Apparatus and methods for non-invasively measuring hemodynamic parameters
First Claim
1. Apparatus adapted for physiologic measurements on a living subject, comprising:
- an alignment member adapted for removable mating with the anatomy of said subject, said alignment member being configured to maintain an actuator-driven sensor element substantially in a desired orientation with respect to said anatomy;
a sensor element movably yet fixedly coupled to said alignment member; and
a removable support apparatus adapted to support at least a portion of said sensor element to permit the mating thereof to said actuator, said removable support apparatus having a tray adapted to rotate when removably attached to said alignment member.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises apparatus adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an alignment apparatus which is separable from an adjustable fixture. The alignment apparatus moveably captures the sensor to, inter alia, facilitate coupling thereof to an actuator used to position the sensor during measurements. The alignment apparatus also advantageously allows the sensor position to be maintained when the fixture is removed from the subject, such as during patient transport. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor, correcting for hydrostatic pressure effects, and providing treatment to the subject are also disclosed.
-
Citations
28 Claims
-
1. Apparatus adapted for physiologic measurements on a living subject, comprising:
-
an alignment member adapted for removable mating with the anatomy of said subject, said alignment member being configured to maintain an actuator-driven sensor element substantially in a desired orientation with respect to said anatomy;
a sensor element movably yet fixedly coupled to said alignment member; and
a removable support apparatus adapted to support at least a portion of said sensor element to permit the mating thereof to said actuator, said removable support apparatus having a tray adapted to rotate when removably attached to said alignment member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A hemodynamic sensor assembly, comprising:
-
a sensor adapted to be removably coupled to a first support apparatus; and
a second support apparatus removably coupled to said first support apparatus to form an alignment apparatus adapted to align said sensor with a target location on the anatomy of a subject;
wherein said sensor is flexibly coupled to said second support apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A method of operating an actuator-driven sensor, comprising:
-
providing an alignment apparatus adapted to align said sensor relative to the anatomy of a living subject, said alignment apparatus having a removable sensor restraining portion;
providing an instruction element instructing at least the placement of said alignment apparatus;
disposing said alignment apparatus and sensor on the anatomy of said subject;
coupling an actuator to said sensor; and
removing said sensor restraining portion, thereby permitting said sensor to be moved by said actuator. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
-
-
28. Alignment and support apparatus for use with a blood pressure monitoring system, comprising:
-
an alignment frame adapted to fit onto the anatomy of a living subject proximate a radial artery thereof;
a sensor assembly adapted to measure pressure from said radial artery;
a coupling mechanism adapted to flexibly couple said sensor assembly to said alignment frame;
a sensor support element having at least one latch mechanism, said support element being adapted to cooperate with said frame to support said sensor assembly, and to be completely separated from said sensor assembly and frame when removed therefrom, said removal being accomplished by at least actuating said at least one latch mechanism; and
a reticle integral to said sensor support element, said sensor support element having a movable tray element adapted to accommodate said sensor assembly so that said reticle can be utilized to position said sensor assembly proximate said radial artery.
-
Specification