Compact apparatus and methods for non-invasively measuring hemodynamic parameters
First Claim
1. Physiologic sensing apparatus, comprising:
- at least one pressure sensor;
a substantially arcuate-shaped support structure adapted to receive at least a portion of the anatomy of a subject therein, said support structure comprising;
a first portion;
a second portion; and
a third portion coupled to said first and second portions and comprising an actuator mechanism, said first, second and third portions cooperating to surround a substantial fraction of the circumference of said anatomy; and
a preload mechanism adapted to trigger locking of said substantially arcuate-shaped support structure when a predetermined level of compressive force is applied to said support structure;
wherein said support structure is adapted to couple at least one force felt by said at least one sensor to said at least portion of said anatomy; and
wherein upon actuation of said actuator mechanism, said first, second and third portions are kept in substantially constant relationship to one another.
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Accused Products
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.
264 Citations
19 Claims
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1. Physiologic sensing apparatus, comprising:
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at least one pressure sensor; a substantially arcuate-shaped support structure adapted to receive at least a portion of the anatomy of a subject therein, said support structure comprising; a first portion; a second portion; and a third portion coupled to said first and second portions and comprising an actuator mechanism, said first, second and third portions cooperating to surround a substantial fraction of the circumference of said anatomy; and a preload mechanism adapted to trigger locking of said substantially arcuate-shaped support structure when a predetermined level of compressive force is applied to said support structure; wherein said support structure is adapted to couple at least one force felt by said at least one sensor to said at least portion of said anatomy; and wherein upon actuation of said actuator mechanism, said first, second and third portions are kept in substantially constant relationship to one another. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus for performing physiologic sensing on a living subject, said apparatus comprising:
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at least one pressure sensor, said pressure sensor being configured to generate first signals relating to pressure applied thereto; a substantially U-shaped body adapted to receive at least a portion of the anatomy of said living subject therein; and an actuator apparatus coupled to said at least one pressure sensor and said body, said actuator being adapted to controllably move said at least one pressure sensor; wherein said apparatus is configured to lock said body and prevent rotation of one or more components thereof when a predetermined level of compressive force is applied thereto. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. Physiologic sensing apparatus, comprising:
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at least one sensor; and a substantially U-shaped support structure adapted to receive at least a portion of a wrist region of a subject therein, said support structure comprising; a first portion; a second portion; and a third portion coupled to said first and second portions, said first, second and third portions cooperating to surround a substantial fraction of the circumference of said wrist region when said wrist region is received therein; and a preload mechanism adapted to trigger said first and second portions to lock into position with respect to one another when a predetermined level of compressive force is applied to said second and third portions contemporaneously; wherein said support structure further comprises an actuator, said actuator being disposed on said support structure so as to couple to said at least one sensor, said actuator configured to exert a force pressing said at least one sensor against said wrist region; and wherein upon actuation of said actuator, said first, second and third portions are kept in substantially constant relationship to one another. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification