Passive
Physiological monitoring apparatus and method have a sensor for sensing
physiological phenomenon. A converter converts sensed data into electrical signals and a computer receives and computes the signals, and outputs computed data for real-time interactive display. The sensor is a piezoelectric film of
polyvinylidene fluoride. A band-pass filter filters out
noise and isolates the signals to reflect data from the body. A pre-
amplifier amplifies signals. Signals detected include mechanical, thermal and acoustic signatures reflecting
cardiac output, cardiac function,
internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse,
apnea, and temperature. A pad may incorporate the PVDF film and may be fluid-filled. The film converts
mechanical energy into analog
voltage signals. Analog signals are fed through the band-pass filter and the
amplifier. A converter converts the analog signals to digital signals. A
Fourier transform routine is used to transform into the
frequency domain. A
microcomputer is used for recording, analyzing and displaying data for on-line assessment and for providing realtime response. A radio-frequency filter may be connected to a cable and the film for transferring signals from the film through the cable. The sensor may be an array provided in a MEDEVAC
litter or other device for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the body of a patient for
field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, home, remote monitoring.