Monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert S. • Schwartz, Beth
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11389652-B2
Publication Date
2022-07-19
Expiration Date
2037-04-28
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Abstract
A method includes receiving monitoring data from at least one sensing device coupled to a subject and analyzing the monitoring data to identify one or more physiologic parameters of the subject. The method also includes providing signaling to at least one stimulating device in response to the identified physiologic parameters, the signaling comprising instructions to apply a stimulus to the subject. The method further includes receiving additional monitoring data from the at least one sensing device, analyzing the additional monitoring data to identify one or more changes in the one or more physiologic parameters of the subject after application of the stimulus to the subject, and providing additional signaling to the at least one stimulating device, the additional signaling comprising instructions to modify the stimulus applied to the subject based on the identified changes in the one or more physiologic parameters.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for monitoring and managing physiologic parameters of a subject through the integration of at least one sensing device and at least one stimulating device. The system receives monitoring data from a sensing device attached to the subject and analyzes this data to identify physiologic parameters. Based on the identified parameters, signaling is provided to a stimulating device with instructions to apply a stimulus to the subject.
After the stimulus is applied, the system continues to receive and analyze additional monitoring data to detect changes in the physiologic parameters. In response to these changes, further signaling is provided to the stimulating device to modify the stimulus, such as adjusting its type, duration, or amount. This closed-loop process is managed by a processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory, and can include wireless communications among the devices.
The problem addressed includes the need for reliable, simple, and cable-free physiologic monitoring solutions, especially in the context of mobile and remote medicine. Existing systems face issues such as false alarms, user interface failures, cumbersome usability, and loss of data due to interference or discomfort. The disclosed invention offers a more user-friendly, reliable, and unobtrusive system capable of continuous, redundant monitoring and responsive management of physiologic parameters with limited supervision or user intervention.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each defining key inventive features relating to a system for monitoring and managing physiologic parameters with dynamic stimulus control.
Dynamic monitoring and stimulus control based on physiologic parameters
An apparatus with a processor and memory configured to: - Receive monitoring data from at least one sensing device coupled to a subject. - Analyze the monitoring data to identify one or more physiologic parameters of the subject. - Provide signaling to at least one stimulating device in response to the identified physiologic parameters, with instructions to apply a stimulus to the subject. - Receive additional monitoring data following the stimulus. - Analyze additional data to identify changes in physiologic parameters after the stimulus. - Provide additional signaling to the stimulating device to modify at least one of the type, duration, or amount of the stimulus applied, based on the identified changes.
Electrode array with selective stimulus application and response measurement
An apparatus as above, where the stimulating device comprises a plurality of electrodes, with signaling configured to: - Selectively activate the electrodes in different locations following a test pattern. - Utilize one or more sensors in the sensing device and/or stimulating device to measure the subject's response to stimulus at various electrode locations.
Event prediction and preventative stimulus application
An apparatus with processor and memory, as above, where: - The analysis of monitoring data detects measured values of physiologic parameters indicating an event is likely to occur. - The stimulus comprises a therapeutic stimulus provided to reduce the likelihood that the event will occur.
The claims broadly protect systems capable of continuous monitoring, adaptive and targeted stimuli delivery, and dynamic stimulus modification based on real-time physiological feedback, including event prediction and localization via electrode arrays.
Stated Advantages
Provides reliable, user-friendly, and cable-free physiologic monitoring for subjects, especially useful in mobile and remote medicine settings.
Reduces risk of false alarms, data loss, and user interface failures common in existing monitoring systems, improving productivity and user satisfaction.
Enables comfortable, long-term wearable monitoring and management devices, supporting improved patient compliance.
Offers robust data collection with multi-modal sensors, confidence metrics, and improved data accuracy, allowing for high confidence in data even in extreme scenarios.
Facilitates cost-effective use with combinations of durable and disposable components suited for widespread and long-term usage.
Ensures secure data transmission compliant with security guidelines, supporting safe usage in sensitive environments.
Allows versatile and redundant monitoring for continuous feedback and proactive management even during network downtime or fault conditions.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and management of sleep quality and sleep state disorders, including sleep apnea, using sensors and adaptive stimuli to detect and remedy events.
Treatment of bruxism by detecting electromyographic signals indicating jaw clenching or grinding and applying appropriate stimuli to alter or avert events.
Detecting and managing impacts or pressure in regions with reduced sensation (e.g., neuropathy or physiotherapy settings), with feedback or alerts delivered to other regions or caregivers.
Assessment and support during physical exercise, rehabilitation, stress testing, or physical assertion, by monitoring vital and movement parameters with feedback to guide activity or recovery.
Monitoring of body temperature, dehydration, fatigue, heat exhaustion, and related physiologic states, with multi-sensor patches estimating core temperature, sweat rate, and other metrics.
Monitoring and facilitating correct postures during sleep or activity, adjusting stimuli to encourage better posture or prevent postural-related events.
Assessment of autonomic nervous system function, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and autonomic neural interventions.
Continuous physiologic monitoring for incident responders such as military personnel, police officers, firemen, and dignitaries during operation or training.
Monitoring for infants, including Kangaroo care scenarios, to assess contact, orientation, and overall physiological well-being of infant and caregiver.
General physiologic monitoring and management in clinical, home, and remote environments using wearable, patch-based, or integrated systems across multiple body locations.
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