Ambulatory recorder having splash resistant sensor ports

• US 6,119,029 A
• Filed: 08/06/1998
• Issued: 09/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Williams, Malcolm G. S.
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Connor, Cary
• Assistant Examiner(s): ASTORINO, MICHAEL C
• Application Number:
  US09/129,918
• Time in Patent Office: 768 Days
• Field of Search: 600/361, 600/300-301, 600/343, 600/436, 600/481-486, 600/500-508, 600/529-538, 128/900, 128/903, 128/904, 607/46
• US Class Current: 600/361
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/332 Portable devices specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/903 Radio telemetry

Abstract

An ambulatory device having a case with an integral splash cover about the area of the catheter input ports is described. Moreover, the ports are angled such that when the device is carried in its intended manner by a patient, the ports are angled downwards. Through the case design, in combination with the angle of the ports, the device is relatively more resistant to splash-related problems as compared to prior devices.

Claims

1. An ambulatory medical data recorder, comprising:

all enclosure comprising a plurality of exterior surfaces, including opposing front and back exterior surfaces, opposing side exterior surfaces disposed between the front and back exterior surfaces, and opposing upper and lower exterior surfaces disposed between the side exterior surfaces, the enclosure enclosing an interior volume;

a processor for sampling sensed physiologic data, the processor being disposed within the interior volume;

at least one sensor port for providing an electrical connection between the processor and an external sensor for sensing at least one physiologic signal, at least a portion of the at least one sensor port being contiguous with at least one of the exterior surfaces of the enclosure;

sensor port shield, integral or attached to at least one of the exterior surfaces of the enclosure, the sensor port shield extending over at least a portion of the at least one sensor port to prevent the ingress of fluids therein or thereon.

2. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor port is contiguous with at least one of the side exterior surfaces of the enclosure.

3. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor port is recessed at least partially within the enclosure a second imaginary axis projects through along a major axis of the at least one sensor port.

4. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein a first imaginary vertical axis is disposed between the front and back exterior surfaces and a second imaginary axis projects through along a major axis of the at least one sensor port, the second imaginary axis forming an angle ranging between about 0 degrees and about 90 degrees in respect of the first imaginary vertical axis.

5. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein wherein a second imaginary axis forms an angle of about 67 degrees in respect of a first imaginary vertical axis.

6. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein a first imaginary vertical axis is disposed between the front and back exterior surfaces and a second imaginary axis projects through along a major axis of the at least one sensor port, the second imaginary axis forming an angle that is less than about 90 degrees in respect of the first imaginary vertical axis.

7. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, wherein wherein the at least one sensor port opens in a downward direction in respect of the upper exterior surface.

8. The ambulatory data recorder claim 1, wherein the sensor port shield is oriented such that it projects downwardly in respect of the upper surface and away from the at least one of the exterior surfaces of the enclosure as the sensor port shield extends over the at least portion of the at least one sensor port.

9. The ambulatory data recorder of claim 1, wherein the sensor port shield forms a curved surface.

10. The ambulatory data recorder of claim 1, further comprising a means for mounting the ambulatory recorder to a patient.

11. The ambulatory data recorder of claim 10, wherein the mounting means comprises a loop configured for a belt or a shoulder strap to be inserted therethrough.

12. The ambulatory data recorder of claim 1, wherein at least one of the side surfaces and the front surface is curved in in a downward direction in respect of the upper surface so as to define a flow path away from the sensor port.

13. The ambulatory recorder of claim 1, further comprising the external sensor.

14. The ambulatory recorder of claim 12, wherein the sensor is a pH catheter.