System for monitoring physiological characteristics

• US 20050113653A1
• Filed: 11/30/2004
• Published: 05/26/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Minimed Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Frank Saidara, Garry M. Steil, James Kelly Fox, Kerstin Rebrin, Mark C. Estes
• Inventors: Fox, James Kelly, Estes, Mark C., Rebrin, Kerstin, Steil, Garry M., Saidara, Frank
• GRANTED PATENT: US 7,766,830 B2
• Time in patent office: 0 Days
• US Class Current: 600/300
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0223 of calibration, e.g. protocols for calibrating sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0252 using ambient temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/045 with a separable interface unit, e.g. for communication
• 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 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1468 using chemical or electrochemical methods, e.g. by polarographic means A61B5/1486 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1486 using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7275 Determining trends in physiological measurement data; Predicting development of a medical condition based on physiological measurements, e.g. determining a risk factor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/746 Alarms related to a physiological condition, e.g. details of setting alarm thresholds or avoiding false alarms alarms per se G08B
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 15/00 ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.

Claims

1. -70. (canceled)

71. A physiological characteristic monitor, comprising:

an input device capable of receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal being based on a physiological characteristic value of a user; and

a processor for analyzing the received signal;

initiating a timer based upon a conditions associated with the physiological characteristic value of the user;

and providing a reminder to the user following expiration of the timer.

72. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 71, wherein the reminder includes an alarm signal selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, a tactile signal and a display.

73. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 71, wherein a duration of the timer is preset based upon the initiating condition.

74. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 71, wherein the condition is that an event marker is entered into the monitor.

75. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 74, wherein the event marker is selected from the group consisting of a meal marker, an exercise marker, a high blood glucose marker and a low blood glucose marker.

76. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 71, wherein the condition is that a reference value is entered into the monitor and the reminder indicates that a new reference value should be entered.

77. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 71, wherein the processor determines a physiological characteristic value from the received signal and the condition based upon the physiological characteristic value.

78. The physiological characteristic monitor of claim 77, wherein the condition is that the physiological characteristic value exceeds a threshold value.

79. A method of triggering a reminder to a user of a physiological characteristic monitor, comprising the steps of:

receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal being based on a physiological characteristic value of a user; and

analyzing the received signal and initiating a timer based upon a conditions associated with the physiological characteristic value of the user; and

providing a reminder to the user following expiration of the timer.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein the reminder includes an alarm signal selected from the group consisting of an audible signal, a visual signal, a tactile signal and a display.

81. The method of claim 79, wherein a duration of the timer is preset based upon the initiating condition.

82. The method of claim 79, wherein the condition is that an event marker is entered into the monitor.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein the event marker is selected from the group consisting of a meal marker, an exercise marker, a high blood glucose marker and a low blood glucose marker.

84. The method of claim 79, wherein the condition is that a reference value is entered into the monitor and the reminder indicates that a new reference value should be entered.

85. The method of claim 79, wherein the processor determines a physiological characteristic value from the received signal and the condition based upon the physiological characteristic value.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein the condition is that the physiological characteristic value exceeds a threshold value.

87. -110. (canceled)