COMPACT APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVELY MEASURING HEMODYNAMIC PARAMETERS

• US 20110288382A1
• Filed: 05/23/2011
• Published: 11/24/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zhejiang Shanshi Biological Medical Devices Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Mark W. Perona, Russell D. Hempstead, Simon E. Finburgh
• Inventors: Finburgh, Simon E., Perona, Mark W., Hempstead, Russell D.
• Granted Patent: US 9,247,886 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/301
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/022 by applying pressure to close blood vessels, e.g. against the skin; Ophthalmodynamometers
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/061 Determining position of a probe within the body employing means separate from the probe, e.g. sensing internal probe position employing impedance electrodes on the surface of the body A61B1/00158 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices

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 spatially compact “bracelet” embodiment adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an optional alignment apparatus which 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. A completely autonomous variant of the bracelet apparatus having internal power supply and wireless interfaces is also disclosed. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor and providing treatment to the subject are also described.

Claims

1-64. -64. (canceled)

65. Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring apparatus comprising:

a bracelet-like structure having at least one sensor in communication therewith; and

signal processing apparatus, said processing apparatus adapted to generate scaled hemodynamic signals based on data obtained from a living subject using said sensor, said scaled signals being scaled at least in part using at least a body mass index (BMI) associated with said subject.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said scaled hemodynamic signals comprise scaled blood pressure signals.

67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a silicone interface medium for interfacing with the skin of said subject.

68. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising a frame element in flexible communication with said at least one sensor, said living subject, and said bracelet-like structure.

69. Non-invasive hemodynamic assessment apparatus comprising:

a substantially U-shaped actuator assembly adapted to adjustably clamp onto a limb of a living subject proximate a blood vessel of interest;

a sensor assembly in communication with said U-shaped actuator assembly and configured to be disposed over said blood vessel of interest; and

signal processing apparatus, said signal processing apparatus adapted to generate scaled hemodynamic signals derived at least in part from data obtained from a living subject using said sensor, said scaled signals being scaled based at least in part on at least one physiologic parameter associated with said subject.

70. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said scaled hemodynamic signals comprise scaled blood pressure signals, and said at least one physiologic parameter comprises weight.

71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein said scaled hemodynamic signals comprise scaled blood pressure signals, and said at least one physiologic parameter comprises height.

72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said scaled hemodynamic signals comprise scaled blood pressure signals, and said at least one physiologic parameter comprises body mass index.

73. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein said sensor assembly comprises a silicone interface medium for interfacing with the skin of said subject.

74. The apparatus of claim 69, further comprising a frame element in flexible communication with said sensor assembly, said living subject, and said bracelet-like structure, said flexible communication comprising one or more flexible serpentine-like members.

75. A method of measuring one or more physiologic parameters of a living subject, comprising:

temporarily affixing a sensing assembly to said living subject at a position above a blood vessel thereof, said sensor assembly comprising at least a sensor element and an alignment apparatus, said alignment apparatus configured to assist in alignment of the sensor element above said blood vessel;

positioning a bracelet-like actuator assembly over said sensing assembly;

obtaining data relating to one or more physiologic parameters of said living subject; and

scaling said data based at least in part on measurement of one or more physiologic characteristics of said living subject.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein said positioning of said actuator assembly comprising locking one or more features of said actuator assembly when a predetermined level of compressive force is applied thereto.

77. The method of claim 75, further comprising utilizing said actuator assembly to position said sensor element over said blood vessel, and to applanate said sensor element to achieve a desired state of tissue compression.

78. The method of claim 75, further comprising utilizing said actuator assembly to position said sensor element over said blood vessel, and to applanate said sensor element to achieve a desired level of signal coupling to said blood vessel.

79. The method of claim 75, wherein said one or more physiologic characteristics of said living subject comprise a body mass index (BMI).