Monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert S. • Schwartz, Beth
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11918807-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-05
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 concerns systems, devices, and methods for monitoring and managing physiologic parameters of a subject by integrating at least one sensing device and at least one stimulating device. Monitoring data is received from sensing device(s) attached to the subject and analyzed to identify physiologic parameters. In response to the identified parameters, signaling is provided to at least one stimulating device, with instructions to apply a stimulus to the subject.
This method incorporates feedback: after the initial stimulus, further monitoring data from the sensing device(s) is analyzed to detect changes in the physiologic parameters. Based on these observed changes, additional signaling is sent to the stimulating device, instructing it to modify the stimulus. The entire process is coordinated by at least one processor coupled to a memory, which allows dynamic adjustment and personalization of the stimulus.
The problem addressed by this invention is the difficulty of reliably and unobtrusively measuring and managing physiologic parameters, particularly in mobile and remote medicine settings. Current systems are often uncomfortable, require cables, are prone to false alarms and failures, and have user interfaces that lead to poor compliance, data loss, or alarm fatigue. The disclosed solution offers a simplified, user-friendly, and redundant approach that increases the reliability and comfort of long-term physiologic monitoring and therapeutic intervention.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims, each highlighting inventive features for physiologic monitoring and management using coordinated sensing and stimulating devices.
Processor-based apparatus for proactive physiologic event detection and mitigating stimulus control
An apparatus that includes a processor and a memory, where the processor is 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. - Provide signaling to at least one stimulating device in response to identified physiologic parameters, where the signaling comprises instructions for controlling a stimulus applied to the subject. - Analyze the monitoring data to detect measured values indicating that an event is likely to occur, and control the stimulus to reduce the likelihood that the event will occur.
Apparatus for sleep apnea detection and targeted plantar stimulation
An apparatus with a processor and memory, where the processor is configured to: - Receive and analyze monitoring data from at least one sensing device on a subject. - Provide signaling to a stimulating device in response to the physiologic parameters. - Detect from the physiologic data that an event, specifically a sleep apneic event, is likely to occur. - Control and apply stimulus to a plantar aspect of a foot of the subject to reduce the likelihood of the sleep apneic event.
Apparatus for sleep posture detection and corrective stimulation
An apparatus including a processor and a memory, where the processor is configured to: - Receive monitoring data from at least one sensing device coupled to a subject. - Analyze the data to identify physiologic parameters. - Detect from the monitoring data measured values indicating a sleep posture event. - Provide signaling to control a stimulus that alters the sleep posture of the subject, thereby reducing the likelihood that the event will occur.
The claims broadly cover processor-based systems that coordinate sensing and stimulating devices for real-time physiologic monitoring, predictive event detection, and stimulus application to mitigate physiologic events, including specific implementations for sleep apnea and posture.
Stated Advantages
Provides simplified and unobtrusive means for monitoring physiologic parameters, facilitating increased patient compliance and ease of use.
Enables more reliable, redundant, and user-friendly monitoring systems with comfortable long-term wearable solutions.
Reduces false alarms, usage-related failures, and unreliable user interfaces compared to existing technologies.
Minimizes impact on daily workflow and improves productivity for subjects and practitioners.
Permits continuous, high-quality data collection with reduced risk of data loss or artifacts due to subject movement.
Offers robust, secure, and cost-effective solutions suitable for demanding environments, including high-sweat and dynamic movement.
Enhances data accuracy and confidence through multimodal measurement and strategic hardware integration.
Allows modular, easily replaceable components (e.g., disposable patches and reusable modules) for cost efficiency and convenience.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and management of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, by detecting events and applying therapeutic stimuli.
Continuous assessment and correction of sleep posture to improve sleep quality and reduce sleep-related events.
Physiologic monitoring and management during exercise, rehabilitation, and physical assertion, including fatigue and heat stress detection.
Monitoring autonomic neural responses before, during, and after medical or surgical procedures, such as denervation or neuromodulation.
Providing biofeedback and therapeutic stimuli for conditions like bruxism by detecting muscle activity and providing corrective feedback.
Transferring sensory information (touch, pain, pressure) from insensate regions to sensate regions for neuropathy and physiotherapy support.
Remote health monitoring for military, incident responders, and other high-stress applications requiring durable, comfortable wearables.
Monitoring and supporting Kangaroo care for infants by assessing contact, orientation, and physiological status of parent and child.
Use in measuring and managing dehydration, heat exhaustion, and related conditions in various environmental scenarios.
Monitoring and providing feedback for posture, gait, body alignment, and movement, including fall detection and intervention.
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