Patient monitoring system
Inventors
Lamego, Marcelo • Kiani, Massi Joe E. • Lam, Ken • Dalvi, Cristiano • Vo, Hung The
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12318175-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
2032-06-19
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A method of determining blood pressure measurements includes inflating a cuff, receiving an indication of pressure inside the cuff during inflation, determining a blood pressure based at least in part on the received indication, assigning a confidence level to the blood pressure, and determining whether the confidence level satisfies a threshold confidence level. Based at least on a determination that the confidence level satisfies a threshold confidence level, the method can include causing a display to display the blood pressure. Based at least on a determination that the confidence level does not satisfy a threshold confidence level, the method can include deflating the cuff, receiving an indication of pressure inside the cuff during deflation, determining another blood pressure, and causing a display to display a blood pressure.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a patient monitoring system for determining blood pressure measurements utilizing an inflatable cuff, a removable gas reservoir, at least one sensor, and a hardware processor that follows specific computer-executable instructions. The system uniquely determines blood pressure measurements both during inflation and deflation of the cuff, assigns a confidence level to each measurement, and uses this confidence assessment to determine further actions—such as displaying results, deflating the cuff, or prompting repeat measurements if confidence is insufficient.
This invention addresses problems with existing blood pressure monitoring systems where pressure is typically measured during deflation after inflating the cuff to a pressure above systolic, which can cause pain, discomfort, or adverse effects such as limb edema or wearer interruption. Motorized systems also generate significant auditory and electrical noise and require large or frequently replaced batteries, reducing portability and reliability, especially in sensitive or emergency environments.
The disclosed system enables controlled inflation, potentially at approximately constant rates, uses compressed gas to minimize noise, and supports technological features such as wireless or wired communication with sensors, configuration flexibility, and automated quality checks. With its ability to determine, compare, and arbitrate blood pressure values based on confidence levels during both inflation and deflation, the system aims to provide more comfortable, efficient, and reliable patient monitoring without greatly disturbing the patient.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims of this patent encompass two primary inventive features: a blood pressure monitoring system wearable by a patient, and a method of determining blood pressure measurements with confidence level evaluation.
Wearable blood pressure monitoring system with confidence level evaluation
The system includes: - A housing, an inflatable cuff configured to encompass a limb of a monitored patient, and a removable gas reservoir storing pressurized gas. - A chamber positioning the gas reservoir and an operable coupling between the housing, chamber, and inflatable cuff to allow the system to be worn on the limb. - A gas pathway between the reservoir and cuff. - At least one sensor configured to send a data signal indicative of cuff pressure to a hardware processor. - A memory and processor that execute instructions to: 1. Receive data signals during inflation. 2. Determine blood pressure and assign a confidence level. 3. If confidence is outside a threshold, proceed to deflation, repeat measurement, assign new confidence level, and if still outside threshold, output an error. - Capability to actuate cuff valves and control gas flow, including via pulse width modulation (PWM). - Optionally, control recommendations for additional measurements and display outputs based on comparative confidence levels in measured values.
Method of blood pressure determination with confidence assessment and iterative measurement
The method comprises: - Receiving, from at least one sensor, a pressure signal inside an inflatable cuff during inflation. - Determining blood pressure based on the signal. - Calculating a confidence level for the measurement. - If the confidence level does not satisfy a threshold, causing deflation, receiving new signals during deflation, determining another blood pressure and its confidence, and if confidence is still insufficient, outputting an error. - Steps include sending control signals to actuate the cuff's valve to control gas flow, optionally via PWM, and producing recommendations for repeat or additional measurements if thresholds are not met. - The process precisely defines how systolic and diastolic pressures are determined during both inflation (magnitude oscillation and slope of the signal prior to oscillation) and deflation (identifying maximum oscillation, and slopes before and after that point).
Together, these inventive features cover a wearable, confidence-driven blood pressure monitoring system and an iterative measurement method that evaluates measurement quality during both inflation and deflation, providing steps for arbitration, user prompting, and error handling based on predefined confidence thresholds.
Stated Advantages
Reduces auditory and electrical noise during blood pressure measurement, providing a quieter environment for the patient.
Enables blood pressure measurement during inflation, reducing the time required and pressure needed for accurate measurement.
Permits frequent blood pressure monitoring with minimized discomfort by avoiding prolonged or unnecessary arterial occlusion.
Improves portability of the monitoring system by eliminating the need for large batteries or motors.
Increases reliability of blood pressure readings by using confidence level assessment and allowing for repeated or alternative measurements if confidence is low.
Documented Applications
Bedside patient monitoring in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities for routine or continuous blood pressure measurement.
Use in portable patient monitors for emergency medical personnel, such as paramedics and first responders, in field settings.
Personal fitness monitoring and exercise feedback through blood pressure measurements integrated with digital health devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Home and recreational health monitoring including corporate care, fitness facilities, and mobile health environments.
Interested in licensing this patent?