Diagnostic ultrasound monitoring system and method
Inventors
Koptenko, Sergei • Hayes, Thomas • Lyon, Matthew
Assignees
Ur Sus Medical Technology Inc • Ursus Medical Designs LLC
Publication Number
US-11925510-B2
Publication Date
2024-03-12
Expiration Date
2037-11-13
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Abstract
A distributed patient monitoring system comprises at least one standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body and capable of prolonged ultrasound data acquisition, including an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend signal and image processing subsystem, power and communication subsystems, and a monitoring workstation connected to each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit configured to request and receive ultrasound imaging information from each standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit, and configured to analyze and display acquired ultrasound information.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a distributed patient monitoring system comprising at least one standalone portable ultrasound imaging unit that can be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body for prolonged ultrasound data acquisition. Each unit includes an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend signal and image processing subsystem, power and communication subsystems, and can wirelessly or wiredly transmit data to a remote monitoring workstation configured to request, receive, analyze, and display ultrasound imaging information. This enables continuous or intermittent ultrasound monitoring remotely with minimal operator involvement after initial placement.
The problem addressed by the invention arises from the limitations of conventional ultrasound systems, which require manual probe manipulation by trained sonographers, thus restricting the capability for long-term or continuous observation of a region of interest in a patient's body. Existing methods are inadequate for tasks such as monitoring healing progress, detecting blood clots, heart monitoring during CPR without interrupting chest compressions, or telemedicine, due to the lack of portable, wearable, and operator-independent ultrasound devices. The invention solves these issues by miniaturizing the diagnostic ultrasound system to a smartphone form factor and enabling autonomous operation with wireless communication.
The system supports multiple portable units connected to a single patient for multi-position monitoring or to multiple patients simultaneously, with centralized control and data analysis at the monitoring workstation. The units are capable of multiple ultrasound modalities and can include additional physiological sensors. The monitoring workstation can dynamically control imaging parameters, alert operators to patient condition changes, suggest optimal actions, and display integrated health parameters. The invention also specifically addresses applications in CPR by enabling real-time carotid blood flow monitoring to provide rescuers accurate feedback on chest compression efficacy and cardiac rhythms without stopping compressions.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim which covers inventive features of a patient monitoring system designed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Standalone portable unit fixed to patient's skin for carotid blood flow measurement during CPR
A standalone portable unit configured to be fixed to a stable position against the skin on a patient's body, capable of prolonged ultrasound data acquisition including an ultrasound imaging array, transmit-receive circuitry, a beamformer, backend processing, power and communication subsystems, specifically configured to measure carotid blood flow to detect underlying cardiac rhythm during CPR.
Display providing rescuer with real-time CPR-related information without cessation of compressions
A display connected to the portable unit configured to provide the rescuer with information including the efficacy of chest compressions, return of spontaneous circulation, and underlying cardiac rhythm without stopping external chest compressions.
The claims focus on a portable ultrasound system fixed on the patient to monitor carotid blood flow during CPR and a display providing continuous feedback to the rescuer on CPR efficacy and cardiac rhythm, designed to operate with low power consumption and uninterrupted chest compressions.
Stated Advantages
Enables long-term and continuous ultrasound monitoring without need for constant operator presence.
Significant reduction in system size, power consumption, and cost compared to current ultrasound systems.
Provides real-time feedback during CPR on chest compression efficacy, underlying cardiac rhythm, and return of spontaneous circulation without interruption of compressions.
Allows remote control and monitoring, supporting telemedicine and multi-patient management.
Improves accuracy and reliability of patient monitoring by stable permanent probe positioning.
Supports multiple ultrasound modalities and fusion of images from multiple portable units for comprehensive monitoring.
Documented Applications
Long-term remote monitoring of organs or regions of interest including healing progress and blood clot detection.
Cardiac and organ monitoring during surgery or treatment.
Providing rescuer information during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) such as chest compression efficacy, return of spontaneous circulation, and cardiac rhythm without stopping compressions.
Telemedicine applications enabling remote diagnostic tasks.
Integration with other medical devices such as nasogastric tubes, endotracheal tubes, Foley catheters.
Image-guided radiation treatment, surgery, or long-term organ monitoring with organ position tracking.
Non-destructive testing, sonar, radar, terahertz, infrared, optical imaging, and seismic geophysical exploration requiring long-term ultrasound monitoring.
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