Biologic micromonitoring methods and systems

• US 5,971,931 A
• Filed: 03/29/1994
• Issued: 10/26/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gilbert Lewis Raff
• Original Assignee: Gilbert Lewis Raff
• Inventors: Raff, Gilbert Lewis
• Primary Examiner(s): Tkacs, Stephen R.
• Application Number:
  US08/219,716
• Time in Patent Office: 2,037 Days
• Field of Search: 128/670, 128/673, 128/687, 128/691, 128/692, 128/672, 128/677, 128/680, 128/679, 128/689, 128/690, 364/413.01, 364/413.02, 364/413.03, 600/485
• US Class Current: 600/485
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0008 Temperature signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/021 Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/024 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate A61B5/0205, A61B5/021 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0816 Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency measuring frequency of electric signals G01R23/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1455 using optical sensors, e.g. spectral photometrical oximeters
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6815 Ear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6817 Ear canal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6838 Clamps or clips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/06 Measuring blood flow measuring volume flow in general G01F, e.g. G01F1/66, G01F1/72; measuring speed of fluids in general G01P5/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

Methods and systems for monitoring biologic conditions including microsensors, wireless telemetry, expert systems, monitoring stations, and communication abilities. The methods and systems of the invention allow for patient monitoring and analysis at remote locations utilizing wireless telemetry.

Claims

1. A biological micromonitoring system for monitoring vital signs in humans which comprises a structure for holding against the head at least one sensor which measured blood pressure and is positioned at the preauricular portion of the external carotid artery.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises at least one sensor for measuring temperature.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said temperature sensor is located within the ear.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises at least one sensor for measuring pulse.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises at least one sensor for measuring respiratory rate.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure further comprises a transmitter which transmits data from said sensors.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said transmitter is wireless.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said transmitter transmits data to a platform.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said platform further comprises a visual display.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receipt of data from said platform.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein said platform further comprises a bar code reader for imputing data into said platform.

12. The system of claim 7 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receipt of data from said transmitter.

13. The system of claim 6 wherein said transmitter transmits data to a platform.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said platform further comprises a visual display.

15. The system of claim 13 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receipt of data from said platform.

16. The system of claim 13 wherein said platform further comprises a bar code reader.

17. The system of claim 6 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receipt of data from said transmitter.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises an EKG sensor system.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said EKG sensor system further comprises a transmitter.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein said system further comprises a compression device for compressing the external carotid artery.

21. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure is contained in an ear piece.

22. The system of claim 1 wherein said structure is mounted on a frame that goes from one side of the head to the other side of the head.

23. A biological micromonitoring system that monitors vital signs in humans that comprises a frame having microsensors that measure at least two different vital signs, one of which being blood pressure, wherein said frame holds a microsensor for measuring the blood pressure against head at the preauricular portion of the external carotid artery.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein at least one of the vital signs measured is temperature.

25. The system of claim 23 wherein at least one of the vital signs measured is pulse.

26. The system of claim 23 wherein at least one of the vital signs measured is respiratory rate.

27. The system of claim 23 wherein said frame further comprises a transmitter.

28. The system of claim 27 wherein said transmitter is wireless.

29. The system of claim 27 wherein said system further comprises a platform for receiving data from said frame.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein said platform further comprises a transmitter.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receiving data from said platform.

32. The system of claim 29 wherein said platform further comprises bar code reader for imputting information into said platform.

33. The system of claim 29 wherein said platform further comprises a visual display that displays data received from said microsensors.

34. The system of claim 27 wherein said system further comprises a monitoring station for receiving data from said frame.

35. The system of claim 23 wherein the system further comprises an EKG sensor system.

36. The system of claim 23 wherein the frame goes from one side of the head to the other side of the head.

37. The system of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of the frame contains an ear piece.

38. A method of monitoring human vital signs which comprises placing a sensor that measures blood pressure on the head at to the preauricular portion of the external carotid artery and transmitting the measurements from said sensor.

39. The method of claim 38 which further comprises placing a sensor in the ear to measure temperature.

40. The method of claim 38 which further comprises using sensors on the head to measure pulse.

41. The method of claim 38 which further comprises using sensors on the head to measure respiratory rate.

42. The method of claim 38 wherein said data is transmitted to a platform.

43. The method of claim 42 wherein said transmission is wireless.

44. The method of claim 42 wherein said platform has a bar code reader for capturing information regarding the administration of drugs and procedures.

45. The method of claim 42 wherein said platform transmits data to a monitoring station.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein said transmission is wireless.

47. The method of claim 38 wherein said data is transmitted to a monitoring station.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein said transmission is wireless.

49. The method of claim 38 wherein the sensor is placed on an ear piece.

50. The method of claim 38 wherein the sensor is mounted on a frame that goes from one side of the head to the other side of the head.