Monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject
Inventors
Toth, Landy • Schwartz, Robert • Schwartz, Beth
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12343533-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
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 relates to devices, systems, and methods for monitoring and management of physiologic parameters of a subject using at least one sensing device coupled to the subject and at least one stimulating device configured to apply stimulus based on the physiologic parameters identified. The system receives monitoring data, analyzes it to identify physiologic parameters, provides signaling to a stimulating device to apply a stimulus accordingly, then receives additional monitoring data to analyze changes in physiologic parameters after stimulation, and modifies the stimulus based on identified changes.
The problem solved involves shortcomings of existing physiologic monitoring technologies, which are often unreliable, cumbersome, prone to false alarms, usage failures, and uncomfortable interfaces leading to poor patient compliance. There exists a need for reliable, simple, wireless, and unobtrusive means for monitoring physiologic parameters, especially as mobile and remote medicine grows. The invention addresses these by providing comfortable, wearable, modular systems capable of monitoring and adaptive stimulation with improved reliability and user acceptance.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim focusing on an apparatus for detecting physiologic parameters indicating likely occurrence of an event and controlling stimulus to reduce event likelihood. The main inventive features are extracted below.
Event likelihood detection based on physiologic parameters
The processor is configured to detect one or more measured values of physiologic parameters indicating that an event is likely to occur.
Adaptive control of stimulus to reduce event likelihood
The processor provides signaling to at least one stimulating device comprising instructions for controlling a stimulus applied to the subject to reduce the likelihood that the event will occur.
Control of stimulus attributes based on physiologic changes
The signaling includes instructions for controlling at least one of a type, a duration, and an amount of the stimulus to effect changes in physiologic parameters.
Electrical stimulus via pulse trains with tactile stimulation while limiting pain
The stimulus may comprise an electrical stimulus formed as a pulse train having two or more pulses sufficient to stimulate tactile sensation while limiting pain fiber stimulation, with signaling controlling pulse duration and total charge.
Stimulus mimicking or amplifying other modalities
The pulse train when applied mimics or amplifies another stimulus modality such as vibration, pain, wet sensation, heat or cold, taste, tension or stretch, sound, pressure and light.
Event specificity with stimulus site and type
Events include sleep apneic events with stimulus applied to plantar aspect of foot, or sleep posture determination with stimulus to alter posture.
Modular system configuration with wireless host device
Apparatus may be a host device wirelessly coupled to distinct sensing and stimulating devices including multiple sensing devices at different locations measuring same or different physiologic parameters, and multiple stimulating devices applying different stimuli at different locations.
Stimulating devices integrated into contact or non-contact surfaces with modular disposable and reusable components
Stimulating devices may be integrated into surfaces contacting or not contacting the subject, and may include disposable components conforming to subject anatomy with electrodes and reusable modules directing stimulus application.
The independent claim covers an apparatus comprising a processor and memory configured to detect physiologic parameters indicating an event that is likely to occur and to control stimulating devices to apply adaptive stimulus reducing the likelihood of the event, with modalities including electrical pulse trains for tactile stimulation, multi-location sensing and stimulation, integrated modular device components, and stimulus mimicking or amplifying multiple sensory modalities.
Stated Advantages
Provides reliable and simple wireless physiologic monitoring and management systems improving patient compliance and comfort through unobtrusive and wearable designs.
Enables closed-loop monitoring and stimulation with adaptive stimulus modification based on real-time physiologic responses.
Reduces false alarms and improves data reliability and user satisfaction compared to existing cumbersome systems.
Allows multi-modal stimulus (electrical, thermal, vibrational, acoustic, optical) to mimic or amplify sensations for therapeutic or corrective purposes.
Supports flexible placements and modular device configurations with disposable and reusable elements enhancing usability and cost-effectiveness.
Facilitates continuous monitoring and feedback, including long-term wear with comfortable, breathable, and stretchable patches.
Offers versatile data collection including multiple physiologic parameters with confidence metrics and secure wireless communication with host devices.
Documented Applications
Monitoring and treating sleep apnea by detecting apneic events via sensing devices and applying therapeutic electrical stimulus to the foot to mitigate the event.
Monitoring and managing sleep posture to provide corrective stimuli for improving sleep quality or avoiding pain.
Treatment of bruxism by detecting electromyographic signals associated with teeth grinding or jaw clenching and applying stimulus to avert unwanted behavior.
Monitoring physical exertion, heat stress, core body temperature, fatigue, hydration state, and providing alerts or stimuli to maintain optimal performance and safety.
Monitoring body temperature and systemic fatigue using patches with insulating and thermally conducting regions and environmental sensors.
Providing multi-modal stimulus to mimic or amplify sensory experiences such as vibration, temperature, pressure, light, sound, or taste for therapeutic and neuroplasticity purposes.
Applications in monitoring autonomic neural functions, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, gait correction, and rehabilitation through sensing and stimulating devices placed at various body locations.
Use in infant care including Kangaroo care for monitoring infant-parent contact and ensuring proper positioning via physiologic and orientation sensors.
Monitoring and alerting for pressure application to prevent pressure ulcers, including sensing prolonged pressure and stimulating alternative body areas to prompt relief.
Integration into form factors such as patches, socks, gloves, rings, earbuds, face masks, beds, and non-contacting devices to provide versatile monitoring and stimulation.
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