SENSORS FOR PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPHY AT THE OPHTHALMIC ARTERY REGION

• US 20150038810A1
• Filed: 08/05/2014
• Published: 02/05/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Richard J. Melker
• Original Assignee: Richard J. Melker
• Inventors: Melker, Richard J.
• Application Number:
  US14/451,909
• Publication Number:
  US 20150038810A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/323
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0295 using plethysmography, i.e. measuring the variations in the volume of a body part as modified by the circulation of blood therethrough, e.g. impedance plethysmography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/08 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14552 Details of sensors specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6803 Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6819 Nose

Abstract

Provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods for monitoring an individual including securing a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor comprising at least one emitter and at least one detector onto skin overlying an ophthalmic artery region of the individual; and obtaining PPG signals generated by the PPG sensor. Sensors for photoplethysmographic monitoring at the ophthalmic artery region are also provided.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring an individual, the method comprising:

securing a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor comprising at least one emitter and at least one detector onto skin overlying an ophthalmic artery region of the individual; and

obtaining PPG signals generated by the PPG sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the PPG signals to obtain at least one blood oxygen saturation measurement.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the PPG signals to monitor blood flow to the brain of the individual.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising analyzing the PPG signals to monitor respiration in the individual.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the PPG signals are used to monitor a respiration rate and/or a respiratory effort of the individual.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing a PPG sensor comprising at least one emitter and at least one detector onto a secondary site on the individual and obtaining PPG signals generated by the PPG sensor at the secondary site on said individual.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the secondary site is a peripheral body site.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the PPG sensor is secured medial to the palpebral fissure of an eye of the individual.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the PPG sensor monitors the blood at the ophthalmic artery region.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the PPG sensor monitors the blood at the dorsal nasal artery.

11. A PPG sensor configured to secure to skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region.

12. The PPG sensor of claim 11, wherein the sensor is configured to secure to a nasal bridge.

13. The PPG sensor of claim 12, wherein the sensor comprises a body portion configured to secure to the nasal bridge and a sensor portion configured to secure to skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region.

14. The PPG sensor of claim 13, wherein the skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region is medial to a medial palpebral fissure of an eye of the individual.

15. The PPG sensor of claim 11, wherein a portion of the sensor is secured to the skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region with an adhesive.

16. The PPG sensor of claim 11, wherein the sensor is integral or attached to an eyeglass frame.

17. The PPG sensor of claim 16, wherein the sensor comprises a body portion configured as an eyeglass frame;

and a sensor portion attached to the eyeglass frame and configured to secure to skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region.

18. The PPG sensor of claim 11, comprising a first sensor portion configured to secure to skin overlying a first ophthalmic artery region and a second sensor portion configured to secure to skin overlying a second ophthalmic artery region.

19. The PPG sensor of claim 11, wherein the PPG sensor monitors the blood at the ophthalmic artery region.

20. The PPG sensor of claim 19, wherein the PPG sensor monitors the blood at the dorsal nasal artery.

21. A system for PPG monitoring of an individual, comprising a PPG sensor configured to secure to skin overlying the ophthalmic artery region;

and a computer configured to process and/or analyze signals from the PPG sensor.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is configured to monitor respiration of the individual.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the system is configured to determine respiration rate and/or respiratory effort of the individual.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the PPG sensor comprises a first sensor portion configured to secure to skin overlying a first ophthalmic artery region and a second sensor portion configured to secure to skin overlying a second ophthalmic artery region.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the system is configured to monitor a difference in blood flow between the first ophthalmic artery region and the second ophthalmic artery region.