Modular physiologic monitoring systems, kits, and methods
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert • Pulling, Chris • Martin, Roy
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11925471-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-12
Expiration Date
2034-06-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Systems, devices, methods, and kits for monitoring one or more physiologic and/or physical signals from a subject are disclosed. A system including patches and corresponding modules for wirelessly monitoring physiologic and/or physical signals is disclosed. A service system for managing the collection of physiologic data from a customer is disclosed. An isolating patch for providing a barrier between a handheld monitoring device with a plurality of contact pads and a subject is disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a patch interface system for attaching to the skin of a subject for the purpose of monitoring physiologic, physical, or electrophysiological signals. The system includes a substrate with first and second surfaces, an adhesive formulated for skin attachment, one or more microstuds through the substrate, patch interconnects providing an electrically conducting interface, electrically conducting traces between the substrate and adhesive, and at least one sensor or electrode coupled by the traces to the interconnects. All elements are designed and arranged to allow seamless coupling between the sensors/electrodes and accompanying modules for signal monitoring.
This invention addresses the problem of existing physiologic monitoring technologies being unreliable, cumbersome, and non-user-friendly, often involving cables and interfaces prone to false alarms, user errors, and artifacts. There is a heightened need for physiologic parameter measurement that is reliable, simple, wireless, comfortable, and unobtrusive, particularly as mobile and remote medicine proliferates and patient compliance becomes critical to success. The invention offers a physically frail, breathable, stretchable, and comfortable single-use patch design with electrically conducting features that allow robust but low-profile connection with reusable monitoring modules.
The patch interface is further configured for compatibility with various module types, enabling hot-swapping and redundancy, and is adaptable to accommodate electrodes or sensors suitable for monitoring a range of physiologic signals depending on placement. The system supports temporary stiffening for easy placement and structural integrity before attachment, after which the patch conforms to the skin and loses freestanding form when removed. The architecture enables versatile placement, reliable data collection, minimized artifacts, and flexible integration with host devices for data management and wireless communication.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a patch interface with several distinctive inventive features that combine to provide a comprehensive and modular system for physiologic monitoring.
Patch interface with microstuds and patch interconnects
The patch interface comprises: - A substrate with first and second surfaces - An adhesive with a surface formulated for attachment to skin - One or more microstuds coupled through the thickness of the substrate - One or more patch interconnects providing an electrically conducting interface - One or more electrically conducting traces between the substrate and adhesive - At least one sensor or electrode coupled via the traces to the interconnects
Integration of stretchable and moisture-permeable elements
The substrate, adhesive, patch interconnects, and electrically conducting traces comprise stretchable and moisture-permeable materials, supporting comfort and long-term skin wear, as well as reliable electrical connectivity during skin movement.
Physical frailty with removable temporary stiffening member
The patch interface is physically frail such that it cannot retain a predetermined shape when freestanding. A temporary stiffening member is attached to maintain shape prior to skin attachment and is removed after securing the patch to the subject.
Microstuds configured as patch interconnects for module attachment
A microstud serves as a patch interconnect at one end and is specifically configured for attachment to a module. The microstud is adapted for mating with a module interconnect integrated into the module's printed circuit board, which may include solderable or through-hole components, and may be isolated from surroundings with an undercoating or gasket.
Electrically insulating coating and gel interface for microstuds
At least a portion of a microstud may be coated with an insulating layer to isolate it from the subject and provide local rigidity to the patch region. The microstud can further comprise a sensor or electrode at its second end, which may be coated with an electroconducting gel for providing charge transfer with the skin surface.
In summary, the claim covers a modular, electrically integrated, physically frail, and stretchable patch interface with microstud-based interconnects adaptable to mating modules for reliable physiologic monitoring at the skin interface.
Stated Advantages
Enables reliable, simple, and cable-free measurement of physiologic parameters from subjects.
Facilitates comfortable, long-term, and unobtrusive monitoring due to stretchable, breathable, and hypoallergenic patch design.
Supports high patient compliance by offering easy use and removal, including a physically frail structure and pain-free removal options.
Provides more reliable, redundant, and user-friendly systems that can function with limited supervision or expertise.
Minimizes interference, artifact, and false alarms typically seen in conventional monitoring systems.
Documented Applications
Electrocardiography (including multi-lead and 12-lead EKG diagnostics)
Sleep assessment, sleep apnea monitoring, and sleep-related event detection
Bruxism assessment
Traumatic brain injury assessment including impact monitoring
Biofeedback, stress management, and relaxation
Physiotherapy and muscle movement assessment
Stroke or surgical recovery monitoring
Blood pressure monitoring using EKG and pulse devices
Assessment of oxygen saturation and respiratory status
Edema assessment and peripheral vasculature diagnostics
Veterinary and animal gait/behavior assessment
Remote and home-based patient physiologic monitoring
Usage as an isolating patch for handheld monitoring devices
Interested in licensing this patent?