IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR FIBER OPTIC BASED DETECTION OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION
First Claim
1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogen that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
- locating a portion of an implantable device in an in vivo environment;
transmitting an optically detectable signal that is directly or indirectly emitted from the pathogen through a fiber optic cable to a detector, wherein the fiber optic cable is held in conjunction with the implantable device; and
determining the presence or amount of the pathogen in the environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential infection site. Disclosed devices may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of a pathogen at an early stage of a hospital acquired infection, thereby providing for earlier intervention and improved recovery rates from bacterial infection. Disclosed methods utilize implantable devices for location at an in vivo site. The implantable device is held in conjunction with an optical fiber that detects and transmits an optically detectable signal generated in the presence of a pathogen. Upon generation of the emission, the optically detectable emission signal may be transmitted to a portable detection/analysis device. Analysis of the characteristics of the emission signal produced may be used to determine the presence or concentration of pathogens at the site of inquiry, following which real time information may be transmitted to medical personnel, for instance via a wireless transmission system.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogen that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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locating a portion of an implantable device in an in vivo environment; transmitting an optically detectable signal that is directly or indirectly emitted from the pathogen through a fiber optic cable to a detector, wherein the fiber optic cable is held in conjunction with the implantable device; and determining the presence or amount of the pathogen in the environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogen that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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an implantable device; a fiber optic cable affixed to the implantable device, the fiber optic cable comprising a first end for location in an environment containing the pathogen and a second end in optical communication with an optical detector; a portable enclosure containing a power source, the optical detector, a signal processor, and a signaling device for emitting a signal upon detection of the presence or amount of the pathogen in the environment; and a connecting device for attaching the enclosure to the clothing or body of a wearer. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification