Dynamic Automated Adjustment of Alarm Threshold Levels
First Claim
1. A method for dynamically adjusting the alarm limit settings of a monitoring device operable to provide Information on data obtained from sensors operably connected to the device, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing the device including a central processing unit configured to receive incoming data signals from a sensor concerning a physiological parameter of a patient and to compare the incoming data signals to a predetermined alarm threshold for the physiological parameters to determine an alarm condition, a user interface operably connected to the central processing unit and electronic storage media operably connected to the central processing unit and adapted to store proactive inputs and reactive inputs from, a user for use in the determination of an alarm condition;
b) inputting at least one of a proactive input and a reactive input into the electronic storage media;
c) altering the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter in response to the at least one proactive input or reactive input; and
d) determining the existence of an alarm indication based on a comparison of the incoming data signals and the altered threshold.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In the present invention, a system and associated method is provided for monitoring vital parameters of a patient. The monitoring system includes sensors disposed on the patient and operably connected to a monitor. The parameters that are sensed by the sensors are transmitted to the monitor and compared with alarm thresholds stored within the monitor. The alarm thresholds stored within the monitor are modified by inputs supplied to the monitor regarding the particular condition(s) of the patient being monitored to provide more accurate alarm determinations for the patient. The dynamic adjustment of the alarm threshold during monitoring can be based on a set of proactive inputs to prevent and/or limit the occurrence of unnecessary or clinically irrelevant alarm conditions or a set of reactive inputs that follow immediately after an alarm event is detected, to enable medical personnel to appropriately respond to sensed alarm condition(s).
18 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for dynamically adjusting the alarm limit settings of a monitoring device operable to provide Information on data obtained from sensors operably connected to the device, the method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing the device including a central processing unit configured to receive incoming data signals from a sensor concerning a physiological parameter of a patient and to compare the incoming data signals to a predetermined alarm threshold for the physiological parameters to determine an alarm condition, a user interface operably connected to the central processing unit and electronic storage media operably connected to the central processing unit and adapted to store proactive inputs and reactive inputs from, a user for use in the determination of an alarm condition; b) inputting at least one of a proactive input and a reactive input into the electronic storage media; c) altering the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter in response to the at least one proactive input or reactive input; and d) determining the existence of an alarm indication based on a comparison of the incoming data signals and the altered threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A monitoring device operable to provide information on data obtained from sensors operably connected between a patient and the device, the device comprising:
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a) a central processing unit configured to receive incoming data signals from a sensor connected to the central processing unit concerning a physiological parameter of the patient and to compare the incoming data signals to a predetermined alarm threshold for the physiological parameter to determine an alarm condition; and b) electronic storage media operably connected to the central processing unit and selectively operable to store proactive inputs concerning the adjustment of the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter, wherein the central processing unit is configured to automatically employ the proactive inputs to alter the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A monitoring device operable to provide information on data obtained from sensors operably connected between a patient and the device, the device comprising;
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a) a central processing unit configured to receive incoming data signals from a sensor connected to the central processing unit concerning a physiological parameter of the patient and to compare the incoming data signals to a predetermined alarm threshold for the physiological parameter to determine an alarm condition; and b) electronic storage media operably connected to the central processing unit and selectively operable to store reactive inputs concerning the adjustment of the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter, wherein the central processing unit is configured to automatically employ the reactive inputs to alter the alarm threshold for the physiological parameter. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A medical monitoring device for providing information about a patient operably connected to the device, the device comprising:
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a) an electronic storage medium in which values for alarm thresholds for a number of physiological parameters to be monitored are stored; b) a central processing unit operably connected to the electronic storage medium and configured to receive incoming data signals concerning the parameters of the patient and to compare the incoming data signals to the alarm limits for the parameters to determine an alarm condition; c) one or more sensors operably connected to the central processing unit and adapted to be connected to the patient to obtain and transmit the incoming data signals on the parameters to be monitored from the patient to the central processing unit; and d) a display operably connected to the central processing unit, the display including a display screen and a user interface configured to enable proactive and reactive inputs to be stored in the electronic storage medium, wherein the central processing unit is configured to dynamically alter the alarm threshold for at least one physiological, parameter in response to the proactive and reactive inputs.
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Specification