Integrated phototherapy apparatus and methods
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10857381-B2
Publication Date
2020-12-08
Expiration Date
2036-10-28
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Abstract
Embodiments of systems and methods for an integrated phototherapy system that can include integrating a bili light, radiometer, and transcutaneous bilirubin sensor are disclosed. In some embodiments, the integrated phototherapy system has a control system that can receive and send data and automate features of the phototherapy system. Data that can be input by a healthcare provider and/or measured by the system can include treatment time, distance between the patient and the bili light, intensity level, irradiance level, bilirubin level, temperature, and the light intensity or irradiance of other light sources or pieces of equipment. The phototherapy system can be compatible with any electronic healthcare records system, and measured data can aggregated and uploaded to such a system.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an integrated phototherapy system comprising a bili light, a radiometer, and a transcutaneous bilirubin sensor, all designed to work together to deliver and monitor phototherapy treatment for patients. A control system is included to automate and coordinate data collection and actions, such as measurement of irradiance, intensity, bilirubin level, and patient temperature, as well as adjustment of the light source. The system enables health care providers to input treatment parameters and receive measured data, which can be stored and displayed or uploaded to electronic healthcare records.
In current phototherapy systems, the light source, radiometer, and transcutaneous bilirubin reader are typically separate devices, leading to challenges like increased infection risk, inefficiency due to shared equipment, delays in monitoring and treatment, and greater costs. Nurses may spend significant time and effort locating, checking out, and using shared equipment, resulting in less time spent with patients and increased risk of workplace accidents. Furthermore, separation of equipment can contribute to delayed or sub-optimal therapy due to unmonitored or unoptimized treatment parameters.
By integrating the phototherapy components and enabling features such as automated feedback, data aggregation, intensity adjustments, notifications, and compatibility with healthcare record systems, the invention seeks to streamline phototherapy treatment. This integrated approach supports automated and manual adjustments to ensure therapy is delivered within target irradiance and bilirubin parameters, increases efficiency and accuracy, and potentially reduces treatment duration and associated hospital costs.
Claims Coverage
There are three key independent inventive features in the claims: a bilirubin reader assembly, a method of monitoring a patient using a phototherapy system, and an integrated phototherapy system.
Bilirubin reader with transcutaneous bilirubin sensor and opaque covering
This inventive feature pertains to a bilirubin reader that includes: - A transcutaneous bilirubin sensor for placement adjacent to the skin of a patient, configured to measure one or more parameters (such as bilirubin levels, temperature, irradiance, or distance to the light source). - A substantially opaque covering that attaches to the skin and covers the sensor to reduce the sensor's exposure to light, allowing for accurate monitoring by shielding the measurement area from phototherapy light.
Method of monitoring a patient using a phototherapy system with covered sensor
This inventive feature covers a method that involves: 1. Attaching a transcutaneous bilirubin sensor to the patient to monitor parameters. 2. Covering the sensor with a substantially opaque covering to shield it from light during phototherapy. 3. Affixing the covering to the patient's skin. 4. Collecting patient parameter data with the sensor. 5. Transmitting the collected data from the sensor to a processor for processing.
Integrated phototherapy system with light source, processor, sensor, and opaque covering
This inventive feature involves an integrated system comprising: - A light source to deliver therapy to the patient. - A processor to receive data related to predetermined patient parameters. - A transcutaneous bilirubin sensor, for placement adjacent to the skin, configured to collect and transmit data to the processor. - A substantially opaque covering to attach to the skin and shield the sensor from light, enabling reliable monitoring during phototherapy.
The claims provide coverage for an integrated sensor and covering assembly for bilirubin monitoring, a corresponding patient monitoring method, and a comprehensive phototherapy system uniting these elements with a light source and processor, establishing a platform for accurate, real-time therapy management.
Stated Advantages
Integration of the phototherapy components reduces infection risk by eliminating the need to share equipment among patients.
The system increases efficiency and productivity of healthcare staff by providing all necessary monitoring and therapeutic functions in a single, unified apparatus.
Automated features such as feedback-based light adjustment and notifications help ensure treatment remains within optimal parameters without manual intervention.
Aggregation and automatic uploading of data to healthcare record systems enhances accuracy and facilitates documentation.
Reduces overall hospital stays and treatment costs by potentially decreasing treatment duration and avoiding sub-optimal therapy.
Documented Applications
Administration and monitoring of phototherapy for treating newborn jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia).
Monitoring and documenting bilirubin levels, temperature, and irradiance in patients undergoing phototherapy.
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