Non-contact monitor

• US 20030083559A1
• Filed: 10/31/2001
• Published: 05/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Thompson, David L.
• Application Number:
  US09/999,827
• Publication Number:
  US 20030083559A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0412 Low-profile patch shaped housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0006 ECG or EEG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02405 Determining heart rate variability
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/259 using conductive adhesive means, e.g. gels
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/28 for electrocardiography [ECG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/335 using integrated circuit memory devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/364 Detecting abnormal ECG interval, e.g. extrasystoles, ectopic heartbeats
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7232 involving compression of the physiological signal, e.g. to extend the signal recording period

Abstract

A peripheral monitor patch apparatus for attachment to a patient includes a high capacity memory for the storing and later retrieving of the sensed and compressed physiologic data sensed by unique electrodes. A resilient substrate provides support for a memory, microprocessor, receiver, and other electronic components. The substrate flexes in a complimentary manner in response to a patient'"'"'s body movements. The substrate is affixed to the patient'"'"'s skin or clothes with the use of an adhesive, which provides for comfort and wearability. The low profile peripheral patch apparatus is preferably similar in size and shape to a standard bandage, and may be attached to the patient in an inconspicuous location. A status indicator provides for a visual, verbal, or tactile indication of the operational status of the peripheral monitor patch.

Claims

1. A non-tissue contacting electrode monitor system for sensing physiologic signals from a patient, the system comprising:

a flexible substrate with electronic sensors having data storage and a communication module incorporated thereon; and

at least one electrode positioned at a location spaced from intimate contact with a surface of the patient'"'"'s body;

said substrate having an adhesive backing to enable wearability by the patient for sensing the physiologic signals via said at least one electrode for storage in said data storage and transmission, to a remote location from the patient, via said communication modules.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication module is structured to transfer collected data to an external device.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the monitor system includes a perceptible indicator to signal when said data storage is full.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said flexible substrate is removable, when said data storage is fill, for downloading said stored data for a review by a physician.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication module includes a telemetry system to transmit said physiological data to a remote location.