Medical event logbook system and method

Abstract

An event-based approach to collecting and organizing information associated with events affecting respiration is presented. The detection or prediction of an event affecting the respiration of a patient initiates acquisition of information associated with the event. The respiratory logbook system acquires information with the event during the event and during intervals proximate in time to the event. The information is organized as a respiratory log entry. The user can access the information by operating a user interface. The information may be presented in textual or graphical form.

Description

RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS [0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 504,749, filed on Sep. 18, 2003, to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to acquiring and organizing information related to medical events affecting the patient. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The human body functions through a number of interdependent physiological systems controlled through various mechanical, electrical, and chemical processes. The metabolic state of the body is constantly changing. For example, as exercise level increases, the body consumes more oxygen and gives off more carbon dioxide. The cardiac and pulmonary systems maintain appropriate blood gas levels by making adjustments that bring more oxygen into the system and dispel more carbon dioxide. The cardiovascular system transports blood gases to and from the body...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Heart failure is an abnormality of cardiac function that causes cardiac output to fall below a level adequate to meet the metabolic demand of peripheral tissues and internal organs.

Over time, the elasticity of the lung tissue is lost, and the lungs become distended, unable to expand and contract normally.

As the disease progresses, breathing becomes labored, and the patient grows progressively weaker.

Lack of respiratory effort may result from a disruption of signals from the central nervous system to the respiratory muscles.

Central disordered breathing events are characterized by insufficient respiration and a concurrent lack of respiratory effort.

An obstructive disordered breathing event may occur due to an obstruction of a patient's airway.

Sleep disordered breathing is particularly prevalent and is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, systemic hypertension, increased risk of stroke, angina and myocardial infarction.

Disordered breathing can be particularly serious for patients concurrently suffering from cardiovascular deficiencies.

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