Metabolic and cardiopulmonary monitor

Inventors

Toth, LandySchwartz, RobertMartin, Roy

Assignees

Lifelens Technologies Inc

Publication Number

US-11844606-B2

Publication Date

2023-12-19

Expiration Date

2032-11-05

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Abstract

A system includes a control unit configured to be worn by a subject, and having a wireless transceiver configured to receive and transmit signals and a processor coupled to a memory, at least one respiratory volume sensor mountable to the chest or abdomen of the subject and at least one secondary sensor mountable relative to the subject. The respiratory volume sensor is configured to operably generate one or more volumetric signals representative of a respiratory volume of the subject and communicate the one or more volumetric signals to the wireless transceiver of the control unit. The at least one secondary sensor is configured to operably generate one or more secondary signals and representative of at least one of a physiological, a cardiopulmonary or a metabolic condition of the subject, and communicate the one or more secondary signals to the wireless transceiver of the control unit.

Core Innovation

The invention provides a system for monitoring metabolic and/or cardiopulmonary parameters of a subject using a wearable control unit, one or more respiratory volume sensors, and secondary sensors that can be mounted relative to the subject. The respiratory volume sensor, which can be attached to the chest or abdomen, generates signals representative of respiratory volume and communicates them wirelessly to the control unit. The system further includes at least one secondary sensor, such as a respiratory flow sensor, designed to be placed in communication with the subject's respiratory stream to detect flow velocity and generate flow signals.

The system addresses the need for detailed, real-time monitoring of metabolism and cardiopulmonary function in a substantially unrestricted setting. It enables quantitative assessment of parameters during daily activities, exercise routines, or therapeutic interventions. The problem being solved is the lack of simple, wearable, unobtrusive systems that provide comprehensive cardiopulmonary and metabolic monitoring outside controlled, clinical, or supervised environments, which is important for managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases.

Key aspects of the system include a sampling module with an interfacing component designed to fluidly couple to the subject’s respiratory stream. This component incorporates a manifold for sealing against a cavity wall (oral or nasal), a flow channel with a changing profile to control the respiratory flow, and a support structure configured for sensor and sampling port placement. Secondary sensors may include analyte sensors, physiological sensors, or metabolic sensors, with related signals being transmitted wirelessly for further processing and feedback. The design allows for unobtrusive and multi-parameter data acquisition in a wearable format, suitable for self-use and real-world environments.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims cover a system comprising a wearable control unit, respiratory volume and secondary sensors, and a specialized sampling module with a tailored interfacing component for comprehensive respiratory monitoring.

Wearable control unit with wireless communication and signal processing

The system features a control unit configured to be worn by the subject, incorporating a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving signals and a processor coupled to memory for data management and processing. This enables integration with the entire sensor system and external devices.

Respiratory volume sensor mountable to the chest or abdomen

One or more respiratory volume sensors are designed to be attachable to the chest or abdomen. These sensors generate volumetric signals indicative of respiratory volume and transmit them to the control unit wirelessly for further analysis.

Use of secondary sensors for physiological, cardiopulmonary, or metabolic monitoring

The system includes one or more secondary sensors mountable relative to the subject. These sensors generate secondary signals distinct from respiratory volume signals and represent physiological, cardiopulmonary, or metabolic parameters. Importantly, at least one secondary sensor is a respiratory flow sensor placed in the respiratory stream, configured to detect respiratory flow velocity and generate flow signals.

Sampling module with interfacing component, manifold, and flow channel

A sampling module is included, featuring an interfacing component designed for fluid coupling to the subject's respiratory stream. The component incorporates a manifold that seals against a nasal or oral cavity wall, a flow channel with a variable profile to adjust flow characteristics, and a support structure with distinct portions for mounting the flow sensor and sample ports in perpendicular directions within the channel.

These inventive features collectively enable a comprehensive, wearable, multi-sensor system for real-time respiratory, metabolic, and physiological monitoring, with specialized interfaces supporting accurate and practical data acquisition from the subject in varied, non-clinical environments.

Stated Advantages

The system allows for discreet, self-powered, and substantially unobtrusive real-time monitoring of metabolic and cardiopulmonary parameters in unrestricted environments.

It enables subjects to monitor their health and therapy progress during daily activities without requiring specialist oversight or restriction to clinical settings.

The design provides comprehensive, quantitative assessment of respiratory and metabolic function, supporting better management and optimization of therapies for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases.

Wearability and wireless data transmission increase ease of use, self-administration, and versatility across various settings, including the home, gym, and workplace.

Simultaneous and coordinated monitoring of multiple physiological, metabolic, and activity parameters is supported, allowing for personalized feedback and therapeutic adjustment.

Documented Applications

Monitoring disease states such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and pulmonary hypertension.

Use in gaming and sporting environments for real-time assessment of metabolic and cardiopulmonary parameters.

Monitoring one or more metabolic and/or cardiopulmonary parameters of a subject before, during, and after taking medication.

Clinical trial monitoring to assess therapy response, disease state changes, and early detection of complications.

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