Continuous long-term monitoring of a subject
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert S.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11911186-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-27
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 provides a method and apparatus for continuous long-term monitoring of physiological parameters of a subject using multiple devices attached at different sites. During a transitionary period when both the first and second devices are simultaneously monitoring, data streams from both devices are analyzed to extract features and generate at least one correlation parameter. This correlation parameter compensates for differences between signals from the two devices due to changes in device location, orientation, tissue properties, or device characteristics.
The core problem addressed is the challenge of maintaining reliable, uninterrupted, and calibrated physiological monitoring over extended periods, especially when device or patch replacement is needed due to limited battery, device degradation, or wearability concerns. Existing monitoring systems are often uncomfortable, cumbersome, prone to artifacts or false alarms, and are not robust to device swapping or site variation, resulting in lost data or unreliable measurements.
By applying the generated correlation parameter to the monitoring data from the new device after the transitionary period, the system ensures signal continuity and consistency in the recorded physiological parameters. This method supports hot-swapping of monitoring devices or patches, prolonging effective monitoring without requiring device specifications to match worst-case scenario periods, thus enabling optimized, unobtrusive, and cost-effective long-term physiological monitoring.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims set out four main inventive features focused on coordinated device management, correlation parameter application to maintain measurement continuity, flexible deployment architectures, and triggering of monitoring device transitions.
Coordinated device management and recharging with user guidance
An apparatus comprising a processor and memory that coordinate the attachment and recharging of two or more monitoring devices. The system provides indications to the user regarding: - The location and timing for attaching a first monitoring device to a subject for a first monitoring period and placing other devices on a charging station. - The timing for ending the first monitoring period and attaching a second monitoring device at a new site for a transitionary period. - The timing for ending the transitionary period and removing one device to be placed on the charging station.
Continuous calibration using correlation parameters during device transition
The processor further obtains monitoring data from both devices during the transitionary period, extracts features from the signals, and generates at least one correlation parameter by analyzing the feature differences. The correlation parameter is then applied to signals from at least one device to compensate for changes due to device or site differences, thereby ensuring measurement continuity across devices.
Flexible architectures for system implementation
The monitoring kit enables deployment of the processor and memory in at least one of the following: within a monitoring device, within the charging station, or in a separate processing device (such as a server or mobile device). A non-transitory storage medium may also store program code to enable such coordination and calibration functionalities between the multiple devices.
Notification and triggering of device transition based on device status
An apparatus comprising a monitoring device that notifies a user (via a user device) of the end of the first monitoring period and timing for the next device attachment, with the notification timing determined based on detecting deleterious sensor readings, full memory, or drained battery.
The inventive features collectively provide an integrated approach for seamless long-term physiologic monitoring with system-managed device swapping, automated calibration through correlation parameters, and flexible system architectures responsive to device and patient needs.
Stated Advantages
Enables continuous long-term physiological monitoring by supporting device hot-swapping and maintaining signal continuity across device transitions.
Reduces device size, complexity, and cost by allowing use of devices and patches with shorter wear-time and smaller battery/memory without compromising monitoring duration.
Improves user comfort, hygiene, and compliance through unobtrusive, wearable patches and frequent replacement of inexpensive interfaces.
Provides reliable and uninterrupted data collection even during device or patch failure, low battery, or necessary upgrades, enhancing robustness in unattended or remote monitoring scenarios.
Minimizes data artifacts and compensates for signal variation due to device, location, or subject differences by applying correlation parameters derived from simultaneous measurements.
Documented Applications
Remote monitoring of patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, kidney failure, COPD, obesity, neurological disorders, arthritis, and related conditions.
Continuous long-term physiological monitoring in hospital, ambulatory, and home-based settings for treatment, prevention, and diagnosis.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, including obtaining multi-lead ECGs from modular device placement and vector ECG construction.
Electromyography (EMG) monitoring of targeted muscle groups (e.g., diaphragmatic, bicep, pelvic, uterine, throat muscle groups) for assessment of exertion, fatigue, or rehabilitation.
Bioimpedance monitoring for assessment of thoracic water content, interstitial fluid load, limb water content, and detection of edema or hydration changes, especially during postural changes.
Core temperature monitoring using surface temperature sensors with thermal gradient estimation for long-term patient tracking.
Monitoring for response to medical, surgical, interventional, or neuromodulation procedures (e.g., renal denervation, carotid body denervation, ablation, implantation, or device tuning).
Monitoring autonomic responses before, during, and after physical or emotional stress tests, consumption of medications, exercise, sleep, or other routines.
Physiological monitoring of animal subjects, including veterinary and research applications (e.g., equine, canine, porcine, bovine subjects).
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