10686 results about "Emergency medicine" patented technology

A system and method for monitoring vital signs and capturing data from a patient remotely using radiotelemetry techniques. The system is characterized by a cordless, disposable sensor band with sensors form measuring full waveform ECG, full waveform respiration, skin temperature, and motion, and transmission circuitry for the detection and transmission of vital signs data of the patient. A small signal transfer unit that can either be worn by the patient, e.g., on his or her belt, or positioned nearby receives data from the sensor band, which it then forwards by e.g., radio transmission to a base station that can be located up to 60 meters away. The base station receives data transmissions from the signal transfer unit and is designed to connect to conventional phone lines for transferring the collected data to a remote monitoring station. The base station may also capture additional clinical data, such as blood pressure data, and to perform data checks. Patient safety is enhanced by the ability of the base station to compare clinical data, e.g., ECG, against given profiles and to mark events when appropriate or when the base station is programmed to do so. Such events are indicated to the physician and could be indicated to the patient by reverse transmission to the signal transfer unit. A remote monitoring station allows the presentation and review of data (including events) forwarded by the sensor band. ECG analysis software and a user-friendly graphical user interface are provided to remotely analyze the transmitted data and to permit system maintenance and upkeep. The system of the invention has useful application to the collection of patient clinical data during drug trials and medical testing for regulatory approvals as well as management of patients with chronic diseases.

An implantable infusion pump possesses operational functionality that is, at least in part, controlled by software operating in two processor ICs which are configured to perform some different and some duplicate functions. The pump exchanges messages with an external device via telemetry. Each processor controls a different part of the drug infusion mechanism such that both processors must agree on the appropriateness of drug delivery for infusion to occur. Delivery accumulators are incremented and decremented with delivery requests and with deliveries made. When accumulated amounts reach or exceed, quantized deliverable amounts, infusion is made to occur. The accumulators are capable of being incremented by two or more independent types of delivery requests. Operational modes of the infusion device are changed automatically in view of various system errors that are trapped, various system alarm conditions that are detected, and when excess periods of time lapse between pump and external device interactions.

Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristic values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide for preventing any negative consequence in the operation of a monitor and / or infusion device as a result of disorientation that may occur from waking from slumber with a low blood glucose level. In addition, a graphical display is disclosed incorporating a variety of enhancements which readily conveys to the user historical as well as real time information regarding the measured characteristic value.

The invention discloses a minimal invasion medical device. The minimal invasion medical device comprises a tool end, an operating end, a sensing end, a signal processing module, an information control module and a warning device, wherein the operating end controls the tool end to act; the sensing unit is arranged above the tool end; the signal processing module is electrically connected with the sensing unit; the information control module is electrically connected with the signal processing module; and the warning device is arranged above the operating end. Data contacted with the tool end is transformed into an electronic signal by the sensing unit on the tool end, the electronic signal is transmitted by the signal processing module and the information control module judges whether to drive the warning device to generate warning to inform a user on the operating end.

Systems and methods for continuous measurement of a medicament in vivo are provided. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide information associated with medicament titration and includes a continuous analyte sensor and a communication device. In some embodiments, the system is configured for continuous ambulatory drug testing, including an ambulatory host monitor having a continuous sensor, a location module, a processor module and a transmitter. In some embodiments, the system is configured for continuously monitoring a hormone level and includes a continuous hormone sensor and a communication device configured to output hormone information in real time. Yet another embodiment provides an analyte sensor for continuous monitoring of a host's nutritional status, and is configured for both continuous glucose detection and continuous albumin detection.

A medication delivery system (20) having features of the present invention comprises a medical container (26) holding a prescribed medication (27) to be delivered to a patient, a tag 24 adapted to be worn by the patient, a handheld computing device (22), and an electronic medication delivery device (30). Data on the medication (27) is contained in a first label (28) on the medication container (27). The first label (28) also contains the instruction on how the medication is delivered to the patient, including the appropriate settings for an electronic medication delivery device for delivering the medication to the patient. Patient data is contained in a second label (29) on the tag (24) worn by the patient. The medication data, medication delivery instruction, and patient data are provided in machine readable formats. The handheld computing device (22) reads the medication data and the medication delivery instruction on the medication container (26) and the patient data on the patient tag (24). The handheld computing device (22) stores the information obtained and performs a matching check to confirm that the medication data matches with the patient data. Upon a confirmed match, it transmits the medication delivery instruction to the electronic medication delivery device (30), which downloads the instruction, programs the delivery device 30, and prompts an operator to begin delivering the medication (27) to the patient according to the downloaded instruction.

The present invention relates to a method for estimating blood glucose levels using a noninvasive optical coherence tomography- (OCT-) based blood glucose monitor. An algorithm correlates OCT-based estimated blood glucose data with actual blood glucose data determined by invasive methods. OCT-based data is fit to the obtained blood glucose measurements to achieve the best correlation. Once the algorithm has generated sets of estimated blood glucose levels, it may refine the number of sets by applying one or more mathematical filters. The OCT-based blood glucose monitor is calibrated using an Intensity Difference plot or the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method.

A system to assist an individual in developing a therapy in diabetes treatment of a patient includes a user interface control module, a simulation engine, a charting and display module. The user interface control module receives an input related to the patient and captures a current time of the simulation. The simulation engine receives the input, generates a plurality of blood glucose readings for the patient up to the current time of the simulation based on the input, and to transfers the plurality of blood glucose readings. The charting and display module receives the plurality of blood glucose readings and display the plurality of blood glucose readings. The simulation engine receives patient parameters from a patient parameter library based on a selected patient model.

An elimination-absorber monitoring system addresses diaper-monitoring problems with a unique, low cost, multi-layer disposable sensor structure that absorbs small volumes of urine, yet allows most urine volume to flow unimpeded through it, and into the diaper below. When connected with a reusable, miniature monitor / indicator unit, the sensor presents a clear and on-going change of measurement condition upon experiencing a rapid influx into the diaper of a significant volume of urine, and / or upon a significant reduction in the available absorbency of the diaper's top surface. The sensor additionally provides recessed, protected elements for similarly presenting a clear and on-going change in measurement condition upon experiencing the presence of fecal matter. Further provided is the monitor unit employing narrow, widely-spaced, fast rise-time, fast transition-time pulses for conductivity measurement and alarm activation. The monitor and sensor are interconnected and attached to a diaper by particularly effective and unique means, and the monitor is equipped with a highly intuitive and convenient control interface, as well as improved assemblies for the transmission of audible and visual alarm indications. Also described is a convenient test-strip device which, when connected to the monitor / alarm unit of the system, can selectively simulate either a soiled or unsoiled elimination-absorber / sensor for test, caregiver-training or demonstration purposes.

A remote alarm for use with a wearable medical device. The remote alarm is configured to receive alarms, voice messages and prompts issued by the wearable medical device and to repeat those alarms, voice messages and prompts in a manner that can more easily be perceived by a patient wearing the wearable medical device or a bystander. The remote alarm can be configured to receive a communication from the wearable medical device, and in response, to identify one or more messages to be provided to the patient or a bystander. The messages may be provided audibly, visually, tactilely or combinations thereof. The remote alarm may further be configured to take certain actions depending upon the content of the communication, such as sending a telephone message to alert emergency personnel to the identity, location and medical condition of the patient, or sending an email.

A medication delivery pen having a magnifier, a spring biased leadscrew and a mechanism to allow the user to easily reset the dose on the medication delivery pen if the user requires a smaller dose than has been set.

A medical treatment administration system 610 for delivering a medical treatment to a patient 618. The system 610 has a medical device 612 disposed in a first location, an electronic processor 628 coupled to the medical device 612, a sensor 616 coupled to the processor 628, and a remote controller 646 disposed at a second location remote from the first location. The remote controller 646 has an input device to control operation of the electronic processor 628. The sensor 616 receives one or more signals which it transfers 624 to the processor 628. The signals can be derived from the patient's physiological condition and / or the environment of the patient. The processor 628 receives the signals and performs a calculation 630 of the signal. Based on the result of the calculation, the processor 628 regulates the distribution of medical treatment to the patient 618 over a period of time.

The present invention is a novel method of generating and representing the status of various physiological parameters that are monitored for patients during hospitalization. The system of present invention allows healthcare providers to easily view, at a glance, the status or trend of a patient or a plurality of patients as well as any changes in the parameter values.

A patient monitoring system can display one or more configurable health monitors on a configurable user interface. The health indicators are configured to display a physiological signal from a patient. The patient monitoring system can calculate ranges of values for the health indicator that correspond to a status of the patient. The health indicators can display different outputs based on the value of the physiological signal.

Devices and methods are provided for performing a test to detect and / or quantify the presence of an analyte of interest within a sample using a portable instrument.

The invention relates to analyte monitoring / drug (pharmaceutical agent) delivery device. The invention is suited for monitoring various blood constituents such as glucose. The device has a housing that at least partially encloses a plurality of microneedles disposed on a carrier and an electronics portion. Each microneedle is in fluid communication with a corresponding microchannel. Each microneedle is individually addressable. That is, each microneedle can be extended and retracted individually via an actuator. The electronics portion includes a processor and associated circuitry (e.g., memory, supporting electronics and the like), a motor or the like, a sensor, a power supply (e.g., battery) and optionally an interface. In general, the processor controls the operation of the device and is data communication with the actuator, motor, sensor and interface. The invention provides for autonomous operation, that is, without intervention of the user. The invention can optionally provide for calibration without intervention of the user. The invention can also provide for semi-continuous monitoring for day and night time. The invention can provide for up to four, or more, weeks of operation. The invention can provide for a device that is relative small in size, and therefore unobtrusive. The invention can also provide for device with remote control and interactive electronics. The invention may be also used for the delivery of various pharmaceutical agents including high potency drugs to minimize patient intervention and minimize discomfort.

A physiological status monitor has a monitor and an interconnected sensor that generates a sensor signal. The monitor computes physiological parameters responsive to the sensor signal and displays physiological parameters accordingly. In an embodiment, the monitor displays physiological parameter information across multiple patients in a cumulative pie chart format so that a caregiver can quickly discern and readily identify patients in need of immediate medical attention.

The invention provides a disposable programmable ECG sensor patch for the non-invasive detection of risk patterns according to programmed criteria. The patch is programmed by a medical professional to select one or more monitoring parameters for detection and alarm indication. One application is to detect changes in the ECG due to cardioactive drugs. Another application is triggering an alarm for a cardiac patient during a stress condition. The programmable patch operates in conjunction with an external programming unit for selecting the detection monitoring parameters.

Various present invention devices enable adherence to requirements for medical items. A medical item of the present invention includes a monitoring or data recording device to monitor and / or record medical solution conditions. The device may further include indicators to indicate compliance of the medical solution with prescribed requirements (e.g., manufacturer, medical standard or regulation, etc.). The medical item may alternatively include a barcode or transponder to uniquely identify the medical item to a thermal treatment system measuring and storing conditions in a central database. The present invention further includes various thermal treatment systems that monitor medical items for prescribed requirements and display the monitored parameters to medical personnel. In addition, the present invention may place time stamp information on medical items to enable determination by medical personnel of compliance with prescribed requirements.

A system for monitoring a patient's vital signs that features a vital-sign monitor including sensors for measuring from the patient at least one of the following vital-sign data: O2 saturation, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, respirator rate, and blood glucose level. The system also includes a global positioning system that determines location-based data. A wireless transmitter, in electrical contact with the vital-sign monitor and global positioning system, receives the vital-sign and location-based data and wirelessly transmits these data through a conventional wireless network. A gateway software piece receives and processes the data from the wireless network and stores these data in a computer memory associated with a database software piece. The system also includes an Internet-based user interface that displays the vital sign data for both individual patients and care-providers.

A system to increase compliance with patient monitoring protocols for patients with chronic disease. The system uses a wireless telecommunication device as the hub of the system. The hub is configured to increase patient compliance with a monitoring protocol by being integrated with a mobile device, such as a cellular phone or PDA, that the patient normally carries or wears. The hub is further configured to increase compliance by displaying games that incorporate monitored conditions and providing rewards to the patient when he complies with the monitoring protocol. The hub receives physiological data about the patient from a medical sensor then collates the sensed data with certain data input by the patient. The reading is transmitted to a server that uses a software application to automatically examine and interpret the data. Alerts are sent to the health care provider only when the reading is outside specified parameters. The health care provider may contact the patient about the outlying event via the network.

A method and system for non-invasive patient-specific assessment of coronary artery disease is disclosed. An anatomical model of a coronary artery is generated from medical image data. A velocity of blood in the coronary artery is estimated based on a spatio-temporal representation of contrast agent propagation in the medical image data. Blood flow is simulated in the anatomical model of the coronary artery using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation using the estimated velocity of the blood in the coronary artery as a boundary condition.

The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms / alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.

A patient monitoring system can display one or more configurable health monitors on a configurable user interface. The health indicators are configured to display a physiological signal from a patient. The patient monitoring system can calculate ranges of values for the health indicator that correspond to a status of the patient. The health indicators can display different outputs based on the value of the physiological signal.

A method and system for managing mechanical ventilation of patients with respiratory disorders is described. The main objective of the system is to generate executable instructions for patient care which take into account a large number of parameters of patient condition and ventilation. Data regarding the state of the patient are stored in a database. Patient data are processed according to a set of protocols which contain rules for patient care decisions arranged in a logical sequence to generate detailed, executable instructions for patient care. Instructions are updated when new data are entered into the database. The data can be acquired in an automated fashion, or the clinician can be instructed to collect and enter new data into the clinical database. Likewise, patient care instructions can be carried out automatically or manually, but it is preferred that instructions are carried out manually as a safety check. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a computer system, software for processing patient data, and a display device for presenting patient care instructions to the clinician. The system maintains a record of patient data, patient care instructions, whether instructions were followed by the clinical staff, and if not, a reason why.

A system and method for monitoring and controlling the therapy of a cardiac rhythm abnormality victim at a remote site by proving immediate access to a medical professional at a central station. The method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a plurality of electrodes for receiving cardiac signals generated by the victim and for the application of electrical pulses to the victim at a remote site; (2) transmitting the signals from the remote site to a central station; (3) receiving the signals at the central station and displaying them for the medical professional; (4) selecting whether to delivery defibrillation or pacing therapy to the victim based on the medical professional's analysis of the signals (5) transmitting the selection results to the remote site; and (6) receiving the selection results at the remote site and applying the selected therapy to the victim.

The invention relates to methods and devices for measuring pulsus paradoxus. The methods herein employ a combination of one or more forms of waveform analysis for the purpose of measuring pulsus paradoxus and diagnosing respiratory distress. The methods also combine measurements of pulsus paradoxus and physician assessments to diagnose respiratory distress. The methods also combine measurements of pulsus paradoxus and percentage oxygenated hemoglobin to diagnose respiratory distress. The devices of this invention employ pulse oximeters, arterial tonometers, finometers, or processors for the purpose of implementing the methods of the invention.