System and method for non-invasive monitoring of physiological parameters

• US 7,065,396 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2002
• Issued: 06/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Curavita Corporation
• Original Assignee: The Curavita Corporation
• Inventors: Hampton, Thomas G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert E
• Assistant Examiner(s): Gedeon, Brian T
• Application Number:
  US10/209,103
• Publication Number:
  US 20030028117A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,421 Days
• Field of Search: 600/372, 600/382, 600/384, 600/386, 600/393, 600/509, 600/523, 600/547, 600/559, 600/301, 600/306, 128/899
• US Class Current: 600/509
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 Bioelectric electrodes therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for enabling the non-invasive acquisition of physiological parameters of a mammal, while allowing the mammal to move around a predetermined area is provided. In accordance with one example embodiment, a monitoring device for non-invasively acquiring physiological measurements of a mammal is provided. The device includes a first electrode configured to attach to an ear of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a first electrical signal. A second electrode is configured to attach to a first alternate location of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a second electrical signal. A third electrode is configured to attach to a second alternate location of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a third electrical signal. The first electrode, second electrode, and third electrode are in communication with a signal receiver. Physiological parameters, such as those associated with electrocardiograms, can be obtained using the monitoring device.

Claims

1. A method of non-invasively acquiring a physiological measurement of a mammal, comprising:

establishing an electrical connection between a first electrode and a first ear of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a first electrical signal;

establishing an electrical connection between a second electrode and a first alternate location of the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a second electrical signal;

establishing an electrical connection between a means for electrical signal detection and the mammal in a manner suitable for obtaining a third electrical signal;

receiving the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal at a receiver; and

rectifying the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal into the physiological measurement;

wherein the physiological measurement comprises an electrocardiogram.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mammal comprises a rodent.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing an electrical connection comprises positioning the first electrode and the second electrode with at least one of a removable fastener and/or structure supporting at least one of the first electrode and/or the second electrode for passive contact with the mammal.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mammal is conscious while the physiological measurements are obtained.

4. A method of non-invasively acquiring a physiological measurement of a mammal, comprising:

receiving a first electrical signal originating from a first ear of the mammal;

receiving a second electrical signal originating from a first alternate location of the mammal;

receiving a third electrical signal originating from a second alternate location of the mammal; and

rectifying the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal into the physiological measurement;

wherein the physiological measurement comprises an electrocardiogram.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the mammal comprises a rodent.