Physiological parameter system
Inventors
Al-Ali, Ammar • Graybeal, John • Kiani, Massi Joe E. • Petterson, Michael • Kilpatrick, Chris
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12357243-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Expiration Date
2027-12-21
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Abstract
A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a physiological parameter system that combines inputs from one or more physiological sensors and quality indicators related to the confidence in these inputs to generate alarm outputs, control outputs, or both. The system employs a processor to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators, and predetermined limits to assess patient wellness or control medical interventions.
The problem being solved arises from the fact that changes in sensor measurement sites can cause shifts in detected signals that do not correspond to actual physiological changes in the patient. Such shifts, if uncorrected, may trigger false alarms or incorrect reporting of physiological parameters. The invention addresses this by employing signal normalization techniques that adjust for shifts caused by sensor relocations or other non-physiological factors.
Furthermore, the system integrates multiple physiological parameters, such as oxygen saturation, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, carbon dioxide concentrations, pulse rate, and others, to provide a more accurate and early indication of patient conditions. It also incorporates signal quality and data confidence indicators to ensure that control outputs, such as patient controlled analgesia lock-outs, are based on reliable data, preventing erroneous denials or unsafe administrations of medication.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains two independent claims: one directed to a method and the other to a system for providing cohesive physiological parameter measurements through a change in measurement site, focusing on normalization and control outputs.
Normalization of physiological parameter measurements during sensor movement
Obtaining physiological parameter measurements from a first site, detecting sensor movement, obtaining measurements from a second site, determining and attributing shifts in signal magnitude to sensor movement rather than physiological changes, and normalizing the measurements accordingly.
Control output generation based on normalized physiological parameters
Using the normalized physiological parameters post measurement site change to generate a control output that can, for example, lock out patient controlled analgesia if predetermined limits are exceeded.
The claims cover the inventive features of detecting and compensating for measurement shifts due to sensor movement to ensure accurate physiological parameter reporting, combined with the generation of control outputs such as analgesia lock-outs based on normalized data.
Stated Advantages
Reduction in false alarms and inaccurate physiological parameter reporting by compensating for signal shifts caused by changes in sensor measurement sites.
Enhanced patient safety by incorporating signal quality indicators to ensure control outputs, like patient controlled analgesia lock-outs, are based on reliable data.
Providing earlier and more accurate warnings of deteriorating patient conditions through the combination of multiple physiological parameters.
Documented Applications
Monitoring oxygen saturation, pulse rate, carbon dioxide concentrations, and related physiological parameters in clinical settings to assess patient condition.
Use with patient controlled analgesia (PCA) systems to lock-out or enable analgesia delivery based on accurate, quality-controlled physiological parameter measurements.
Combining pulse oximetry and capnography parameters to generate alarms and diagnostics for conditions such as hypoxia, airway obstruction, or pulmonary embolism.
Providing numerical or graphical indicators of patient wellness by comparing measured physiological parameters with user-defined preferences or thresholds.
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