Passive physiological monitoring (P2M) system

Abstract

Passive physiological monitoring apparatus and method has 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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Minimization of the time between injury occurrence and transport to the appropriate level of medical care is necessary to ensure that wounded and sick soldiers obtain the prompt medical attention essential for their survival. During that time, aeromedical care in a MEDEVAC helicopter environment is used to identify and transport casualties. [0002] Military units conduct aeromedical evacuations daily during times of war and peace, exposing the patient and flight / medical crew to noise or environmental stress and difficult monitoring conditions. As in the civilian community, military nurses depend on reliable and efficient monitoring devices to provide accurate patient care in various environments, some of which are hostile and obtrusive to the use of conventional monitoring instrumentation. While aeromedical evacuation is a life-saving process for many, it is nearly impossible for medical personnel to monitor vital signs in a high noise environment. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0042] (3) Physiological monitoring of large numbers of patients through a “smart stretcher” easily deployed for field use by medical personnel;

[0048] It is an object of the present invention to provide the military medical community with an inexpensive, non-restrictive, portable, light-weight, accurate, and reliable device that can be used in field or fixed facilities to provide an accurate measurement of heart rate, respiration and blood pressure in high noise and vibration environments and thus improve medical care in mass casualty situations, aeromedical evacuations and hospital settings.

Problems solved by technology

The result is a noticeable sound and the deterioration of the plumbing system.

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