Methods and devices for central photoplethysmographic monitoring methods
Inventors
Melker, Richard J. • Euliano, Neil R.
Assignees
CONVERGENT ENGINEERING Inc • Beta Biomed Services Inc • University of Florida Research Foundation Inc
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-8641635-B2
Publication Date
2014-02-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for delivering gas to a subject and obtaining plethysmograph readings from a subject. Specifically disclosed herein are masks and helmets which comprise one or more pulse oximeter probes associated therewith. The masks and helmets may be used in particular contexts, including, but not limited to, emergency responder personnel, pilots or subjects of medical attention.
Core Innovation
The invention monitors blood flow status to the head of an individual by securing a pulse oximeter probe to a central source site and generating a plethysmography waveform. A signal processor extracts an isolated DC component waveform from the plethysmography waveform, and the method monitors blood flow by continuously evaluating changes in the isolated DC component waveform over time. A predetermined reaction is effected when blood flow falls below a predefined value.
The monitoring is extended to optionally sustain and evaluate an isolated AC component waveform along with the isolated DC component waveform. A system implementation includes a pulse oximeter probe, a signal processor that extracts and sustains the isolated DC component waveform and optionally an isolated AC component waveform, and an analyzer unit that continuously monitors changes over time. The system can further include an analyzer unit and remote monitoring computer for processing and ongoing evaluation.
The invention also provides mask-based gas delivery configurations integrated with pulse oximetry monitoring. In particular, a mask that delivers gas to a subject includes a compartment covering the nose and/or mouth or includes a nasal delivery portion with projections into nasal passages, and the pulse oximeter probe is associated with the mask to generate a plethysmography waveform for isolated DC component extraction and ongoing blood flow monitoring.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover three core areas: a method using a pulse oximeter probe with isolated DC component monitoring and a predetermined reaction, systems that implement the same isolated DC component monitoring using pulse oximeter hardware and an analyzer or remote computer, and mask-based gas-delivery configurations integrated with the pulse oximeter and monitoring electronics. Across the independent claims, the inventive approach is centered on extracting an isolated DC component waveform from a plethysmography waveform and continuously evaluating changes in that isolated DC component waveform over time.
Central-site pulse oximeter and isolated DC component monitoring with reaction
Securing a pulse oximeter probe to a central source site and generating a plethysmography waveform; extracting an isolated DC component waveform from the plethysmography waveform with a signal processor; monitoring blood flow by continuously monitoring changes in the isolated DC component waveform over time; and effecting a predetermined reaction responsive to blood flow falling below a predefined value.
Corrective aircraft maneuver via flight control systems
The reaction comprises directing flight control systems of an aircraft to undertake a corrective flight maneuver.
System with pulse oximeter probe, isolated DC component extraction and continuous evaluation
A pulse oximeter probe that secures to a central source site and generates a plethysmography waveform; a signal processor that extracts an isolated DC component waveform from the plethysmography waveform and sustains the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, an isolated AC component waveform; and an analyzer unit that monitors blood flow by continuously evaluating changes in the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, the isolated AC component waveform over time.
Gas-delivery mask associated with pulse oximeter probe and remote blood-flow monitoring
A mask that delivers gas to a subject with a compartment covering the nose and/or mouth and an airhose attached to the compartment; a pulse oximeter probe that secures to a central source site and generates a plethysmography waveform, said pulse oximeter probe associated with said mask; a signal processor that extracts an isolated DC component waveform from the plethysmography waveform and sustains the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, an isolated AC component waveform; and an analyzer unit that monitors blood flow by continuously evaluating changes in the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, the isolated AC component waveform over time.
Mask delivers gas with remote monitoring computer extracting isolated DC component
A mask that delivers gas to a subject; at least one pulse oximeter probe that secures to a central source site and generates a plethysmography waveform; and a remote monitoring computer communicatingly connected with the at least one pulse oximeter probe, wherein the remote monitoring computer processes the plethysmography waveform, extracts an isolated DC component waveform, and monitors blood flow by continuously evaluating changes in the isolated DC component waveform over time.
Nasal delivery mask with pulse oximeter probe and isolated DC and optional AC monitoring
A mask for delivering gas to a subject comprising a nasal delivery portion; at least one projection associated with the nasal delivery portion that inserts into at least one nasal passage; an airhose associated with the nasal delivery portion; and a pulse oximeter probe that secures to a central source site, said pulse oximeter probe associated with said mask; a signal processor that extracts an isolated DC component waveform from the plethysmography waveform and sustains the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, an isolated AC component waveform; and an analyzer unit that monitors blood flow by continuously evaluating changes in the isolated DC component waveform and, optionally, the AC component waveform, over time.
Across the independent claims, the claim coverage centers on extracting an isolated DC component waveform from a plethysmography waveform obtained via a pulse oximeter probe secured to a central source site, and continuously monitoring changes in that isolated DC component waveform over time to monitor blood flow status. The independent claims further cover a predetermined reaction when blood flow falls below a predefined value, system implementations with a signal processor and analyzer, remote monitoring with a remote monitoring computer, and mask-based gas delivery configurations integrated with the pulse oximeter and monitoring electronics. One independent claim further specifies that the reaction can direct aircraft flight control systems to execute a corrective flight maneuver.
Stated Advantages
Detecting that blood flow has fallen below a predefined value and triggering a predetermined reaction responsive to the blood flow condition.
Continuous monitoring of blood flow status at a central source site by continuously evaluating changes in an isolated DC component waveform over time.
Optional evaluation and sustaining of an isolated AC component waveform in addition to the isolated DC component waveform.
Remote monitoring capability in which a remote monitoring computer processes the plethysmography waveform and monitors blood flow based on isolated DC component changes over time.
Integration of gas-delivery mask structures with the pulse oximeter monitoring approach.
Documented Applications
Use in an aircraft context where the reaction comprises directing flight control systems to undertake a corrective flight maneuver.
Remote monitoring of blood-flow indicative signals using a remote monitoring computer connected to the pulse oximeter probe.
Use of mask-based gas delivery with associated pulse oximeter probe monitoring for blood flow.
Interested in licensing this patent?