent claim, which in particular includes a sensor system to be worn on the human body of a patient with at least one respiration sensor and at least one cardiovascular sensor and at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one Sensor for detecting the cardiac output and / or at least one sensor for detecting the vascular resistance, in particular the systemic vascular resistance.

In addition, a prediction of a cardiac arrest is possible by means of the device and method according to the invention after the pooling of the data from several patients. An imminent circulatory arrest can therefore already be determined by means of prediction. This serves to alert rescue workers and lay helpers as early as possible, ideally before a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system has occurred. The prediction of circulatory arrest or the detection of impending circulatory arrest can also be used in palliative medicine. Many patients die alone at the end of their lives, without the presence of relatives and/or medical staff and/or third parties. By recognizing the impending circulatory arrest, relatives and/or medical staff and/or third parties can visit the patient in good time and assist him in the event of death. A dying in loneliness can thus be avoided.

Detailed description

The invention includes a sensor system and a method. In order to avoid unnecessary duplicate explanations, it should be noted that all features that are described below for the sensor system according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention and vice versa.

The invention comprises a sensor system to be worn on the human body of a patient for the automatic detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system comprising at least one fastening element on which

• at least one respiration sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration and

• at least one cardiovascular sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system and

• at least one blood pressure sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure and/or at least one cardiac output sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiac output and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the Vascular resistance of the patient, in particular the systemic vascular resistance is arranged. All sensors are designed to continuously record measurement data and to transmit it to a computing unit and/or at least one receiving device for processing the measurement data for the detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system in the patient. The respiration sensor, the cardiovascular sensor, the blood pressure sensor and/or the sensor for acquiring at least one specific measurement parameter of the cardiac output and/or the sensor for acquiring at least one specific measurement parameter of the vascular resistance are designed according to the invention to acquire the measurement parameters almost simultaneously, ie the specific measurement parameters of both the respiration and the cardiovascular system, as well as the blood pressure and/or the cardiac output and/or the vascular resistance of the patient are recorded simultaneously.

Furthermore, the sensor system includes a communication interface for transmitting data to at least one receiving device. The at least one receiving device according to the invention can be a local receiving device, for example in the sense of a smartphone, or a remote receiving device such as a server, in particular a server of a rescue control center and/or an emergency call center or a cloud. In one embodiment, the sensor system according to the invention has a number of receiving devices, which can be selected from the aforementioned group. In one embodiment, the at least one receiving device exchanges data with the sensors of the sensor system according to the invention. This data exchange is preferably implemented by wireless data transmission. All known technical solutions suitable for this purpose can be used here.

Furthermore, the sensor system includes a power source for the sensors, the computing unit and the communication interface. The invention is based on the idea of providing a sensor system with different sensors, which makes it possible to measure several different specific measurement parameters for a circulatory arrest, an imminent circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system almost simultaneously and for the indication of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. In connection with the present invention, almost simultaneously means that the measurement data of the individual sensors are collected in such a time frame that it is possible to view them in a temporal context with one another and to evaluate them medically. In one embodiment, therefore, almost simultaneously means the acquisition of measured values within seconds up to a few minutes, preferably less than 5 minutes, particularly preferably less than 2 minutes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit is intended to be used with the almost simultaneously provided measurement data from at least one respiration sensor signal, at least one cardiovascular sensor signal and at least one blood pressure sensor signal and/or at least one cardiac output - Sensor signal and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor signal to generate a signal for the indication of circulatory arrest, an imminent circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system or to process the data from the sensors and to transmit them to at least one receiving device.

In a further embodiment, the at least one receiving device is intended to be used with the almost simultaneously provided measurement data from at least one respiration sensor signal, at least one cardiovascular sensor signal and at least one blood pressure sensor signal and/or at least one cardiac output - Sensor signal and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor signal to generate a signal for the indication of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system.

The fastening element can be, for example, a belt, a bracelet, a watch, a chain, one or more adhesive patches, a piece of textile clothing or a combination of these, which is arranged on the patient's body.

All sensors can measure measurement data at defined time intervals and transmit them to a computing unit and/or to at least one receiving device. The time interval with which the individual measurement parameters can be recorded is basically specified by the sensors used and their respective measurement characteristics. Suitable sensors are described below and are known to those skilled in the art with their respective measurement characteristics. One if possible close-meshed recording of measurement parameters, ie with the shortest possible time intervals, is preferred according to the invention in order to enable the patient to be monitored as seamlessly as possible. Measurement data is particularly preferably recorded continuously.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensors used in the system according to the invention enable at least one measured value to be provided within one minute in regular operation, and in the case of signal quality limitations, at least several measured values within ten minutes. This results in continuous monitoring of the patient's vital parameters, in particular respiration, the cardiovascular system and blood pressure.

The provision of the combination of at least one respiration sensor, at least one cardiovascular sensor and at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one cardiac output sensor and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor enables specific measurement parameters both the respiration, as well as the cardiovascular system, as well as the blood pressure and/or the cardiac output and/or the vascular resistance of the patient are recorded and transmitted to the computing unit and/or at least one receiving device for processing the measurement data. The computing unit and/or the at least one receiving device is designed to process the measurement data and use it to detect circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system in the patient. Herein the inventive idea is realized that the sensor system according to the invention measures several different specific measurement parameters for a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and for the indication of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system be used.

In particular, the invention enables measured parameters of the patient's respiration to be taken into account for the detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system in the patient. This is based on the finding that cardiac arrest is often immediately associated with a respiratory disorder in the form of a respiratory arrest or gasping, thus enabling earlier detection of circulatory arrest.

The present invention also enables the detection of an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, since the sensor system according to the invention continuously detects and evaluates the patient's cardiovascular system, respiration and blood pressure and/or cardiac output and/or the vascular resistance. In this way, in particular, conditions can be detected in which the patient still has a minimal circulation and a residual heart function, but the supply to the brain is already disrupted. The insufficient supply of the brain, especially the brainstem, is noticeable, among other things, by gasping or stopping breathing. In this case, there is an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system.

Furthermore, an imminent circulatory arrest can be detected. In principle, the measurement parameters recorded by the sensors can also be used to predict an imminent circulatory arrest. Here, the times at which the cardiac arrest was indicated can be used for temporal labeling. The period before the circulatory arrest can thus be analyzed with a view to respiration, cardiovascular system, blood pressure and/or cardiac output and/or vascular resistance and optionally body movement, and characteristic changes can be recorded immediately before the circulatory arrest, which are then used for early detection and prediction of the circulatory arrest . In this case, impending cardiac arrest is indicated.

Furthermore, the sensor system can include a movement sensor, which is designed in such a way to detect the movement of the patient or the lack of movement in the event of a circulatory arrest. The motion sensor can be a gyro and/or acceleration sensor.

Furthermore, the sensor system for local detection of the position of the patient can include a position sensor, which is based in particular but not exclusively on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or Galileo and/or Baidou and/or Quasi-Zenit-Satellite-System (QZSS) and/or or GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN). In addition, the sensor system can provide an additional indoor Include position sensor, which can be based, for example, on Bluetooth beacons.

According to a preferred aspect, the at least one respiration sensor is designed to

- by an impedance measurement, and/or

- by an acoustic measurement, and/or

- by an acceleration measurement, and/or

- by a magnetic field measurement, and/or

- by measuring strain (change in length or force), and/or

- by an electroneurography measurement, and/or

- by an electromyography measurement, and/or

- by a transit time measurement / amplitude measurement, and/or

- by changes in the baseline of the heart's electrical current curve (echocardiogram baseline shift), and/or

- by respiration-dependent changes in the spike amplitude of the cardiac current curve, and/or

- by respiration-dependent changes in heart rate (respiratory arrhythmia), and/or

- to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration through respiration-dependent changes in the heart rate or the pulse wave velocity.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by impedance measurement, the respiration sensor can include electrodes, which are attached to the human body of the patient by being worn in such a way as to detect a change in the electrical impedance of the patient caused by the inhalation and exhalation of the patient to detect the patient's chest. This allows the patient's chest movement and breathing to be recorded by impedance measurement.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by acoustic measurement, the respiration sensor can include microphones and/or piezo elements which record the patient's breathing noises. As a result, changes in breathing can be recorded both quantitatively and qualitatively. The Acoustic measurement thus enables the determination of respiratory rate and apnea.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by measuring acceleration, the respiration sensor can be designed, for example, as a piezoelectric acceleration sensor, which is attached near the patient's chest. The expansion and movement of the chest when the patient is breathing can thus be detected by the acceleration sensor. A respiratory arrest or arrhythmic changes in breathing in the sense of gasping can be detected in this way.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by magnetic field measurement, the respiration sensor can comprise at least one Hall sensor and at least one magnet, which are arranged in the vicinity of the chest, in particular on opposite sides of the chest. The respiratory movements result in relative changes in the position of the at least one magnet in relation to the at least one Hall sensor. This allows the movements of the chest to be recorded.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by strain measurement, the respiration sensor can be arranged on a chest strap and/or on the patient's chest, e.g. in the form of patches or adhesive plasters, which detects the change in chest circumference due to changes in length and/or changes in force . The inductive or capacitive methods of respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) and respiratory capacity plethysmography (RCP) used in particular in polysomnography are assigned to the strain measurement according to the invention.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an electroneurography measurement and/or electromyography measurement, the respiration sensor can be designed to record an electroneurogram and/or electromyogram and thus record the respiratory activity. Electrical muscle activity is recorded in the form of an electromyogram, preferably on the intercostal muscles or on the diaphragm.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by a transit time measurement and/or amplitude measurement, the respiration sensor an emitter for an electrical or acoustic signal and a receiver for detecting the emitted electrical or acoustic signal. The emitter and receiver can be arranged on opposite sides of the thorax in order to record the respiratory activity by measuring the transit time and/or amplitude of the electrical or acoustic signal through the thorax, in that the thorax expands and compresses during breathing and thus the The runtime of the signal changes.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by changing the baseline of the cardiac current curve (electrocardiogram baseline shift), the respiration sensor can be designed to measure an electrocardiogram using electrodes designed for this purpose. The movements of the thorax can thus be recorded, since the movements of the thorax caused by respiration lead to respiration-dependent shifts in the baseline of the electrocardiogram.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by changing the spike amplitude of the cardiac current curve, the respiration sensor can be designed to measure an electrocardiogram using electrodes designed for this purpose. Respiratory movements cause changes in the filling of the chest with air, consequently changes in the attenuation of the ECG signal and thus changes in the peak amplitude, in particular the R peak of the ECG. In addition, changes in the spatial relationship of the ECG electrodes to one another can lead to changes in the peak amplitude if the path between the electrodes runs more or less parallel to the direction of propagation of the heart currents depending on breathing.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration through respiration-dependent changes in the heart rate (respiratory arrhythmia), the respiration sensor can be designed to measure an electrocardiogram or the pulse. In this way, breathing can be detected by utilizing the fact that the frequency of the measured pulse increases when breathing in and decreases when breathing out.

In order to determine a specific measurement parameter of the respiration of the To measure patients, the respiration sensor can be designed in such a way to detect fluctuations in the heart stroke volume or the pulse wave velocity. This can be realized in particular with certain sensors, in particular photoplethysmography sensors, by analyzing the contour of the pulse wave and drawing conclusions about the heart stroke volume from this and/or by using Doppler measurement, in particular light Doppler measurement and/or by using the speed of the pulse wave is recorded by repetitive determination of the angle to the current pulse wave.

According to a further preferred aspect, the sensor system comprises at least two, preferably at least three, different respiration sensors for detecting at least two, preferably at least three, different specific measurement parameters of the patient's respiration. The different respiration sensors can be selected from a combination of the respiration sensors described above.

According to a particularly preferred aspect, the at least one cardiovascular sensor is designed to

- by a photoplethysmography measurement, and/or

- by a shock measurement, and/or

- by an ultrasonic measurement

- to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulatory system by means of a measurement using an oscillating circuit.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation by a photoplethysmography measurement, the cardiovascular sensor can comprise a light source and an optical sensor. In this case, light from the light source is radiated into the patient's tissue and the transmitted or reflected light is detected by the optical sensor. The detected light intensity enables conclusions to be drawn about the blood in the examined tissue and the patient's blood circulation. In the following, the term photoplethysmography is also used synonymously for related methods such as light reflection rheography or digital photoplethysmography.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulatory system by means of a shock measurement, the cardiovascular sensor is designed in such a way to detect a shock generated by a pulse wave in the vicinity of an arterial blood vessel. If the vibration sensor is positioned close to the heart on the chest, the vibrations of the heartbeat can also be recorded directly.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation using ultrasound, the cardiovascular sensor is designed to use ultrasound to detect a change in the arterial vessel diameter in the form of an increase in the vessel diameter when the arterial pressure wave arrives, or to detect an arterial or to detect venous blood flow using the Doppler effect. When positioned on the chest, the blood flows in the heart or vessels close to the heart can also be displayed directly.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation using an oscillating circuit measurement, the cardiovascular sensor is designed to detect heartbeat and pulse-related voltage fluctuations and changes in the resonant frequency of the oscillating circuit.

According to an advantageous aspect, the sensor system comprises at least two, preferably at least three different cardiovascular sensors for detecting at least two, preferably at least three different specific measurement parameters of the patient's circulation. The different cardiovascular sensors can be selected from a combination of the cardiovascular sensors described above.

According to a further advantageous aspect, the at least one blood pressure sensor is designed in such a way that

- by measuring the pulse transit time/pulse wave velocity

- by a pressure measurement, and/or

- to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by means of a pulse wave measurement/pulse contour measurement.

The blood pressure sensor is designed in such a way that the specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure is measured as continuously as possible. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by measuring the pulse transit time, the blood pressure sensor can be designed as a time measurement system, with the time interval from the electrical heart activity to the arrival of the pulse wave in the periphery being recorded . The pulse transit time can be used to determine blood pressure. In an alternative embodiment of the pulse transit time measurement, the blood pressure sensor can be designed in such a way that it detects the speed of the pulse wave by means of Doppler measurement and/or by means of repetitive determination of the angle to the ongoing pulse wave. According to the invention, measurements of the pulse wave velocity are assigned to the blood pressure measurement using pulse transit time.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by means of a pressure measurement, the blood pressure sensor is, for example, a blood pressure cuff or a pressure sensor applied to the human body in a bracelet/a watch/a leg band/an ankle band/a chest strap/one or more adhesives -Patches trained.

In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by measuring a pulse wave, the blood pressure sensor can be designed to detect the shape of an arterial pulse wave or a plethysmography curve and to derive the patient's blood pressure using a pulse contour method.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a blood pressure measurement is taken by a photoplethysmography sensor. This can be done, for example, using "Volume Clamp". An artery is fixed with the help of even, closely adapted pressure on both sides of the vessel wall. The volume of the blood vessel is recorded using a photoplethysmography sensor integrated into the cuff and is kept constant by closely adapting the cuff pressure.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect, the sensor system comprises at least two, preferably at least three, different blood pressure sensors for detecting at least two, preferably at least three, different specific measurement parameters of the patient's blood pressure. The different blood pressure sensors can be selected from a combination of the blood pressure sensors described above. In one embodiment of the present invention, a pulse contour analysis for the purpose of determining blood pressure is carried out, in particular from the data from a photophlethysmography sensor, a pressure sensor or an ultrasound sensor.

Instead of the blood pressure or in addition to the blood pressure, the patient's cardiac output, in particular in the form of the heart's stroke volume and/or the heart minute volume and/or the stroke volume index and/or the cardiac index, can also be used to detect a circulatory arrest. Cardiac output sensors for measuring the cardiac output use technical approaches that are comparable in terms of hardware to the sensors for measuring the cardiovascular system and/or the blood pressure. Special algorithms are used to determine cardiac output. Some cardiac output sensors are capable of sensing stroke volume and/or pulse wave velocity. This can be achieved in particular by analyzing the contour of the pulse wave and drawing conclusions about the stroke volume from this and/or by using Doppler measurement and/or by repetitively determining the angle to the current pulse wave to record the speed of the pulse wave.

In a further embodiment, the vascular resistance, in particular the systemic vascular resistance, of the patient is measured to detect a circulatory arrest. The vascular resistance can be detected instead of the blood pressure or in addition to it. In terms of hardware, vascular resistance sensors for measuring the vascular resistance use technical approaches that are comparable to the sensors for measuring the cardiovascular system and/or blood pressure. Special algorithms are used to determine the vascular resistance. Some vascular resistance sensors are able to measure heart stroke volume and/or pulse wave velocity. This can be achieved in particular by analyzing the contour of the pulse wave and drawing conclusions about the stroke volume from this and/or by using Doppler measurement and/or by repetitively determining the angle to the current pulse wave to record the speed of the pulse wave. According to the invention, the blood pressure situation of a patient can be mapped by measuring specific measurement parameters of the blood pressure as well as specific measurement parameters of the cardiac output and specific measurement parameters of the vascular resistance as well as combinations of the three parameters mentioned.

In a preferred aspect, the sensor system is adapted to be worn around the neck, or around the chest, or around the wrist, or around the arm, or around the ankle, or around the leg. For this purpose, the fastening element is designed, for example, as a necklace, a bracelet, a watch or a chest strap or as one or more adhesive patches. In training as a necklace, the necklace includes chain links and chain pendants. The sensors can be arranged in the chain links and/or in the chain pendants. In the design as a bracelet and/or watch, the sensors are arranged on the bracelet or the watch.

According to a further preferred aspect, the communication interface is designed in such a way to transmit data via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or or to send light, in particular infrared light, to at least one receiving device.

According to a particularly preferred aspect, the power source is designed in such a way that it can be charged on the patient's body during operation and/or charged without contact. The charging can take place via induction.

According to a particularly preferred aspect, the power source is designed in such a way that it is possible to change the battery or an accumulator during operation (hot-swap capability).

According to a particularly preferred aspect, the power source is designed in such a way that body heat and/or body movement and/or respiration-dependent changes in chest circumference and/or light energy can be used to generate energy, in particular electrical energy. In particular, reverse Peltier elements and/or miniature Stirling engines with generators can be used to utilize body heat. In particular, photovoltaic elements can be used to utilize light energy. The mentioned Power sources can be used individually or in combination with one another.

In one embodiment, the processing unit of the sensor system is provided for the almost simultaneously provided measurement data from at least one respiration sensor, at least one cardiovascular sensor and at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one cardiac output sensor and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor and to generate a signal to indicate a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system or to process the data from the sensors and pass them on to at least one receiving device. For this purpose, the processing unit exchanges data with all the sensors of the sensor system according to the invention; in particular, the processing unit receives measurement parameters from the individual sensors. This data exchange takes place either wired or wireless.

The processing unit and/or the at least one receiving device are designed according to the invention to generate a signal to indicate circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system based on the simultaneous provision of the combination of the measurement parameters. For this purpose, the processing unit and/or the receiving device have an algorithm which is suitable for deriving from the measurement parameters the indication of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system.

The at least one receiving device and/or the computing unit are also designed to send out an emergency call automatically or after human authorization when a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is detected. The computing unit can, for example, send out an emergency call automatically by sending an emergency call to the at least one receiving device. In this case, the at least one receiving device is preferably a server of a rescue control center or an emergency call center. In one embodiment, the processing unit can also send an emergency call to a number of receiving devices, for example to the server rescue control center, to a smartphone of a lay rescuer, to the smartphone of a relative and to the server of a first responder.

In a further embodiment, the automatic transmission of an emergency call can be carried out by the receiving device after the continuous streaming of the sensor data to a receiving device. In this case, the sensor data are sent directly to the at least one receiving device. In this case, the at least one receiving device is preferably the server or the cloud of an emergency call center. If a circulatory arrest, an imminent circulatory arrest or a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is detected, emergency calls are sent from the at least one receiving device to at least one other receiving device or to several other receiving devices. For example, by sending an emergency call to an ambulance and to First Responders.

The emergency call in the event of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can, in particular

1 ) to smartphones or servers used by clinical staff; and or

2) to a server of a rescue service or a rescue control center; and or

3) nearby lay rescuers on smartphones or servers; and or

4) to optical and/or acoustic alarm devices located in the immediate vicinity, in particular a local emergency call receiving unit; and or

5) to smartphones or servers of people close to you, in particular to people living in the same household or to work colleagues, thereby alerting them.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system therefore also has at least one local emergency call receiving unit.

The at least one local emergency call receiving unit is used to attract the attention of people in the vicinity. To this end, the at least one local emergency call receiving unit set up to emit an acoustic and/or visual signal in the event of a circulatory arrest. This alerts people in the vicinity of the patient to the existing medical emergency and the patient's location.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system according to the invention has a number of local emergency call receiving units. This maximizes patient safety as multiple local emergency call receiving units can be positioned in a building or dwelling, ideally at least one unit per room. In this way, in the event of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, all local emergency call receiving units can first send out an acoustic and/or visual alarm in order to draw the attention of as many people as possible to the medical emergency. Subsequently or at the same time, the local emergency call receiving unit that is spatially closest to the patient can guide the person to the emergency location and thus to the patient. For this purpose, the local emergency call receiving unit closest to the patient can use a different pitch, a different warning tone pattern and/or a different volume than the other local emergency call receiving units. Likewise, the local emergency call receiving unit that is closest to the patient can use a different light color, a different luminous Z-blink pattern and/or a different light intensity than the other local emergency call receiving units.

In one embodiment, the at least one local emergency call receiving unit is set up to exchange signals with the processing unit and/or with the at least one receiving device of the sensor system according to the invention. In particular, the at least one local emergency call receiving unit is set up to send a specific locating signal to the processing unit of the sensor system and/or the at least one receiving device of the sensor system. Furthermore, the processing unit of the sensor system or the receiving device of the sensor system sends a signal to the at least one local emergency call receiving unit when a circulatory arrest, impending circulatory arrest or immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is indicated, ie detected. In this case then an acoustic and/or optical signal is emitted by the at least one local emergency call receiving unit.

In one embodiment, the emergency call receiving unit is designed in such a way to transmit via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or Light, in particular infrared light, to exchange signals with the processing unit of the sensor system and/or the receiver of the sensor system and to draw the attention of people in the vicinity to the patient by means of an acoustic and/or optical signal.

In one embodiment, the local emergency call receiving unit is designed in such a way that, in a gateway function, it can receive signals from the processing unit of the sensor system via a radio connection and/or wired connection and/or fiber-optic connection, in particular fire alarm networks and/or data networks (LAN, WAN, mobile radio , Low-Power-Wide-Area-Network) to at least one receiving device of the sensor system such as alarm servers and/or clouds and/or servers of rescue control centers. The gateway function is used in particular when, e.g. due to electromagnetic shielding by buildings, the processing unit of the sensor system cannot communicate directly with the outside world.

In the event of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, as already described, an emergency call, in particular in the form of an acoustic and/or optical signal, can be triggered either fully automatically and autonomously or only after human authorization. The emergency call is initiated by the computing unit and/or the receiver of the sensor system.

With regard to the external emergency calls, especially to rescue control centres, first responders and lay helpers, the patient can also be precisely positioned within the building with the help of the local emergency call receiving units. In particular, the position of the respective local emergency call receiving unit can be stored in the specific locating signal, e.g. main street 1, 12345 Musterstadt, apartment on the 1st floor on the right (the Mustermann family), living room. Alternatively, a cryptic, specific identification ID can also be sent out by the local emergency call receiving unit. This can then be assigned to the corresponding room, for example via at least one receiving device such as a server or a cloud. By forwarding the location signal to the sensor system's receiver, either directly or via the sensor system's processing unit, this information can be passed on to emergency services and lay helpers, enabling precise and rapid localization of the patient in the building. This avoids wasting time by visiting the patient unnecessarily and ensures the fastest possible medical care.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one local emergency call receiving unit is combined with at least one additional warning device. Additional warning devices can be selected from the group comprising fire and/or smoke and/or carbon monoxide warning devices.

In this context, combined means that they are at least structurally connected to one another, ie are located in a common housing, for example. However, the at least one additional warning device can also exchange signals with the at least one local emergency call receiving unit. In this case, for example, the signaling device of the additional warning device, which emits an audible and/or visual signal in the event of a fire or the like, can be used to emit an audible and/or visual signal controlled by the local emergency call receiving unit in the event of a medical emergency. The data exchange can be carried out wirelessly or wired. In addition, networks of the additional warning devices can be used to send signals from the local emergency call receiving unit to the receiver of the sensor system, such as the server of a rescue control center, clinic, emergency call center, a smartphone or a cloud, or to receive signals from them.

In this way, for example, the fire alarms required by law in many places can be expanded to include additional medical emergency call functions or replaced by corresponding devices with an expanded range of functions. In addition Existing fire alarm networks can be used to send emergency calls to the corresponding rescue or fire brigade control centers. Likewise, emergency calls from a remote receiving device such as a server of a rescue control center and/or emergency call center, a smartphone or cloud can be received via an existing infrastructure.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system according to the invention also has a dead man's switch. This can avoid false alarms. Before triggering the alarm, in particular the automated triggering of the alarm, the patient is asked to confirm that he is well. An alarm, in particular an automated alarm, is not triggered until this confirmation is not forthcoming due to the patient's loss of consciousness. The function of the dead man's switch can be implemented in both hardware and software. The dead man's switch can, for example, be integrated into a fastening element of the sensor system or implemented as a button in a smartphone app. For example, the query via the smartphone "Is everything OK with you" is possible. If the patient does not react, an alarm is triggered. According to the invention, the dead man's switch is therefore connected to the computing unit and/or the receiver of the sensor system in such a way that data can be exchanged between them. The data exchange can be wired or wireless.

The dead man's switch can be activated for individual addressees of the emergency call and not active for others. For example, local emergency call receiving units can be activated immediately and members of the household can be informed immediately, while the dead man's switch must not have been actuated within a defined time interval before the rescue service or the first responder is alerted.

The invention also includes a method for detecting a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and for generating an emergency call, comprising the following method steps: i. attaching at least one respiration sensor, at least one cardiovascular sensor, at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one cardiac output sensor and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor to a patient's body; ii. nearly simultaneous acquisition of measurement data in the form of at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration with the at least one respiration sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system with the at least one cardiovascular sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure with the at least one blood pressure sensor and/or the patient's cardiac output with the at least one cardiac output sensor and/or the patient's vascular resistance with the at least one vascular resistance sensor; iii. Processing in process step ii. almost simultaneously recorded measurement data and detection of a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and triggering an emergency call automatically or after human authorization

• the at least one respiration sensor detects apnea or gasping; and

• the at least one blood pressure sensor has no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure; and/or the at least one cardiovascular sensor has no circulatory signal or a greatly reduced circulatory signal; and/or the at least one cardiac output sensor no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output; and/or the at least one vascular resistance sensor measures no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance; or

Triggering of an emergency call automatically or after human authorization if an imminent cardiac arrest is detected by an AI-based analysis of the measurement data. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system according to the invention is used to carry out the method according to the invention.

According to the method, at least one respiration sensor, at least one cardiovascular sensor, at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one cardiac output sensor and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor are attached to a patient's body. Suitable sensors are in particular but not exclusively sensors as have already been described for the sensor system according to the invention. Possibilities for attaching such sensors to a human body have likewise already been explained in connection with the sensor system.

Almost simultaneously, measurement data in the form of at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration with the at least one respiration sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system with the at least one cardiovascular sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure with the at least one blood pressure sensor and/or cardiac output with the at least one cardiac output sensor and/or vascular resistance with the at least one vascular resistance sensor. In this context, almost simultaneously is to be understood as already defined for the sensor system according to the invention.

According to the method in step ii. processed almost simultaneously recorded measurement data and a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is detected

• the at least one respiration sensor detects apnea or gasping; and

• the at least one blood pressure sensor has no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure; and/or the at least one cardiovascular sensor has no circulatory signal or a greatly reduced circulatory signal; and or the at least one cardiac output sensor no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output; and/or the vascular resistance sensor measures no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance.

In this case, an emergency call is triggered automatically or after human authorization.

The following states in particular are used on the individual sensors to generate a signal to indicate circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system:

A failure to breathe in the sense of respiratory arrest or gasping in the form of generally slow and irregular breathing is detected at the at least one respiration sensor. To increase the selectivity between normal condition and critical event, the long-term course of the measured values of the respective patient can also be included. In particular, chronic nocturnal breathing pauses in the sense of an obstructive and/or central sleep apnea can be differentiated from breathing disorders in a circulatory arrest.

An absence of the circulatory signal or a significantly reduced cardiovascular signal and thus weakened cardiovascular signal is detected at the at least one cardiovascular sensor due to circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. A minimal residual circulation in the sense of a significantly reduced signal amplitude is not sufficient for adequate blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart and must therefore also lead to an indication of circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. To increase the selectivity between a normal condition and a critical event, the long-term course of the measured values and the usual drops in the amplitude of the circulatory signal over the course of the day for the respective patient can also be included here.

At the at least one blood pressure sensor, there is no blood pressure due to a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system Blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure is recorded. A minimal blood pressure in the sense of a significantly reduced blood pressure reading is not sufficient for adequate blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart and must therefore also lead to an indication of circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. In order to increase the selectivity between a normal condition and a critical event, the long-term course of the measured values and the usual drops in blood pressure over the course of the day for the respective patient can also be included.

As an alternative or in addition to the blood pressure sensor, no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output is detected at the at least one cardiac output sensor due to the circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. A minimal cardiac output in the sense of a significantly reduced cardiac output measurement is not sufficient for adequate blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart and must therefore also lead to an indication of circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. In order to increase the selectivity between a normal condition and a critical event, the long-term course of the measured values and the usual drops in cardiac output over the course of the day for the respective patient can also be included.

As an alternative or in addition to the blood pressure sensor, no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance is detected at the at least one vascular resistance sensor due to the circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. A minimal vascular resistance in the sense of a significantly reduced vascular resistance measurement value is not sufficient for adequate blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart and must therefore also lead to an indication of circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. To increase the selectivity between a normal state and a critical event, the long-term course of the measured values and the usual drops in vascular resistance over the course of the day for the respective patient.

In a preferred embodiment, the daily low values of the previous seven days are used to classify the measured values of the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, cardiac output and/or vascular resistance as significantly reduced. A measured value is therefore considered to be significantly reduced if it is at least 20% below the median from the respective daily low values of the last seven days.

According to a preferred aspect, a measured value is considered to be significantly reduced if it falls below the median from the respective daily low values of the last seven days by at least 40%.

According to a particularly preferred aspect, a measured value is considered to be significantly reduced if it falls below the median from the respective daily low values of the last seven days by at least 60%.

The at least one movement sensor registers a lack of body movement in the sense of a motionless patient. In a preferred embodiment, the indication of circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system also occurs with breathing-synchronous residual movements of the chest and/or the upper body, since a circulatory arrest during gasping causes movements of the chest and upper body can come.

In one embodiment, therefore, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is indicated and an alarm is triggered if at least the following conditions are met:

1. The at least one respiration sensor detects respiratory arrest or gasping

2. AND the at least one cardiovascular sensor detects an absence of the cardiovascular signal or a significantly reduced cardiovascular signal OR the at least one blood pressure sensor detects no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure OR the at least one cardiac output sensor detects no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output OR the at least one vascular resistance sensor detects no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance.

To further reduce false alarms, in a preferred embodiment, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can only be indicated and an alarm can only be triggered when at least the following conditions are met:

1. The at least one respiration sensor detects respiratory arrest or gasping

2. AND the at least one cardiovascular sensor detects an absence of the cardiovascular signal or a significantly reduced cardiovascular signal

3. AND the at least one blood pressure sensor detects no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure OR the at least one cardiac output sensor detects no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output OR the at least one vascular resistance sensor detects no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance.

In a further preferred embodiment, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is only indicated and an alarm is only triggered when at least the following conditions are met:

1. The at least one respiration sensor detects respiratory arrest or gasping

3. AND the at least one blood pressure sensor detects no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure reading

4. AND the at least one cardiac output sensor detects no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output OR the at least one vascular resistance sensor detects no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance. In a further preferred embodiment, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is indicated and an alarm is triggered if at least the following conditions are met:

1. The at least one respiration sensor detects respiratory arrest or gasping

4. AND the at least one cardiac output sensor detects no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output

5. AND the at least one vascular resistance sensor detects no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance.

In one embodiment of the method, in method step i. furthermore, at least one movement sensor is attached to the patient's body, in method step ii. a motion signal is also detected almost simultaneously with the at least one motion sensor and in step iii. are the in step ii. almost simultaneously recorded measurement data is processed and an emergency call is triggered automatically or after human authorization

• the at least one respiration sensor detects apnea or gasping; and

• the at least one blood pressure sensor has no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure and/or the at least one cardiovascular sensor has no circulatory signal or a greatly reduced circulatory signal; and/or the at least one cardiac output sensor no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output; and/or the vascular resistance sensor has no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance; and/or the at least one motion sensor does not measure a motion signal or only residual motion synchronous with breathing. In a further preferred embodiment, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is therefore only indicated and an alarm is only triggered when at least the following conditions are met:

1. The at least one respiration sensor detects respiratory arrest or gasping

3. AND the at least one blood pressure sensor detects no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure reading OR the at least one cardiac output sensor detects no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output OR the at least one vascular resistance sensor detects no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance.

4. AND the at least one motion sensor detects a lack of body movement or residual movements of the chest and/or upper body that are synchronized with breathing.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, before the emergency call is triggered in step iii. a signal is sent to a dead man's switch and an emergency call is only triggered if the patient does not actuate the dead man's switch within a defined time, for example by triggering a signal via the dead man's switch. Before the emergency call is triggered, in particular the automated triggering of the emergency call, the patient is asked to confirm that he is well. An alarm, in particular an automated alarm, is not triggered until this confirmation is not forthcoming due to the patient's loss of consciousness.

To increase the sensitivity and specificity, the signals of the sensors can be weighted depending on the situation in one embodiment. In particular, when there are residual movements, sensors susceptible to movement artifacts can be weighted less and sensors not susceptible to movement artifacts can be weighted more heavily. Likewise, when the blood flow is weak, blood pressure, respiration and cardiovascular sensors that measure when the blood flow is weak can give imprecise readings are weighted less and sensors that deliver precise readings when blood flow is weak are weighted more heavily.

In a preferred embodiment, an odd number of at least three different sensors are used to record a specific measured value. This applies in particular to respiration, since the individual technical approaches to measuring respiration are subject to considerable method-specific uncertainties and artefacts, and respiration plays a central role in the indication of circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system. In particular, in the constellation two of three respiration sensors report apnea “yes” and one of three respiration sensors report apnea “no”, a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can be indicated. In contrast to this, in the constellation two out of three respiration sensors report apnea "no" and one out of three respiration sensors report apnea "yes", no circulatory arrest or immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can be indicated.

The method for indicating circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system is therefore characterized in particular by a high weighting of the patient's own breathing. In contrast to the prior art, the heart rhythm plays no role in the method according to the invention and the pulse only plays a secondary role. Due to the high weighting of respiration, states can be recognized even before complete cardiac arrest. In addition, breathing is less susceptible to artifacts. With the approaches in the prior art, there is a high risk of false alarms due to a pulse signal that is supposed to be absent, or suspected ventricular fibrillation, or suspected asystole. This is avoided in the method according to the invention. Due to the possibility of a redundant measurement, in particular of respiration, as well as the situation-dependent weighting of the sensor data, specific disadvantages of individual sensor designs can be avoided. A very high specificity can thus be achieved with the method according to the invention. Alternatively, according to the method in step ii. almost simultaneously processed measurement data and an emergency call triggered automatically or after human authorization if an impending cardiac arrest is detected by an AI-based analysis of the measurement data.

For this purpose, methods of artificial intelligence or machine learning, in particular neural networks, deep learning and time series analysis can be used. Here, the period immediately before the cardiac arrest indicated by the sensor system is compared with periods in the patient's normal condition. By pooling the circulatory arrests of a large number of patients and the precise detection of the point in time of the circulatory arrest by means of the sensor system according to the invention, a valid and precise database is created which considerably surpasses the prior art.

In the context of machine learning, statistical methods in the context of a time series analysis can be used in particular, but not exclusively, to differentiate between the critical state of health of the patient and the normal state and to predict an impending cardiac arrest. In particular, trends and seasonality can be analyzed using suitable statistical test methods.

Alternatively or in addition, modified transformer encoder solutions from the field of AI-based speech recognition and speech processing can be used. In this way - analogous to the semantic similarities in language - similarities in the vital parameter patterns of several pooled patients can be recorded before the onset of circulatory arrest. The use of modified transformer-encoder solutions from speech processing can thus be used to recognize specific patterns and similarities in the period immediately before cardiac arrest. In this way, specific patterns of the impending cardiac arrest can be recorded and an emergency call can be triggered before the cardiac arrest occurs. In particular, the combination of statistical methods in the context of time series analysis and the use of transformer-encoder solutions from speech processing can result in a significant differentiation from the prior art. By means of time series analysis, a delimitation from the previous normal state can be made and specific patterns of the impending cardiac arrest can be recognized by means of transformer-encoder solutions. The combination of both approaches can therefore make a decisive contribution to increasing accuracy and reducing false alarms in the early detection of impending cardiac arrest.

In one embodiment, therefore, the AI-based analysis is implemented in connection with statistical methods and/or transformer-encoder methods from speech processing.

If the method according to the invention is carried out with the sensor system according to the invention, the algorithm of the computing unit and/or one of the receiving devices is designed to carry out the computer-based method steps. In particular, the necessary computing processes and machine learning processes for predicting cardiac arrest can be carried out in the computing unit of the sensor system according to the invention or in a receiving device which is located locally in the sensor system according to the invention or further away from the sensor system according to the invention.

In one embodiment, an emergency call is initiated only after human authorization by appropriately qualified personnel such as doctors, paramedics, paramedics, control center personnel. This can advantageously contribute to lowering the technical approval hurdles, since the serious decision whether to call an emergency yes or no then falls within the area of responsibility of a person and not exclusively of a medical device. For this purpose, vital parameters of the patient from the period preceding the cardiac arrest can be transmitted to the qualified personnel. On this basis, the qualified personnel can make an assessment as to whether a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system or a circulatory arrest is present threatens and authorize the release of an emergency call. An emergency call is made, for example, to a server at a rescue control center and/or by a suitable visual and/or acoustic display in a rescue control center.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method runs on the sensor system according to the invention. In this case, vital parameters of the patient from the period preceding the circulatory arrest can be transmitted by the computing unit to at least one receiver to the qualified personnel. On this basis, the qualified personnel can assess whether a cardiac arrest has occurred and authorize an emergency call to be made. An emergency call is made, for example, by a suitable connection to a server of a rescue control center and/or by a suitable display in a rescue control center if the receiving device is already a server of a rescue control center. The receiving device can also be used to initiate further emergency calls or to address further receiving devices. Alternatively, the processing unit of the sensor system can also alert several receiving devices simultaneously or one after the other or transmit data to them.

In one embodiment, the triggering of the emergency call alerts hospital staff and/or an emergency service and/or lay helpers and/or first responders and/or passers-by. The emergency call can be made in the form of a notification and/or an optical and/or an acoustic signal.

In a further embodiment of the present method, the emergency call is triggered by the receiving device and/or the processing unit of the sensor system according to the invention in at least one local emergency call receiving unit in the form of acoustic and/or optical signals.

In a further embodiment, at least one local emergency call receiving unit sends a specific locating signal to the processing unit of the sensor system and/or to the at least one receiving device. In one embodiment, the at least one receiving device can in particular be a server of an emergency call center or rescue control center. In this way, as already described, the position of the at least one local emergency call receiving unit can be determined. According to the invention, this can be forwarded to the receiving device. Another aspect relates to a method for automatically alerting hospital staff and/or an emergency service and/or lay helpers and/or passers-by when a circulatory arrest is detected, comprising the following method steps:

A) providing a sensor system to be worn on a patient's human body for detecting cardiac arrest or imminent cardiac arrest or immediately life-threatening weakened circulation as described above; and

B) automatically sending an alarm through the communication interface in case of detection of a cardiac arrest, the sending of the alarm B1) to clinical personnel; and or

B2) to an emergency medical service; and or

B3) to nearby lay rescuers; and or

B4) to optical and/or acoustic alarm devices in the immediate vicinity.

In one embodiment, method step B2) can take place using the eCall system, which has been required by law in Europe since March 2018 and with which automobiles automatically send an emergency call after an accident.

Method step B3) can in particular be carried out using the “Mobile Rescuer” and/or “Pulse Point” infrastructure.

Method step B4) serves to attract the attention of third parties.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention or the sensor system according to the invention is suitable for use in detecting an imminent circulatory arrest in palliative care patients. This makes it possible to ensure end-of-life care in good time.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to 5 drawings and 3 exemplary embodiments.

Show it: 1 shows a schematic representation of a sensor system according to the invention which can be worn around the chest; and

2 shows a schematic representation of a sensor system according to the invention which can be worn around the neck; and

3 shows a schematic representation of a sensor system according to the invention which can be worn as a bracelet and/or watch; and

4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 5. Schematic representation of a further embodiment of the invention.

The sensor system 0 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 is designed in such a way that it can be worn around the patient's chest. The sensor system 0 includes a fastening element 1 which is designed as a chest strap. Alternatively, the fastening element can also be designed as one or more adhesive patches. A plurality of respiration sensors are arranged on the fastening element 1 for detecting a plurality of specific measurement parameters of the patient's respiration.

The exemplary sensor system 0 includes:

- a respiration sensor 24, which is designed in such a way to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of a magnetic field measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by measuring a magnetic field, the respiration sensor 24 shown comprises a Hall sensor 21a and at least one magnet 21b. In alternative configurations, the respiration sensor 24 can also comprise a plurality of magnets 21b. Hall sensor 21a and magnets 21b are arranged in such a way that relative changes in the positions of magnets 21b in relation to Hall sensor 21a occur when the patient breathes. The movements of the chest can be recorded by detecting the change in the magnetic field;

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an acoustic measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by acoustic measurement, the respiration sensor 24 comprises at least one microphone 22, in the example shown two microphones 22, which record the patient's breathing noises. This can change the Respiration can be recorded both quantitatively and qualitatively. The acoustic measurement thus makes it possible to determine the respiratory rate and respiratory arrest;

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an impedance measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by impedance measurement, the respiration sensor 24 comprises two electrodes 23a, 23b. The electrodes 23a, 23b are positioned on the patient's chest so as to detect changes in the electrical impedance of the patient's chest caused by the patient's inhalation and exhalation;

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of a strain measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by strain measurement, the respiration sensor 24 is arranged on the chest strap or adhesive patch 1 and detects the change in chest circumference due to changes in length or force changes of the strap or adhesive patch when breathing in and out of the patient; and

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an electromyography measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by electromyography measurement, the respiration sensor 24 comprises two electrodes 24a, 24b. These electrodes can also be combined with the electrodes for an impedance measurement 23a, 23b or for deriving the cardiac current curves or can be identical to them. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an electromyography measurement, the respiration sensor 24 is designed in such a way to measure an electromyogram of the intercostal muscles and/or the diaphragm muscles and thus detect the respiratory activity. A cardiovascular sensor 25 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system is also arranged on the fastening element 1 .

Cardiovascular sensor 25 is designed in such a way that it uses a photoplethysmography measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation by a photoplethysmography measurement, the cardiovascular sensor 25 comprises a light source 31a and an optical sensor 31b. In this case, light from the light source 31a is radiated into the patient's tissue and the transmitted or reflected light is detected by the optical sensor 31b. The detected light intensity enables conclusions to be drawn about the blood in the examined tissue and the patient's blood circulation.

A blood pressure sensor 41 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure is also arranged on the fastening element 1 . The exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way that it uses a pulse wave measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by pulse wave measurement, the blood pressure sensor 41 is designed to detect the shape of an arterial pulse wave or a photoplethysmography curve and derive the patient's blood pressure via a pulse contour method. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way to determine the blood pressure by determining the pulse transit time. If an electrocardiogram is used as a time marker for the central cardiac ejection when determining the pulse transit time, the electrodes of the impedance measurement and/or the electromyogram can also be used to derive the cardiac current curves.

Furthermore, the sensor system 0 includes a power source 5 for the sensors 21a, 21b, 22, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 24, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 and for the computing unit 6 and the communication interface 7. The power source is 5 designed in such a way to be charged contactlessly via induction and/or to enable a battery change during operation (hot-swap capability). All sensors 21a, 21b, 22, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 24, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 are designed to continuously acquire measurement data and to the processing unit 6 for processing the measurement data for the detection of a to transmit cardiac arrest of the patient.

The sensor system 0 also includes a communication interface 7 for transmitting data to at least one receiving device. The communication interface 7 is for transmitting data to at least one receiving device via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or or light, in particular infrared light.

The sensor system 0 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 is designed in such a way that it can be worn around the patient's neck. In this case, the sensor system 0 comprises a fastening element 1 which is designed as a necklace. The necklace may include chain links and a chain pendant. The sensors are arranged in the chain links and in the chain trailer. In an alternative embodiment, the necklace can also exclusively comprise chain links in which the sensors are arranged.

A plurality of respiration sensors are arranged on the fastening element 1 for detecting a plurality of specific measurement parameters of the patient's respiration.

The exemplary sensor system 0 includes:

- a respiration sensor 24, which is designed in such a way to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of a magnetic field measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by magnetic field measurement, the respiration sensor 24 shown comprises a Hall sensor 21a and a magnet 21b. In alternative configurations, the respiration sensor 24 can also comprise a plurality of magnets 21b. The Hall sensor 21a and the magnets 21b are arranged in such a way that the positions of the magnets 21b relative to the Hall sensor 21a change when the patient breathes. The movements of the chest can be recorded by detecting the change in the magnetic field. a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an acoustic measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an acoustic measurement, the respiration sensor 24 includes a microphone 22 which detects the patient's breathing noises. In alternative configurations, the respiration sensor 24 can also comprise a plurality of microphones 22 . As a result, changes in breathing can be recorded both quantitatively and qualitatively. The acoustic measurement thus makes it possible to determine the respiratory rate and respiratory arrest;

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an electromyography measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by electromyography measurement, the respiration sensor 24 comprises two electrodes 24a, 24b. These electrodes can also be combined with the electrodes for an impedance measurement 23a, 23b or for deriving the cardiac current curves or can be identical to them. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by means of an electromyography measurement, the respiration sensor 24 is designed in such a way to measure an electromyogram of the intercostal muscles and/or the diaphragm muscles and thus detect the respiratory activity.

A cardiovascular sensor 25 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system is also arranged on the fastening element 1 . Cardiovascular sensor 25 is designed in such a way that it uses a photoplethysmography measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation. To measure a photoplethysmography To measure specific measurement parameters of the patient's circulation, the cardiovascular sensor 25 comprises a light source 31a and an optical sensor 31b. In this case, light from the light source 31a is radiated into the patient's tissue and the transmitted or reflected light is detected by the optical sensor 31b. The detected light intensity enables conclusions to be drawn about the blood in the examined tissue and the patient's blood circulation.

A blood pressure sensor 41 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure is also arranged on the fastening element 1 . The exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way that it uses a pulse wave measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by measuring a pulse wave, the blood pressure sensor 41 is designed to detect the shape of an arterial pulse wave or a photoplethysmography curve and to derive the patient's blood pressure using a pulse contour method. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way to determine the blood pressure by determining the pulse transit time. If an electrocardiogram is used as a time marker for the central cardiac ejection when determining the pulse transit time, the electrodes of the impedance measurement and/or the electromyogram can also be used to derive the cardiac current curves.

Furthermore, the sensor system 0 includes a power source 5 for the sensors 21a, 21b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 24, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 and for the computing unit 6 and the communication interface 7. The power source is 5 designed in such a way to be charged contactlessly via induction and/or to enable a battery change during operation (hot-swap capability).

All sensors 21a, 21b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 24, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 are designed to continuously acquire measurement data and to the processing unit 6 for processing the measurement data for the detection of a circulatory arrest to transmit to the patient.

The sensor system 0 also includes a communication interface 7 for transmitting data to at least one receiving device. The Communication interface 7 is for transmitting data to at least one receiving device via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or Light, especially infrared light, formed.

The sensor system 0 according to the invention shown in FIG. 3 is designed in such a way that it can be worn around the patient's arms and/or wrists and/or legs and/or ankles. In this case, the sensor system 0 includes two fastening elements 1, which are designed as a bracelet or watch strap.

Respiration sensors 24 are arranged on the fastening elements 1 for detecting a number of specific measurement parameters of the patient's respiration.

The exemplary sensor system 0 includes:

- A respiration sensor 24, which is designed in such a way to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by a transit time measurement. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by measuring the transit time, the respiration sensor can comprise an emitter 24c for an electrical or acoustic signal and a receiver 24d for detecting the emitted electrical or acoustic signal. Emitter 24c and receiver 24d can be arranged on two different arms of the patient in order to measure the transit time of the electrical or acoustic signal through the chest to detect the breathing activity in that the chest expands and compresses during breathing and thus the transit time of the signal changes. A transit time measurement is preferably used when the sensor systems are worn on the upper extremities.

a respiration sensor 24 designed to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by determining the respiratory arrhythmia. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration by determining the respiratory arrhythmia, the respiration sensor can detect cyclic changes in the pulse rate in the form of pulse acceleration during inspiration and pulse deceleration during expiration. The determination of respiratory arrhythmia thus allows the determination of respiratory rate and respiratory arrest;

A cardiovascular sensor 25 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system is also arranged on the fastening elements 1 . Cardiovascular sensor 25 is designed in such a way that it uses a photoplethysmography measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation by a photoplethysmography measurement, the cardiovascular sensor 25 comprises a light source 31a and an optical sensor 31b. In this case, light from the light source 31a is radiated into the patient's tissue and the transmitted or reflected light is detected by the optical sensor 31b. The detected light intensity enables conclusions to be drawn about the blood in the examined tissue and the patient's blood circulation.

A blood pressure sensor 41 for detecting a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure is also arranged on the fastening elements 1 . The exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way that it uses a pulse wave measurement to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure. In order to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure by measuring a pulse wave, the blood pressure sensor 41 is designed to detect the shape of an arterial pulse wave or a photoplethysmography curve and to derive the patient's blood pressure using a pulse contour method. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary blood pressure sensor 41 is designed in such a way to determine the blood pressure by determining the pulse transit time.

The respiration sensor, cardiovascular sensor and blood pressure sensor do not necessarily have to be operated redundantly or simultaneously on both sides of the patient.

Furthermore, power sources 5 for the sensors 24, 24c, 24d, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 and for the computing units 6 and the communication interfaces 7 are arranged on the fastening elements 1. The current sources 5 are such designed to be charged contactlessly via induction and/or to enable a battery change during operation (hot-swap capability).

All sensors 24, 24c, 24d, 25, 31a, 31b, 41 are designed in such a way that measurement data are continuously recorded and transmitted to the computing units 6 for processing the measurement data for the detection of a circulatory arrest in the patient.

The sensor system 0 also includes communication interfaces 7 for transmitting data to at least one receiving device. The communication interfaces 7 are for transmitting data to at least one receiving device via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or or light, in particular infrared light.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic sequence of an embodiment of the present invention. At least one cardiovascular sensor 25, at least one blood pressure sensor 41 and at least one respiration sensor 24 are attached to the patient. The sensors 24, 25, 41 send their measurement data to a computing unit 6. The computing unit 6 includes an algorithm with which a signal to indicate an imminent circulatory arrest, a circulatory arrest or a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can be generated. If one of these states is detected, the arithmetic unit 6 sends an emergency call to a plurality of receiving devices 50-53 and a local emergency call receiving unit 60. In this case, for example, an emergency call can be made to a server of a rescue control center as a receiving device 50 via mobile radio. An emergency call is made via cellular to a mobile phone of a first responder as receiving device 51, an emergency call via cellular to a mobile phone of a lay helper as receiving device 52 and an emergency call via cellular to a mobile phone of a relative as receiving device 53. Another emergency call can also be made via Bluetooth a local emergency call receiving unit 60 can be sent out.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sequence of a further embodiment of the present invention. At least one cardiovascular sensor 25, at least one blood pressure sensor 41 and at least one respiration sensor 24 are attached to the patient. The sensors 24, 25, 41 send their measurement data to a receiving device 50. The receiving device 50 includes an algorithm with which a signal to indicate an imminent circulatory arrest, a circulatory arrest or a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system can be generated. If one of these states is detected, the receiving device 50 sends an emergency call to several other receiving devices 51 -54 and a local emergency call receiving unit 60 . The receiving device 50 can be a server of a rescue control center, for example. In this case, for example, an emergency call can be made to a server of another rescue control center as a receiving device 54 via the Internet, a VPN connection or a direct connection. An emergency call is made via mobile radio to a mobile phone of a first responder as receiving device 51, an emergency call via mobile radio to a mobile phone of a lay helper as receiving device 52 and an emergency call via mobile radio to a mobile phone of a relative as receiving device 53. Another emergency call can also be made via LPWAN ( Low-Power-Wide-Area-Network) are sent to a local emergency call receiving unit 60.

Exemplary embodiment 1- emergency call for a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system

A previously healthy 32-year-old woman, smoker, taking pills, embarks on a long-haul flight from Australia to Europe. Long periods of sitting in an airplane combined with the risk factors of smoking and birth control pills result in thrombosis in the leg veins and pelvic veins during the long flight. The way home is by train and the last kilometer is on foot. During the walk around 11:30 p.m., a large thrombus detaches from the pelvis and leg, is transported to the lungs with the bloodstream and blocks large parts of the pulmonary vessels. The patient suffers a severe pulmonary embolism. With the state of the art, the patient would presumably only be accidentally discovered by passers-by the next morning. The summoned emergency doctor would only be able to determine the death of the patient. The patient would accordingly die of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 32. With the present invention, this can be prevented as follows.

The pulmonary embolism progresses as follows. First, there is a phase of imminent circulatory arrest. Due to the obstruction of large parts of the pulmonary vessels, the blood flow through the lungs is massively restricted. According to that The heart does not have enough blood volume to supply the body. There is a drop in cardiac output and a drop in blood pressure. Breathing becomes rapid and deep as a reflex in order to provide the oxygen necessary for supplying the body. The patient feels weak and light-headed from low blood pressure and is therefore unable to call for help on a mobile phone. Cardiac output and blood pressure continue to fall over the course of 15 minutes. The body's supply of blood and oxygen becomes increasingly poor, and the amplitude of the cardiovascular signal continues to decrease. The blood pressure sensor continuously detects the increasing deterioration of the blood pressure, the cardiovascular sensor detects a decrease in the cardiovascular signal. The respiration sensor detects the patient's rapid, deep breathing.

This is followed by a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, in which the patient's condition continues to deteriorate dramatically. In the meantime, the supply of blood and oxygen to the brainstem is so poor that it shows functional failures. The brainstem generates the specific breathing pattern of gasping. The respiration sensor detects gasping. The blood pressure sensor registers another rapid drop in blood pressure and cardiac output. The cardiovascular sensor registers a barely detectable cardiovascular signal. After a corresponding evaluation, the processing unit of the sensor system generates the signal for triggering an emergency call from the almost simultaneous provision of the signals from the respiration sensor, the blood pressure sensor and the cardiovascular sensor. Since the network coverage with conventional (e.g. 2G/3G/4G/5G) mobile communications is insufficient, the emergency call is sent to a remote receiving device of the emergency call center (server/cloud) using a low-power wide-area network due to the greater range. In particular, the local position of the patient (e.g. GPS) and the measured values of the sensors are transmitted.

The remote receiver of the emergency call center (server/cloud) forwards the emergency call to the rescue control center responsible for the emergency location, to a lay helper system (mobile rescuers), to the first responders of the local fire brigade.

The emergency call center's remote receiving device (server/cloud) also triggers an alarm in the nearest local emergency call receiving unit, in this case in the house directly next to the emergency location and in the house on the opposite side Street side. The remote receiver of the emergency call center (server/cloud) also informs the patient's partner who lives in the nearby shared house about the emergency.

Based on the course of the measured values and the resulting deterioration in the patient's condition, the dispatcher at the rescue control center has an ambulance and an emergency doctor's vehicle deployed to the GPS position of the patient.

Less than a minute after the emergency call was triggered, a resident of the house right next to the scene of the emergency saw the patient lying lifeless on the sidewalk as a result of his local emergency call receiving unit being triggered. He rushes to help and begins immediately with an amateur resuscitation. Two minutes later, trained lay helpers from the Mobile Rescuer Program, who live on the side street, arrive. You continue the resuscitation. Five minutes after the emergency call was triggered, the first responders from the local fire brigade reach the patient. You start ventilation with oxygen and connect a defibrillator. The ambulance arrived nine minutes after the emergency call was made. A resuscitation with extended measures (Advanced Life Support) is carried out, in particular the emergency drug adrenaline is applied. Twelve minutes after the emergency call was triggered, the emergency doctor reached the patient and performed an endotracheal intubation. Fifteen minutes after the emergency call was triggered, the patient regained a stable spontaneous circulation as a result of the medical measures taken. She is transported to the hospital, where she is treated in intensive care and can be discharged after ten days without any permanent damage. The reason for this is that efficient lay resuscitation was started very early on and the patient's heart and brain in particular could be adequately cared for as a result. A complete cardiac arrest was averted during the entire emergency period.

Exemplary embodiment 2 - emergency call in the event of imminent circulatory arrest

By pooling data from multiple patients and labeling the time of cardiac arrest for each patient precisely, a prediction of cardiac arrest can be made possible. Perspective can thus when present specific changes in the cardiovascular sensor signal, the respiration sensor signal and the blood pressure sensor signal and/or the cardiac output sensor signal and/or the vascular resistance sensor signal already in the phase of imminent cardiac arrest emergency call to be triggered. A further time saving of up to 15 minutes can thus be realized in the course of exemplary embodiment 1, in that an emergency call is already made in the phase of imminent circulatory arrest.

Exemplary embodiment 3 - emergency call in case of cardiac arrest

If no emergency call is made in the event of an impending circulatory arrest or a life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, the brainstem function would have failed completely due to the pulmonary embolism and the resulting deterioration in blood pressure, cardiovascular system and breathing, and complete respiratory arrest would have occurred. The blood pressure and the cardiovascular signal would eventually no longer have been measurably low. In this state, the blood pressure and cardiovascular signal would accordingly have been detected by the system according to the invention as no longer measurable. The at least one respiration sensor would have detected respiratory arrest. The above-mentioned changes in respiration (respiratory arrest), cardiovascular system (signal that cannot be measured) and blood pressure (blood pressure that cannot be measured) would have led to the triggering of an emergency call at the very latest. The blood supply to the heart muscle would have become so poor over time that the heart would have generated an ever worsening cardiac ejection and would either have been unable to generate electrical cardiac activity directly (asystole) or would have initially developed a rapid cardiac arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia). ) would have passed. The rapid cardiac arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) would then have changed over time to a state without electrical cardiac activity (asystole). Eventually, total mechanical and electrical cardiac arrest would have occurred.

Claims

49

Expectations

1. Sensor system (0) to be worn on the human body of a patient for the automatic detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system, comprising at least one fastening element (1) on which

- at least one respiration sensor (24) for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration; and

- at least one cardiovascular sensor (25) for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system; and

- At least one blood pressure sensor (41) for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure and/or at least one cardiac output sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiac output and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameters of the patient's vascular resistance, in particular the systemic vascular resistance, with all sensors (24, 25, 41) being designed in such a way to continuously acquire measurement data and to a computing unit (6) and/or to at least one receiving device for processing the To transmit measurement data for the detection of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system in the patient, and further comprising a communication interface (7) for transmitting data to at least one receiving device, and further comprising a stream source (5) for the sensors (24, 25, 41), the computing unit (6) and the communication interface (7) and wherein the respiration sensor (24), the cardiovascular sensor (25), the blood pressure sensor (41) and /or the sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the cardiac output and/or the sensor for detecting at least one specific measurement parameter of the vascular resistance are designed to detect measurement parameters almost simultaneously; and wherein the computing unit (6) and/or the receiving device are designed to generate a signal based on the simultaneous provision of the combination of the measurement parameters 50

indication of a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system.

2. Sensor system (0) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one respiration sensor (24) is designed to

- by an impedance measurement, and/or

- by an acoustic measurement, and/or

- by an acceleration measurement, and/or

- by a magnetic field measurement, and/or

- by a strain measurement, and/or

- by an electroneurography measurement, and/or

- by an electromyography measurement, and/or

- by a transit time measurement / amplitude measurement, and/or

- by changes in the baseline of the cardiac current curve (echocardiogram baseline shift) and/or

- by respiration-dependent changes in the spike amplitude of the cardiac current curve and/or

- by respiration-dependent changes in heart rate (respiratory arrhythmia) and/or

3. Sensor system (0) according to claim 2, comprising at least two, preferably at least three different respiration sensors (24) for detecting at least two, preferably at least three different specific measurement parameters of the patient's respiration.

4. Sensor system (0) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one cardiovascular sensor (25) is designed such to

- by a photoplethysmography measurement, and/or

- by a shock measurement, and/or

- by an ultrasonic measurement, and/or

- by a measurement using an oscillating circuit 51 to measure a specific measurement parameter of the patient's circulation.

5. Sensor system (0) according to claim 4, comprising at least two, preferably at least three different cardiovascular sensors (25) for detecting at least two, preferably at least three different specific measurement parameters of the patient's circulation.

6. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one blood pressure sensor (41) is designed such to

- by measuring pulse transit time/pulse wave velocity

- by a pressure measurement, and/or

7. Sensor system (0) according to claim 6, comprising at least two, preferably at least three different blood pressure sensors (41) for detecting at least two, preferably at least three different specific measurement parameters of the patient's blood pressure.

8. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (0) is designed such that it can be worn around the neck, or around the chest, or around the wrist, or around the arm, or around the ankle, or around the leg.

9. Sensor system (0) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication interface (7) is designed in such a way to transmit data via radio, in particular via WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or light, in particular infrared light, to at least one receiving device.

10. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source (5) is designed in such a way to be charged during operation on the patient's body and / or to be charged without contact and / or is designed in such a way that a battery change or a battery can be changed during operation (hot-swap capability) and/or 52

Uses body heat and / or body movement and / or light energy to generate electrical energy.

11 . Sensor system (0) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a movement sensor which is designed in such a way to detect the movement of the patient or the lack of movement in the event of a circulatory arrest.

12. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a dead man's switch.

13. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a position sensor.

14. Sensor system (0) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a local emergency call receiving unit.

15. Sensor system (0) according to claim 14, characterized in that the local emergency call receiving unit is designed in such a way to communicate via radio, in particular WLAN and/or mobile radio and/or Bluetooth and/or low-power wide-area network, and/or via sound, in particular ultrasound, and/or light, in particular infrared light, to exchange signals with the processing unit of the sensor system and/or the receiver of the sensor system and people in the vicinity by means of an acoustic and/or optical signal to the patient to draw attention to.

16. Sensor system (0) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the local emergency call receiving unit is combined with at least one additional warning device.

17. A method for detecting a circulatory arrest, an impending circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and for generating an emergency call, comprising the following method steps: i. attaching at least one respiration sensor, at least one cardiovascular sensor, at least one blood pressure sensor and/or at least one cardiac output sensor and/or at least one vascular resistance sensor to a patient's body; ii. nearly simultaneous acquisition of measurement data in the form of at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's respiration with the at least one respiration sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's cardiovascular system with the at least one cardiovascular sensor; and at least one specific measurement parameter of the patient's blood pressure with the at least one blood pressure sensor and/or the patient's cardiac output with the at least one cardiac output sensor and/or the patient's vascular resistance with the at least one vascular resistance sensor; iii. Processing in process step ii. almost simultaneously recorded measurement data and detection of a circulatory arrest or an immediately life-threatening weakened cardiovascular system and triggering an emergency call automatically or after human authorization

• the at least one respiration sensor detects apnea or gasping; and

• the at least one blood pressure sensor has no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure; and/or the at least one cardiovascular sensor has no circulatory signal or a significantly reduced circulatory signal; and/or the at least one cardiac output sensor no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output; and/or the vascular resistance sensor measures no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance; or

Triggering of an emergency call automatically or after human authorization if an imminent cardiac arrest is detected by an AI-based analysis of the measurement data. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that in method step i. furthermore, at least one motion sensor is attached to the patient's body, in method step ii. furthermore, a movement signal is detected almost simultaneously with the at least one movement sensor and in method step iii. in step ii. almost simultaneously recorded measurement data are processed and an emergency call is triggered automatically or after human authorization

• the at least one respiration sensor detects apnea or gasping; and

• the at least one blood pressure sensor has no blood pressure or a significantly reduced blood pressure and/or the at least one cardiovascular sensor has no circulatory signal or a greatly reduced circulatory signal and/or the at least one cardiac output sensor has no cardiac output or a significantly reduced cardiac output and/or or the vascular resistance sensor measures no vascular resistance or a significantly reduced vascular resistance and/or the at least one motion sensor does not measure a motion signal or only residual motion synchronous with respiration. Method according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that before triggering the emergency call in step iii. a signal is sent to a dead man's switch and an emergency call is only triggered if the patient does not press the dead man's switch within a defined time. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the AI-based analysis is implemented in connection with statistical methods and/or transformer-encoder methods from speech processing. Method according to one of Claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the triggering of the emergency call alerts hospital staff and/or an emergency service and/or first responders and/or lay helpers and/or passers-by and/or relatives. 55

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the emergency call takes place in the form of a notification and/or an optical and/or an acoustic signal.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the sensor system has at least one local emergency call receiving unit and the emergency call in this at least one local emergency call receiving unit in the form of acoustic and/or optical signals by the receiving device or the processing unit of the sensor system is triggered.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the sensor system has at least one local emergency call receiving unit and this sends a specific locating signal to the processing unit of the sensor system and / or a receiving device.

25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that in process step ii. specific measurement data recorded at the same time can be weighted depending on the situation.

26. Use of the method according to any one of claims 17 to 25 or of the sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the method is used to detect an imminent circulatory arrest in palliative care patients.