Continuous long-term monitoring of a subject
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert S.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11375959-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-05
Expiration Date
2037-11-20
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Abstract
A method includes obtaining monitoring data recorded by first and second devices, the first and second devices being attached to the subject at different first and second sties, respectively. The monitoring data comprises signals associated with at least one physiological parameter of the subject. The method also includes extracting one or more features of the signals recorded by the first and second devices during a transitionary period when the first and second devices simultaneously monitor the at least one physiological parameter of the subject. The method further includes generating at least one correlation parameter by analyzing the extracted features of the signals recorded by the first and second devices for at least a portion of the transitionary period, the at least one correlation parameter when applied to signals recorded by the second device at least partially compensating for relative changes in signals recorded by the first and second devices.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to methods, systems, devices, and kits for reliable and unobtrusive monitoring of physiological and/or physical signals from a subject. It particularly describes a method wherein monitoring data is obtained from two devices attached to different sites on a subject. These devices simultaneously record signals associated with at least one physiological parameter during a transitionary period. Features from the recorded signals are extracted and analyzed during this period to generate one or more correlation parameters.
This solution addresses significant shortcomings in existing monitoring technologies, such as susceptibility to false alarms, unreliable user interfaces, uncomfortable or cumbersome wearable devices, artifact and electromagnetic interference, and the difficulty in maintaining signal consistency during device or patch replacements. The invention is designed to improve patient compliance and comfort by enabling simple, long-term, and cable-free monitoring, minimizing downtime, lost data, and the burden associated with device or interface replacement.
The core innovation involves applying correlation parameters, derived from simultaneous monitoring, to compensate for differences in signals caused by device changes, site variability, or device-specific issues. This ensures continuity and calibration of monitoring data when transitioning from one device or site to another. The approach also facilitates redundancy, improved diagnostic assessments from multiple locations or differing perspectives, and allows uninterrupted, long-term physiologic monitoring, even when devices are swapped due to battery depletion, maintenance, or other operational triggers.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims, each introducing a key inventive feature related to continuous monitoring and signal correlation using multiple devices attached to a subject.
Processing correlation between devices for continuous physiological monitoring
An apparatus comprising a memory and a processor, configured to: - Obtain monitoring data from a first device at a first site and a second device at a second, different site on a subject, with data including signals for at least one physiological parameter. - Extract features from signals recorded by both devices during a transitionary period when both are simultaneously monitoring the parameter. - Generate at least one correlation parameter by analyzing extracted features from both devices for at least part of the transitionary period; this parameter, when applied to the signals from the second device, compensates for changes relative to the first device. - Apply the correlation parameter to the signals recorded by the second device, so as to offset at least a portion of the identified differences between the devices and preserve continuity in physiological monitoring.
Correlation and compensation in electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring across devices
An apparatus specifically applied to ECG measurement, with: - Extraction of wave component features from ECG signals from both a first device and a second device during a transitionary period. - Correlating changes in one or more wave component features recorded by the first device with the corresponding features recorded by the second device during at least part of the transitionary period. - Identifying differences in the wave component features between the two devices for correlated changes. - Generating at least one correlation parameter for application to the ECG signals from the second device to offset at least a portion of the identified differences, thereby supporting continuity and calibration in ECG measurements.
The inventive features provide a systematic way to ensure continuity and calibration in physiological monitoring across multiple devices and sites, reducing discrepancies due to device and site differences, especially in long-term or sequential monitoring scenarios such as ECG.
Stated Advantages
Facilitates reliable, continuous, and long-term monitoring of physiologic parameters even as devices or patches are replaced during extended usage periods.
Improves patient compliance and comfort by enabling unobtrusive, simple, and cable-free wearable monitoring solutions.
Reduces the risk of data loss, downtime, and false alarms during device changes by maintaining continuity and calibration of recorded physiological signals.
Compensates for variability due to device location, orientation, interface, and sensor differences, resulting in more accurate, consistent, and high-quality monitoring data.
Supports higher order and redundant monitoring from multiple locations or perspectives, enabling advanced diagnostics and for life-critical applications.
Documented Applications
Remote and long-term monitoring of patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney failure, COPD, obesity, neurological disorders, and arthritis for treatment or prevention.
Life-critical ECG monitoring, including generating higher-order ECG readings and supporting clinical assessment by collecting data from multiple body locations.
Higher order assessment and redundancy in physiological monitoring such as gradient estimates of water load distribution, heat flux, and electromyography readings.
Monitoring during stress tests, rehabilitation, exercise, medical procedures, or post-procedure follow-up such as after neural ablation, sympathectomy, or device implantation.
Continuous monitoring of electromyographic activity, bioimpedance (water content and hydration monitoring), and core temperature from multiple locations.
Use with modular wearable patches and devices on a wide variety of subjects including humans and animals (e.g., equine, canine, porcine, bovine).
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