WO2003082111A1 - Passive physiological monitoring (p2m) system - Google Patents

Passive physiological monitoring (p2m) system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003082111A1
WO2003082111A1 PCT/US2002/009280 US0209280W WO03082111A1 WO 2003082111 A1 WO2003082111 A1 WO 2003082111A1 US 0209280 W US0209280 W US 0209280W WO 03082111 A1 WO03082111 A1 WO 03082111A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
signals
sensor
patient
physiological
data
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/009280
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick K. Sullivan
Ken C.K. Cheung
Christopher J. Sullivan
Paul Pernambuco-Wise
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Hoana Medical, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hoana Medical, Inc. filed Critical Hoana Medical, Inc.
Priority to CNB028288653A priority Critical patent/CN100518638C/en
Priority to JP2003579659A priority patent/JP4344247B2/en
Priority to EP02739108A priority patent/EP1494586A4/en
Priority to PCT/US2002/009280 priority patent/WO2003082111A1/en
Priority to AU2002311781A priority patent/AU2002311781B2/en
Priority to CA002479972A priority patent/CA2479972A1/en
Publication of WO2003082111A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003082111A1/en
Priority to HK05107541.4A priority patent/HK1075190A1/en

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/113Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb occurring during breathing
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/0205Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular conditions and different types of body conditions, e.g. heart and respiratory condition
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1102Ballistocardiography
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/48Other medical applications
    • A61B5/4806Sleep evaluation
    • A61B5/4818Sleep apnoea
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • A61B5/6892Mats
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7203Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal
    • A61B5/7207Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal of noise induced by motion artifacts
    • A61B5/7214Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes for noise prevention, reduction or removal of noise induced by motion artifacts using signal cancellation, e.g. based on input of two identical physiological sensors spaced apart, or based on two signals derived from the same sensor, for different optical wavelengths
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/742Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using visual displays
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2505/00Evaluating, monitoring or diagnosing in the context of a particular type of medical care
    • A61B2505/01Emergency care
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B2562/00Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
    • A61B2562/04Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type
    • A61B2562/046Arrangements of multiple sensors of the same type in a matrix array
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/021Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/021Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
    • A61B5/02108Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels from analysis of pulse wave characteristics
    • A61B5/02125Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels from analysis of pulse wave characteristics of pulse wave propagation time
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/026Measuring blood flow
    • A61B5/029Measuring or recording blood output from the heart, e.g. minute volume
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6887Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G1/00Stretchers
    • A61G1/04Parts, details or accessories, e.g. head-, foot-, or like rests specially adapted for stretchers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61GTRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/30General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means

Definitions

  • Vital signs monitoring is normally a simple and routine procedure involving collection of pulse, respiration and blood pressure data. In a relatively quiet environment, these parameters are easily detected. However, acquisition of physiological signals of interest in a helicopter environment is a challenging problem for several reasons. Limitations on vital signs collection include high noise, vibration, auditory distractions, ineffective monitoring equipment, cramped working conditions, bulky gear during air evacuation, a ⁇ electromagnetic
  • the military medical system needs a portable, non-invasive device capable of monitoring a soldier's vital signs in the field environment under less than ideal circumstances.
  • This system needs to be useful to military medical personnel across the spectrum of care delivery, such as in mass casualty situations, aeromedical evacuations, ground ambulance transports, hospital wards, and intensive care units.
  • a recent study found that thirty-two percent of aircraft medical devices flown onboard a rotor-wing MEDEVAC aircraft failed at least one environmental test.
  • Quartz crystals are minerals that create an electric field known as piezoelectricity when pressure is applied. Materials scientists have found other materials with piezoelectric properties. The versatility and potential uses for piezoelectric materials have been known but cost-prohibitive for some time. However, recent decreases in the cost of manufacturing now permit greater application by engineers and researchers. The advantageous qualities of piezoelectric materials have been applied to medicine, security, acoustics, defense, geology and other fields. Development of applications with piezoelectric materials is in its infancy.
  • piezoelectric-based instrumentation The medical practice and research application of piezoelectric-based instrumentation is gaining momentum.
  • Piezoelectric methods have been successfully used in plethysmography, blood pressure monitoring by piezoelectric contact microphone, heart rate monitoring in avian embryos and hatchlings and piezoelectric probes.
  • Piezoelectric materials are used as detectors of sensitive motion to measure human tremor, small body movements of animals in response to pharmacological manipulation, and respiratory motion for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) animal experiments.
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • piezoelectric methods In combination with ultrasound, piezoelectric methods have been used to assess coronary hemodynamics, elastic tensor, intra-arterial imaging, and receptor field dimensions.
  • piezoelectric transducers have been attached to the chest wall and used with automated auscultation devices and microcomputers for lung sound analysis.
  • Piezoelectric film has been applied and studied to determine joint contact stress
  • piezoelectric disks have been used for recording muscle sounds and qualitative monitoring of the neuro
  • Stochastic wave theory as commonly used in ocean engineering to analyze pseudo-periodic phenomena, indicates spectral peaks from respiration and heart rate.
  • Human heartbeats, respiration, and blood pressure are repetitive in nature, reflecting complex mechano-acoustical events.
  • various problems with piezoelectric instrumentation development prevent its full realization. Measurement of human tremor only works well when the environment is absolutely silent. In fact, extraneous noise such as equipment, fans, people talking, and the patient's own voice routinely exists in most hospital rooms. That noise masks and distorts the signal of interest, thus limiting the practicality of piezoelectric instrumentation. Animal noises make data collection difficult in laboratory animal studies. In non-laboratory environments, medical uses of piezoelectric instrumentation for humans remains a problem because of the inherent signal-noise problem.
  • a primary mission of military nurses is to ensure that wounded and sick soldiers obtain prompt medical attention and/or evacuation to definitive medical care.
  • the actions performed during the time period between a battlefield injury and the transfer of casualties to appropriate medical treatment is critical for the welfare of the soldier, and can be the difference between life and death. It is during this critical time period where diagnosis and treatment begins and also when evacuation - for example via MEDEVAC helicopter - occurs.
  • monitor that can consistently and accurately measure vital signs during a medical evacuation where there is high noise and vibration.
  • the monitor being relatively autonomous intervention by a nurse or technician is not required.
  • information may be forwarded in real-time via wireless communication to the destination where medical personnel and other caregivers are located.
  • the present invention is known as Passive Physiological Monitoring, p , or simply P2M.
  • Data records with vast information, such as blood pressure, are measured, recorded, and may later be delineated to determine the physical condition of the subject being monitored.
  • the cardiovascular system is modeled as a system of pipes, pumps, and other appendices, with the engineering phenomenon known as "water hammer” as the basis for a working model for data analysis in the calculation of blood pressure.
  • Water hammer is a compression wave transmitted through the household plumbing network of pipes and valves when household water is abruptly shut off. The result is a noticeable sound and the deterioration of the plumbing system. Water hammer is caused by the increase in pipe pressure caused by sudden velocity change, typically after water is shut off during a valve closing.
  • the compression wave is described as follows:
  • Skalak (1966) applied the linearized theory of viscous flow to develop a basis for understanding the main waveform features in arteries and veins.
  • the vascular system is equivalent to a network of non-uniform transmission lines.
  • Karr (1982) studied pressure wave velocity on human subjects and developed a method to determine the pulse propagation speed. The invention recognizes that such information may be used to determine plaque buildup, cholesterol concentration on the arterial wall, and arterial wall thickness.
  • Equation (1) allows for determination of pressure change (dP) from the heart pulsing based on the dispersion relationship between pulse wave velocity (c) and flow velocity (v) .
  • Karr's method measures flow velocity to determine dP, which is related to systolic pressure (pS) and diastolic pressure (pD) .
  • the new invention measures the pressure energy from heartbeat and respiration collectively.
  • the heart contribution to the energy spectrum is determined by removing the respiration contribution to the energy spectrum.
  • Respiration energy is filtered out by comparing the energy spectrum calculations of velocity with velocity measures using electromagnetic and doppler methods.
  • the new monitor can be configured for one of its piezoelectric sensors to serve as a dedicated doppler sensor that uses ultrasonics to adjust interpretations of data as a function of the sympathetic tone of the patient.
  • the selective omission of P2M signals and the selective comparison of P2M sensor data with data from other parts of the body, as well as comparisons between two or more simultaneously triggered sensors isolates energy contributions from the heart.
  • P2M energy spectra determined from the foot differs from spectra derived from the chest area, which provides a means for isolating heart energy as the foot spectra is largely void of energy from respiration.
  • P2M is well-suited to assist medical personnel in several areas including, but not limited to, the following situations:
  • the development of the P2M or a passive sensor array is a significant innovation in passive monitoring.
  • a grid of passive sensors noise can be reduced through correlating signals from different pads to discern noise from biological signals. This is very important in high-noise environments.
  • the significance of a passive multi-sensor system is that it affords the opportunity to more comprehensively monitor a patient.
  • the grid of passive sensors provides an innovative way to monitor patients in adverse ambient conditions.
  • the system provides a tool whereby parameters other than blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration can be measured. These parameters include, but are not limited to, patient movement and sleep habits, pulse strength over various portions of the body, relative blood flow volumes, and cardiac output, among others.
  • the main components of the Passive Physiological (P 2 M) system are the passive sensor, hardware for amplification, filtering, data-acquisition, and signal-analysis software.
  • the single passive sensor has dimensions 8" x 10" and is preferably encased in a protective covering. Leads from the sensor attach to the electronics (amplifier, filter, data-acquisition card, desktop computer) where the raw analog voltage signal is filtered and amplified and converted to digital form. Digital filtering and software manipulation of the data in the form of frequency analyses are then performed. Finally, signal processing techniques are then used to extract physiological information from the digital signal.
  • the sensor pad is preferably placed directly beneath the back of a patient lying supine on a MEDEVAC litter.
  • the mechanical/acoustic signals created by cardio-pulmonary function are transmitted through the body onto the passive sensor, which converts the signal into an analog voltage.
  • An illustration of the existing P2M setup is shown in Figure 6.
  • the major hardware used for the laboratory setup are: desktop computer, a multi-function programmable charge amplifier and roll-around rack to encase all of the hardware. To maintain versatility for initial research and development, most of the equipment were chosen for functionality at the expense of space efficiency.
  • the variables of accuracy, precision, user characteristics, and patient comfort determine the value of a field instrument for collection data on vital signs.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic of the P2M system components.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the P2M system.
  • Figure 3 is a graphical comparison of the P2M bench test results and the human evaluator measurements.
  • Figure 4 is a front view of the front panel display and user interface of the P2M system in Acquire Mode.
  • Figure 5 is a front view of the front panel display of the P2M system in Monitor Mode.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the P2M sensor.
  • FIG. 7 shows one of the graphical user interfaces (GUI) of the P2M system.
  • Figure 8 shows the graphical user interface of the P2M system showing time-series and frequency-domain representations of physiological data.
  • FIG. 9 shows measurement of Pulse-Wave Travel Time (PWTT)
  • Figure 10 shows a system test and evaluation results in a graph.
  • Figure 12 shows the measurement through a body armor.
  • Figure 13 shows testing through body armor and MOPP gear combined.
  • FIG 14 shows a schematic view of the Passive Physiological Monitoring (P2M) System Using a passive sensor array and microelectronics incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter.
  • P2M Passive Physiological Monitoring
  • the preferred P2M system is a monitoring device with two major subsystems, one to measure signals and the other to process data into meaningful information.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic of the system
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the system.
  • the piezoelectric film, an electrically active fluoropolymer converts mechanical energy such as movement caused by a heartbeat into voltage measurements capable of supporting time series analysis techniques.
  • the voltage is recorded by and analyzed using a microcomputer controlled system, the purpose of which is to discriminate the signal from background noise and display it on a screen or printout.
  • Techniques such as preamplifying and preconditioning through the use of high and low-band pass filters reduces noise.
  • the piezoelectric material 1 used is the polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) , which can be shaped into cables, thin film, or thick tiles.
  • PVDF piezoelectric film is environmentally rugged, lightweight, flexible, inherently reliable, sturdy, easily repairable and transportable with excessive assembly or disassembly. Since the material is inert, it may be used inside the human body. Ultraviolet radiation passes harmlessly through the PVDF film, which may be produced in varying thicknesses. In addition, the piezoelectric film is waterproof, operates between 0 and 145 degrees Centigrade, and does not tear under stress. PVDF may convert a temperature reading into an electric output.
  • the PVDF film is incorporated into a fluid-filled vinyl pad, approximately 10 cm by 10 cm in surface area. This is placed on/under/above various locations of the patient.
  • P2M detects cardiac and respiratory motion, and monitors pulse, respiration and apnea episodes 3. Cardiac and respiratory movements are simultaneously recorded by selective filtering of original signal.
  • the piezoelectric element 1 is a pressure - sensing detector acting as a highly sensitive strain gage providing high dynamic range and linearity.
  • Analog signals are fed through a band-pass filter into an amplifier (x200 - x5000) 5 and are visually displayed.
  • Analog acoustic signals are converted to digital values using a multi-channel converter 7 at a sampling rate of up to 5 kHz. Data is transformed to the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) .
  • FFT Fast Fourier Transform
  • PVDF piezoelectric film 1 acts as a piezoelectric strain gage.
  • the voltage output is up to four orders of magnitude higher than that produced by a nonamplified signal from circuitry used with resistive wire. Linearity and frequency response are excellent.
  • current need not be applied since the device is electrically self-generating.
  • the present invention does not produce an electric charge ad infinitum with sustained stress.
  • the slowest frequency the polymer film detects is a thousand seconds for an electrical event to occur, and the highest is one gigahertz (microwave) .
  • the piezoelectric film is passive and biologically non-hazardous, as opposed to traditional strain gages that require an applied current.
  • PVDF sheets are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, the type and specifications of which were chosen based on optimum sensitivity range and resilience. Each sheet contains seven-foot attached shielded twisted-pair (for noise rejection) leads 11 to transmit the charge produced by the sheets.
  • COTS commercial off-the-shelf
  • the piezoelectric sheets 1 are placed under a patient's chest and foot or at similarly remote areas of the body, or may be put on like a wrapped cuff.
  • the change in pressure exerted by the patient's respiration and heartbeat causes the piezoelectric film to generate voltages, which is carried via nonmagnetic miniature coaxial cable 11 through a radio frequency filter 13.
  • the signal is then directed to a high input-impedance amplifier 5 and computer system 7 for data processing.
  • a conventional oscilloscope and a chart recorder displays the output. Respiration and heart rate 15 are then calculated by the energy spectrum from the time series data.
  • Active cancellation uses two piezoelectric sensors, one of which is not in contact with the body.
  • the sensor not attached to the body is exposed to environmentally acoustic and vibrational signals, while the sensor attached to the body is exposed to environmental as well as body signals. Subtraction of one output from the other output yields the body signal of interest.
  • band- pass filtering/band-stop filtering Another preferred technique to reduce noise involves band- pass filtering/band-stop filtering. By identifying the extraneous electronic or acoustic noise and its particular frequencies, band-pass or band-stop filtering eliminates extraneous signals from the overall signal.
  • signal processing techniques that use a prior knowledge of the expected signals extract the desired information from the piezoelectric signal. Spectral techniques help to identify the frequencies and amplitudes of the events of interest and discern them from extraneous noise.
  • Cardiac action analysis uses a bandpass frequency limit of 0.1-4.0 Hz
  • respiration analysis uses a frequency limit from 0.01-3.0 Hz.
  • the filtered cardiac and respiration signals are fed to a recording system.
  • Body movements are analyzed by bandpass filtering the original signal with frequency limits from 0.1-20 Hz.
  • the hardware equipment includes, but is not limited to, a 586 processor computer 9 with enhanced RAM and disk capacity to handle large amounts of data.
  • a board with a range that includes acoustic frequencies facilitates data acquisition, signal conditioning and signal processing.
  • a master program 17 combines the three separate software modules of data acquisition/control, signal processing/analysis, and data display/user interface.
  • the LabVIEWTM "G" graphical programming language was used for all three subroutine programs.
  • the analog voltage signal is digitized and analyzed in time and frequency domains. Routines developed for signal conditioning and analysis include digital filtering, spectral analysis, auto correlation, and noise - rejection programs.
  • the data is displayed real-time in either Monitor or Acquisition mode. Monitor mode displays the current data and discards old readings as new updates are processed, while Acquisition mode saves data for future analysis.
  • the voluminous data must not exceed the disk-storage capacity of the computer in Acquisition mode.
  • the entire P2M system 19 is encased in a metal technical enclosure 21 with casters (not shown) and locking glass door (not shown), as shown in Figure 2.
  • the equipment also includes a MEDEVAC stretcher 23 on which the sensor is mounted. This device may be incorporated into a litter to eliminate the need for patient attachment or miniaturized as a portable field device in a purse with a wireless communication setu .
  • the piezoelectric film measures mechanical, thermal and acoustic signals. That high sensitivity is necessary to measure vital signals non-intrusively.
  • pulse rate the physical beating of the heart is transmitted through the body into the piezo-film sensor pad as mechanical impulses.
  • the respiration is measured by the mechanical impulse transmitted to the sensor based on chest movements.
  • the sensitive piezo-film sensor pad measures all extraneous movement and speech, resulting in a voltage signal output that is superimposed upon the physiological signals. As a result, movement or speech by the subject may cause a reading error.
  • the P2M sensor measures all physical impulses in the measuring environment, including the patient's physiological signals, nearby human noise and activity signals, noise and vibration from the machinery, and electromagnetic (EM) noise emitted from the lights and instrumentation. While the output signal includes all of these signals, many are too weak to affect the measurement while others such as EM noise corrupt the reading.
  • Running the signal through filters and other signal - processing algorithms removes the noise.
  • the conditioned signal is then analyzed through routines, including a fast Fourier transform (FFT) which identifies the primary signal frequencies. For a still, speechless patient, the primary frequency is usually respiration, and the second highest frequency is heart rate. Patient positioning and frequency harmonics may complicate the distinction, requiring additional logic to separate and identify the heart and respiration frequency peaks.
  • the logic algorithms must be robust enough to define the respiration and heart peaks for a variety of conditions.
  • the minimum sampling interval was thirty seconds.
  • Figure 3 shows the results for the twenty respiration/pulse- rate measurements performed with the P2M system. Human evaluator measurements were performed simultaneously as a control. P2M accurately measured pulse 25 and respiration 27 under ideal conditions, but patient movement or speech interfered with accurate measurement. Heart rate measurement quality was not reduced by the absence of respiration, and P2M matched the control measurement results 29, 31 with an error of less than beat per minute.
  • FIG. 4 shows the P2M front panel in Acquisition mode.
  • the upper graph 33 displays a thirty-second window of time-series measurements of all physiological signals. Heartbeat spikes are shown in the upper (time series) graph 33, along with a lower- frequency sinusoidal function which corresponds to the respiration signal.
  • the lower graph 35 shows the same data in the frequency domain.
  • the first and largest spike 37 corresponds to approximately 16.4 respirations per minute.
  • the control group 31 measured 17+2 respirations per minute.
  • the large amplitude of the spike indicates that respiration is the largest impulse measured by the sensor pad.
  • the second-largest spike 39 is sixty times per minute, which was identical to the actual heart rate measured by a fingertip-clip heart-rate monitor.
  • the power as measured by the amplitude is less than one-third of that found in the respiration frequency, but the ratio varies based on the physiology and sensor pad positioning of the patient.
  • the smaller spikes 41 in the lower graph represent respiration and heart-rate harmonics, a result of the harmonics not being a perfect sinusoidal function. Since the heart rate might fall at exactly the same frequency as a respiration harmonic, it is necessary for logic algorithms to check for harmonics.
  • the heart rate and respiration harmonics may be differentiated by comparing signals taken from different parts of the body.
  • buttons and menus 43 on the front panel of the interface program enables the control of data acquisition and analysis routines.
  • the thirty-second data records may be saved to file for archiving or additional evaluation.
  • FIG. 5 shows the P2M system in Monitor mode.
  • the top graph 45 shows the time-series data, with the characteristic higher-frequency heartbeat spikes 47 superimposed over a lower - frequency respiration wave 49.
  • the middle graph 51 shows heart rate 53 and respiration 55 as updated every five seconds. As a new five-second data string is acquired, the oldest five seconds of data is discarded, and the heart rate and respiration are recalculated by analyzing the thirty-second data string with the new data.
  • the upper curve 53 is colored red to signify heart rate, while the lower curve 55 is colored blue to signify respiration. Heart rate appears steady in the mid-50s range, with respiration in the mid-teens. Both compare favorably ( ⁇ 2) with human control measurements.
  • the anomaly 57 after 25 updates is attributable to patient movement or an extraneous and errant noise/vibration event.
  • the bottom graph 59 shows an FFT of the time-series signal.
  • Regular voltage signals of heart beat provide strength signals as voltage levels that are related to blood pressure. Times between signals at varied parts of the body or patterns of secondary signals provide information on circulation or blockage or interference with blood flow.
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the P2M system with a single passive sensor 61 positioned on a patient 63.
  • Figure 7 shows one of the graphical user interfaces (GUI) of the P2M system.
  • the upper chart 65 shows a 30-second window of digital voltage data, where the low-frequency oscillations are caused by respiration and the higher-frequency spikes are the result of heartbeat measurements of the patient on the litter.
  • the time-series signal is converted to frequency data via a Fourier transform and displayed as a power spectrum, shown in the middle chart 67. From this data, pulse and respiration can be extracted by examining the power associated with the dominant frequencies 69.
  • passive measurement of blood pressure may be conducted using pulse wave analyses.
  • Measurement and characterization of the pulse-wave velocity (PWV) or alternately, the pulse-wave travel time (PWTT) , inherently requires more than one measurement location.
  • PWV pulse-wave velocity
  • PWTT pulse-wave travel time
  • the sensors may measure pulse-wave characteristics, for example, along the brachial artery, along with other measurements described herein.
  • FIG 8 shows measurement results of the pulse at two locations along the arm.
  • the temporal separation between the two corresponding peaks 71, 73 gives the Pulse-Wave Travel Time (PWTT) .
  • PWTT Pulse-Wave Travel Time
  • This value can be used to correlate systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • the calibration must be performed simultaneously for several measurements of PWTT and blood pressure to construct a calibration curve. Barschdorff & Erig showed that the relationship between blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) are approximately linear with PWV and PWTT.
  • Figure 10 displays the results of the testing.
  • the P2M was over 95% accurate as compared to conventional methods, and the several instances where the P2M was not in agreement with conventional methods proved to be very valuable in subsequent modifications and improvements to the system software.
  • 12 volunteer nurses performed physiological monitoring of pulse and respiration using the P2M, electronic monitor, and human evaluation. Following the monitoring, the nurses completed a survey comparing and ranking the usage of the three methods.
  • Figure 11 shows the high noise and vibration testing of P2M at Wheeler Army Air Field, on March 5, 1999.
  • the preferred optimum placement is to situate the sensor directly beneath the center of the patient's chest. If the sensor is moved from this placement, or if the patient position changes, the integrity of the incoming signal also changes.
  • a preferred configuration uses multiple sensors in a pattern that covers the entire region of the litter on which the patient would lie so that regardless of patient movement and position, there will always be one or more active sensors in optimum measurement placements.
  • the invention is a passive system using an array of distributed sensors (or "multi-sensor") capable of accurately and robustly monitoring certain physiological signals of the human body. These signals, in turn, may be processed for determination of vital signs that are currently used by nurses and other caregivers, for example, heart rate, respiration, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure.
  • the invention uniquely provides a device that is passive (completely non-invasive) , unobtrusive, and autonomous; i.e., the apparatus in no way interferes either with the patient's mobility or with other monitoring equipment, and is capable of functioning with a minimum of technical expertise.
  • the equipment functions reliably in high-noise environments and other situations that render alternative and existing methods ineffective. These environments include, but are not limited to, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) by helicopter or ambulance, and operation through Military Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear and body armor.
  • MEDEVAC medical evacuation
  • MOPP Military Oriented Protective Posture
  • FIG 14 shows a schematic of the P2M using a passive sensor array and microelectronics incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter.
  • a schematic of the inventive technology, incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter, is shown in Figure 14 below.
  • the litter 75 is covered in an array 77 of 32 sensors, each of which can measure acoustic and hydraulic inputs from the patient 63.
  • Each of these signals contains a measure of physiologically generated signal and environmental noise.
  • the environmental noise on each pad will be similar, whereas the physiologically generated signals may be position dependent. This information is used to separate the signal from the noise using proven techniques.
  • Position dependent physiological signals are used to determine patient position, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, pulse strength distribution, and potentially some measure of cardiac output.
  • the invention may be incorporated into a wide range of applications apart from the MEDEVAC litter.
  • the passive sensor array may be configured without much change to operate on a hospital bed or an ordinary mattress used at home. Of particular note is the area of premature infant care. In this case, the attachment of sensor leads to the infant may often be difficult, causing irritation of sensitive skin and entanglement in leads.
  • the sensor may be incorporated into equipment for use in both civilian and military sectors.
  • the sensor may be incorporated into field equipment, clothes and uniforms. This includes, but is not limited to, cervical collars, body armor, biological and/or chemical hazard protection suits, extraction devices, clothes, cushions on seats and seatbacks.
  • Exercise equipment such as stationary bicycles, treadmills or steppers may benefit by incorporating sensors into the supports.
  • Physiological indicators such as heart rate may be detected through handholds as an aid to regulating the exercise regime.
  • Other useful applications might include the use of a passive sensor system in a chair or couch used for psychological examinations. Scrutiny of the subject's physiological signs may give indications of emotional disturbance caused by trigger words or events during counseling.
  • the size of each sensor, number of sensors in the array, and configuration of the sensor array may be tailored, without much experimentation, to particular needs and situations. For a mattress, for example, 32 or more sensors in a rectangular array may be required.
  • the preferred passive sensor may use piezo-electric films and ceramics, hydrophones, microphones or pressure transducers.
  • Amplification hardware may include signal amplification circuitry and hardware, e.g., charge amplifier.
  • Data acquisition hardware and signal processing hardware (circuitry) and software are used in the system.
  • solid, fluidized (air) or fluid layer may be used, as for example, gel, water, foam, rubber, plastic, etc. The interface facilitates trans ittal of physiological signals.
  • the invention has great medical value for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, and home/remote monitoring.
  • the invention may have application in every hospital for passive monitoring of patients.
  • the invention being undetectable to the patient, which adds comfort to the monitoring process.

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. Signals detected include mechanical, thermal and acoustic signatures reflecting cardiac output, cardiac function, internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse, apnea and temperature. The sensor may be an array (77) provided in a MEDEVAC litter (73) or other device for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the body of a patient (63) for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, home, remote monitoring.

Description

Passive Physiological Monitoring (P2M) System BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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.
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.
Vital signs monitoring is normally a simple and routine procedure involving collection of pulse, respiration and blood pressure data. In a relatively quiet environment, these parameters are easily detected. However, acquisition of physiological signals of interest in a helicopter environment is a challenging problem for several reasons. Limitations on vital signs collection include high noise, vibration, auditory distractions, ineffective monitoring equipment, cramped working conditions, bulky gear during air evacuation, aτ\ά electromagnetic
l interference with aircraft systems caused by some medical equipment. The additional complexity of leads and electrodes compounds the noise and environmental problems. The physiological parameters of vital signs fall within the helicopter-generated frequencies. Helicopter frequencies have a much greater power in those frequencies as well. Vibrational and acoustic artifacts are also major problems. The signal to noise problem must therefore be solved by other means in addition to low and high band pass filtering approaches. Due to the limiting work conditions, medical personnel cannot use a stethoscope to accurately monitor heart activity or blood pressure.
The military medical system needs a portable, non-invasive device capable of monitoring a soldier's vital signs in the field environment under less than ideal circumstances. This system needs to be useful to military medical personnel across the spectrum of care delivery, such as in mass casualty situations, aeromedical evacuations, ground ambulance transports, hospital wards, and intensive care units. A recent study found that thirty-two percent of aircraft medical devices flown onboard a rotor-wing MEDEVAC aircraft failed at least one environmental test.
Quartz crystals are minerals that create an electric field known as piezoelectricity when pressure is applied. Materials scientists have found other materials with piezoelectric properties. The versatility and potential uses for piezoelectric materials have been known but cost-prohibitive for some time. However, recent decreases in the cost of manufacturing now permit greater application by engineers and researchers. The advantageous qualities of piezoelectric materials have been applied to medicine, security, acoustics, defense, geology and other fields. Development of applications with piezoelectric materials is in its infancy.
The medical practice and research application of piezoelectric-based instrumentation is gaining momentum. Piezoelectric methods have been successfully used in plethysmography, blood pressure monitoring by piezoelectric contact microphone, heart rate monitoring in avian embryos and hatchlings and piezoelectric probes. Piezoelectric materials are used as detectors of sensitive motion to measure human tremor, small body movements of animals in response to pharmacological manipulation, and respiratory motion for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) animal experiments. In combination with ultrasound, piezoelectric methods have been used to assess coronary hemodynamics, elastic tensor, intra-arterial imaging, and receptor field dimensions. In addition, piezoelectric transducers have been attached to the chest wall and used with automated auscultation devices and microcomputers for lung sound analysis. Piezoelectric film has been applied and studied to determine joint contact stress, and piezoelectric disks have been used for recording muscle sounds and qualitative monitoring of the neuromuscular block.
Stochastic wave theory, as commonly used in ocean engineering to analyze pseudo-periodic phenomena, indicates spectral peaks from respiration and heart rate. Human heartbeats, respiration, and blood pressure are repetitive in nature, reflecting complex mechano-acoustical events. However, various problems with piezoelectric instrumentation development prevent its full realization. Measurement of human tremor only works well when the environment is absolutely silent. In fact, extraneous noise such as equipment, fans, people talking, and the patient's own voice routinely exists in most hospital rooms. That noise masks and distorts the signal of interest, thus limiting the practicality of piezoelectric instrumentation. Animal noises make data collection difficult in laboratory animal studies. In non-laboratory environments, medical uses of piezoelectric instrumentation for humans remains a problem because of the inherent signal-noise problem.
A primary mission of military nurses is to ensure that wounded and sick soldiers obtain prompt medical attention and/or evacuation to definitive medical care. The actions performed during the time period between a battlefield injury and the transfer of casualties to appropriate medical treatment is critical for the welfare of the soldier, and can be the difference between life and death. It is during this critical time period where diagnosis and treatment begins and also when evacuation - for example via MEDEVAC helicopter - occurs.
Unfortunately, the extremely high noise and vibration inherent in the helicopter environment prevents nursing and medical personnel from accurately measuring vital signs. Not only are electronic medical monitors rendered ineffective with the high vibrations; traditional methods of measuring pulse and blood pressure using a stethoscope become unreliable in the high noise. Cramped working conditions and bulky gear during air evacuation exacerbate these problems.
Most conventional methods use devices that employ electrodes, leads, wires, and cuffs to measure one or more vital signs, for example, blood pressure machine, ECG monitor, pulse oximeter. Existing monitors require some sort of attachment and thus are not passive. In addition, conventional equipment is highly sensitive to noise, such as a helicopter or airplane engines and rotors.
Clearly, what is needed for this common situation is a monitor that can consistently and accurately measure vital signs during a medical evacuation where there is high noise and vibration. The monitor being relatively autonomous intervention by a nurse or technician is not required. With the added capability of telemetry for remote monitoring and communication, information may be forwarded in real-time via wireless communication to the destination where medical personnel and other caregivers are located.
Needs exist to develop better methods and apparatus for physiological monitoring. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is known as Passive Physiological Monitoring, p , or simply P2M. Data records with vast information, such as blood pressure, are measured, recorded, and may later be delineated to determine the physical condition of the subject being monitored.
Recent developments in materials science and data processing have created the potential for a new monitoring device using piezoelectric film, an electrically active fluoropolymer. Although the medical applications of piezoelectric film are still at the infant stage, the testing of medical instruments is promising.
The cardiovascular system is modeled as a system of pipes, pumps, and other appendices, with the engineering phenomenon known as "water hammer" as the basis for a working model for data analysis in the calculation of blood pressure.
"Water hammer" is a compression wave transmitted through the household plumbing network of pipes and valves when household water is abruptly shut off. The result is a noticeable sound and the deterioration of the plumbing system. Water hammer is caused by the increase in pipe pressure caused by sudden velocity change, typically after water is shut off during a valve closing. The compression wave is described as follows:
c = — 1 »— d (1)
P dV where c = speed of the compression wave (ft/sec) ; dV = change in velocity (Vin.t. l - vfInβl) ; p = density of the fluid; and dP = change in pressure.
Skalak (1966) applied the linearized theory of viscous flow to develop a basis for understanding the main waveform features in arteries and veins. The vascular system is equivalent to a network of non-uniform transmission lines.
Womersly (1957) had applied those principles to a single uniform tube representing an arterial segment and compared the results to the experimental data taken in a dog, prior to Skalak's theory. Good agreement was reported between the measured flow and the flow computed from the measured pressure gradient.
Anliker (1968) showed that the dispersion phenomena associated with waves propagating in blood vessels are potential measures of the distubility of the vessels and other cardiac parameters. Anliker assumed that vessels behave like thin-walled cylindrical shells filled with inviscid compressible fluid. More complete models have provided good agreement.
Karr (1982) studied pressure wave velocity on human subjects and developed a method to determine the pulse propagation speed. The invention recognizes that such information may be used to determine plaque buildup, cholesterol concentration on the arterial wall, and arterial wall thickness.
Equation (1) allows for determination of pressure change (dP) from the heart pulsing based on the dispersion relationship between pulse wave velocity (c) and flow velocity (v) . Karr's method measures flow velocity to determine dP, which is related to systolic pressure (pS) and diastolic pressure (pD) .
The new invention measures the pressure energy from heartbeat and respiration collectively. The heart contribution to the energy spectrum is determined by removing the respiration contribution to the energy spectrum. Respiration energy is filtered out by comparing the energy spectrum calculations of velocity with velocity measures using electromagnetic and doppler methods. Since the sympathetic tone may influence blood pressure measurement accuracy, the new monitor can be configured for one of its piezoelectric sensors to serve as a dedicated doppler sensor that uses ultrasonics to adjust interpretations of data as a function of the sympathetic tone of the patient. The selective omission of P2M signals and the selective comparison of P2M sensor data with data from other parts of the body, as well as comparisons between two or more simultaneously triggered sensors, isolates energy contributions from the heart. P2M energy spectra determined from the foot differs from spectra derived from the chest area, which provides a means for isolating heart energy as the foot spectra is largely void of energy from respiration.
Once velocity (v) is known, the relation between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (2) and the Bernoulli equation (3) is used to measure blood pressure. The Bernoulli equation is a fundamental relationship in fluid mechanics that is derived from Newtonian mechanics and the principle of conservation of energy. A more compressive version of the same equation can be developed to reflect more complicated non-steady flows.
p = pD — * (pS+pD) (2)
where pS = systolic pressure; pD = diastolic pressure; and p = average pressure.
Figure imgf000011_0001
where p = fluid density, g = gravitational constant, and h = height, head energy term.
From these equations we can develop expressions for pD and pS, both as a function of the pulse wave velocity (c) , flow velocity (v) and pulse wave pressure (dP) :
pD = *p*v - p*C*dV (4) pS = pD + p*C*dV (5)
P2M is well-suited to assist medical personnel in several areas including, but not limited to, the following situations:
(1) Medical monitoring of vital signs of severely injured persons in high noise and vibration environments such as rescue helicopter where current monitoring techniques are cumbersome or impossible;
(2) Monitoring casualties resulting from major disasters such as aircraft accidents, earthquakes and floods;
(3) Physiological monitoring of large numbers of patients through a "smart stretcher" easily deployed for field use by medical personnel;
(4) Continuous military hospital bed monitoring without disturbing patients; and
(5) Patient monitoring when treatment is delayed due to temporary overload of medical facilities.
The development of the P2M or a passive sensor array (multi- sensor system) is a significant innovation in passive monitoring. Through the use of a grid of passive sensors, noise can be reduced through correlating signals from different pads to discern noise from biological signals. This is very important in high-noise environments. Additionally, the significance of a passive multi-sensor system is that it affords the opportunity to more comprehensively monitor a patient. As a tool, the grid of passive sensors provides an innovative way to monitor patients in adverse ambient conditions. The system provides a tool whereby parameters other than blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration can be measured. These parameters include, but are not limited to, patient movement and sleep habits, pulse strength over various portions of the body, relative blood flow volumes, and cardiac output, among others.
The main components of the Passive Physiological (P2M) system are the passive sensor, hardware for amplification, filtering, data-acquisition, and signal-analysis software. In a preferred embodiment, the single passive sensor has dimensions 8" x 10" and is preferably encased in a protective covering. Leads from the sensor attach to the electronics (amplifier, filter, data-acquisition card, desktop computer) where the raw analog voltage signal is filtered and amplified and converted to digital form. Digital filtering and software manipulation of the data in the form of frequency analyses are then performed. Finally, signal processing techniques are then used to extract physiological information from the digital signal.
The sensor pad is preferably placed directly beneath the back of a patient lying supine on a MEDEVAC litter. The mechanical/acoustic signals created by cardio-pulmonary function are transmitted through the body onto the passive sensor, which converts the signal into an analog voltage. An illustration of the existing P2M setup is shown in Figure 6. Among the major hardware used for the laboratory setup are: desktop computer, a multi-function programmable charge amplifier and roll-around rack to encase all of the hardware. To maintain versatility for initial research and development, most of the equipment were chosen for functionality at the expense of space efficiency.
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. It is an object of the present invention to adjust the signal noise to enable the use of piezoelectric instruments in aeromedical transport of patients, hospital bed monitoring, and other applications in the military and civilian medical environment.
It is an object of the present invention to develop a prototype physiological monitor using piezoelectric film in various field environments. The variables of accuracy, precision, user characteristics, and patient comfort determine the value of a field instrument for collection data on vital signs.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non- invasive means for monitoring vital functions without the use of electrical leads or wiring on the patient. The use of the human body's acoustic and electromagnetic signals to determine heart rate, respirations, and blood pressure.
These and further and other objects and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification, with the claims and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic of the P2M system components. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the P2M system. Figure 3 is a graphical comparison of the P2M bench test results and the human evaluator measurements. Figure 4 is a front view of the front panel display and user interface of the P2M system in Acquire Mode.
Figure 5 is a front view of the front panel display of the P2M system in Monitor Mode.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the P2M sensor.
Figure 7 shows one of the graphical user interfaces (GUI) of the P2M system.
Figure 8 shows the graphical user interface of the P2M system showing time-series and frequency-domain representations of physiological data.
Figure 9 shows measurement of Pulse-Wave Travel Time (PWTT)
Figure 10 shows a system test and evaluation results in a graph.
Figure 11 high noise and vibration testing of the P2M at Wheeler Army Air Field.
Figure 12 shows the measurement through a body armor.
Figure 13 shows testing through body armor and MOPP gear combined.
Figure 14 shows a schematic view of the Passive Physiological Monitoring (P2M) System Using a passive sensor array and microelectronics incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred P2M system is a monitoring device with two major subsystems, one to measure signals and the other to process data into meaningful information.
Figure 1 shows a schematic of the system, and Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the system. First, the piezoelectric film, an electrically active fluoropolymer converts mechanical energy such as movement caused by a heartbeat into voltage measurements capable of supporting time series analysis techniques. Second, the voltage is recorded by and analyzed using a microcomputer controlled system, the purpose of which is to discriminate the signal from background noise and display it on a screen or printout. Techniques such as preamplifying and preconditioning through the use of high and low-band pass filters reduces noise.
The piezoelectric material 1 used is the polymer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) , which can be shaped into cables, thin film, or thick tiles. PVDF piezoelectric film is environmentally rugged, lightweight, flexible, inherently reliable, sturdy, easily repairable and transportable with excessive assembly or disassembly. Since the material is inert, it may be used inside the human body. Ultraviolet radiation passes harmlessly through the PVDF film, which may be produced in varying thicknesses. In addition, the piezoelectric film is waterproof, operates between 0 and 145 degrees Centigrade, and does not tear under stress. PVDF may convert a temperature reading into an electric output. The PVDF film is incorporated into a fluid-filled vinyl pad, approximately 10 cm by 10 cm in surface area. This is placed on/under/above various locations of the patient. P2M detects cardiac and respiratory motion, and monitors pulse, respiration and apnea episodes 3. Cardiac and respiratory movements are simultaneously recorded by selective filtering of original signal. The piezoelectric element 1 is a pressure - sensing detector acting as a highly sensitive strain gage providing high dynamic range and linearity. Analog signals are fed through a band-pass filter into an amplifier (x200 - x5000) 5 and are visually displayed. Analog acoustic signals are converted to digital values using a multi-channel converter 7 at a sampling rate of up to 5 kHz. Data is transformed to the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) . The system uses a microcomputer 9 for recording, analysis and presentation of data, which allows for on-line assessment of data and realtime decisions.
In its simplest mode of operation PVDF piezoelectric film 1 acts as a piezoelectric strain gage. The voltage output is up to four orders of magnitude higher than that produced by a nonamplified signal from circuitry used with resistive wire. Linearity and frequency response are excellent. Although similarities to a strain gage exist, current need not be applied since the device is electrically self-generating. Unlike the strain gage, the present invention does not produce an electric charge ad infinitum with sustained stress. The slowest frequency the polymer film detects is a thousand seconds for an electrical event to occur, and the highest is one gigahertz (microwave) . The piezoelectric film is passive and biologically non-hazardous, as opposed to traditional strain gages that require an applied current.
PVDF sheets are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, the type and specifications of which were chosen based on optimum sensitivity range and resilience. Each sheet contains seven-foot attached shielded twisted-pair (for noise rejection) leads 11 to transmit the charge produced by the sheets.
The piezoelectric sheets 1 are placed under a patient's chest and foot or at similarly remote areas of the body, or may be put on like a wrapped cuff. The change in pressure exerted by the patient's respiration and heartbeat causes the piezoelectric film to generate voltages, which is carried via nonmagnetic miniature coaxial cable 11 through a radio frequency filter 13. The signal is then directed to a high input-impedance amplifier 5 and computer system 7 for data processing. A conventional oscilloscope and a chart recorder displays the output. Respiration and heart rate 15 are then calculated by the energy spectrum from the time series data.
Several techniques reduce noise and vibration interferences. Active cancellation uses two piezoelectric sensors, one of which is not in contact with the body. The sensor not attached to the body is exposed to environmentally acoustic and vibrational signals, while the sensor attached to the body is exposed to environmental as well as body signals. Subtraction of one output from the other output yields the body signal of interest.
Another preferred technique to reduce noise involves band- pass filtering/band-stop filtering. By identifying the extraneous electronic or acoustic noise and its particular frequencies, band-pass or band-stop filtering eliminates extraneous signals from the overall signal.
Additionally, signal processing techniques that use a prior knowledge of the expected signals extract the desired information from the piezoelectric signal. Spectral techniques help to identify the frequencies and amplitudes of the events of interest and discern them from extraneous noise.
Cardiac action analysis uses a bandpass frequency limit of 0.1-4.0 Hz, and respiration analysis uses a frequency limit from 0.01-3.0 Hz. The filtered cardiac and respiration signals are fed to a recording system. Body movements are analyzed by bandpass filtering the original signal with frequency limits from 0.1-20 Hz.
Once the signal produced by the film sensor is converted to voltages, amplified and filtered, it is processed through the P2M instrumentation. The hardware equipment includes, but is not limited to, a 586 processor computer 9 with enhanced RAM and disk capacity to handle large amounts of data. A board with a range that includes acoustic frequencies facilitates data acquisition, signal conditioning and signal processing.
For system operation, a master program 17 combines the three separate software modules of data acquisition/control, signal processing/analysis, and data display/user interface. The LabVIEW™ "G" graphical programming language was used for all three subroutine programs. The analog voltage signal is digitized and analyzed in time and frequency domains. Routines developed for signal conditioning and analysis include digital filtering, spectral analysis, auto correlation, and noise - rejection programs. The data is displayed real-time in either Monitor or Acquisition mode. Monitor mode displays the current data and discards old readings as new updates are processed, while Acquisition mode saves data for future analysis. The voluminous data must not exceed the disk-storage capacity of the computer in Acquisition mode.
For protection and ease of transport, the entire P2M system 19 is encased in a metal technical enclosure 21 with casters (not shown) and locking glass door (not shown), as shown in Figure 2. The equipment also includes a MEDEVAC stretcher 23 on which the sensor is mounted. This device may be incorporated into a litter to eliminate the need for patient attachment or miniaturized as a portable field device in a purse with a wireless communication setu .
Significant field and analysis testing was conducted to confirm the workability and accuracy of the P2M system. The piezoelectric film measures mechanical, thermal and acoustic signals. That high sensitivity is necessary to measure vital signals non-intrusively. For pulse rate, the physical beating of the heart is transmitted through the body into the piezo-film sensor pad as mechanical impulses. The respiration is measured by the mechanical impulse transmitted to the sensor based on chest movements. The sensitive piezo-film sensor pad measures all extraneous movement and speech, resulting in a voltage signal output that is superimposed upon the physiological signals. As a result, movement or speech by the subject may cause a reading error.
The P2M sensor measures all physical impulses in the measuring environment, including the patient's physiological signals, nearby human noise and activity signals, noise and vibration from the machinery, and electromagnetic (EM) noise emitted from the lights and instrumentation. While the output signal includes all of these signals, many are too weak to affect the measurement while others such as EM noise corrupt the reading. Running the signal through filters and other signal - processing algorithms removes the noise. The conditioned signal is then analyzed through routines, including a fast Fourier transform (FFT) which identifies the primary signal frequencies. For a still, speechless patient, the primary frequency is usually respiration, and the second highest frequency is heart rate. Patient positioning and frequency harmonics may complicate the distinction, requiring additional logic to separate and identify the heart and respiration frequency peaks. The logic algorithms must be robust enough to define the respiration and heart peaks for a variety of conditions.
To increase resolution, a large number of high sampling rate data points were selected and re-sampled at a lower rate to simplify computation for accurate analysis. The minimum sampling interval was thirty seconds.
Figure 3 shows the results for the twenty respiration/pulse- rate measurements performed with the P2M system. Human evaluator measurements were performed simultaneously as a control. P2M accurately measured pulse 25 and respiration 27 under ideal conditions, but patient movement or speech interfered with accurate measurement. Heart rate measurement quality was not reduced by the absence of respiration, and P2M matched the control measurement results 29, 31 with an error of less than beat per minute.
Figure 4 shows the P2M front panel in Acquisition mode. The upper graph 33 displays a thirty-second window of time-series measurements of all physiological signals. Heartbeat spikes are shown in the upper (time series) graph 33, along with a lower- frequency sinusoidal function which corresponds to the respiration signal. The lower graph 35 shows the same data in the frequency domain. The first and largest spike 37 corresponds to approximately 16.4 respirations per minute. The control group 31 measured 17+2 respirations per minute. The large amplitude of the spike indicates that respiration is the largest impulse measured by the sensor pad. The second-largest spike 39 is sixty times per minute, which was identical to the actual heart rate measured by a fingertip-clip heart-rate monitor. The power as measured by the amplitude is less than one-third of that found in the respiration frequency, but the ratio varies based on the physiology and sensor pad positioning of the patient. The smaller spikes 41 in the lower graph represent respiration and heart-rate harmonics, a result of the harmonics not being a perfect sinusoidal function. Since the heart rate might fall at exactly the same frequency as a respiration harmonic, it is necessary for logic algorithms to check for harmonics. The heart rate and respiration harmonics may be differentiated by comparing signals taken from different parts of the body.
The buttons and menus 43 on the front panel of the interface program enables the control of data acquisition and analysis routines. The thirty-second data records may be saved to file for archiving or additional evaluation.
Figure 5 shows the P2M system in Monitor mode. The top graph 45 shows the time-series data, with the characteristic higher-frequency heartbeat spikes 47 superimposed over a lower - frequency respiration wave 49. The middle graph 51 shows heart rate 53 and respiration 55 as updated every five seconds. As a new five-second data string is acquired, the oldest five seconds of data is discarded, and the heart rate and respiration are recalculated by analyzing the thirty-second data string with the new data. The upper curve 53 is colored red to signify heart rate, while the lower curve 55 is colored blue to signify respiration. Heart rate appears steady in the mid-50s range, with respiration in the mid-teens. Both compare favorably (±2) with human control measurements. The anomaly 57 after 25 updates is attributable to patient movement or an extraneous and errant noise/vibration event. The bottom graph 59 shows an FFT of the time-series signal.
Regular voltage signals of heart beat provide strength signals as voltage levels that are related to blood pressure. Times between signals at varied parts of the body or patterns of secondary signals provide information on circulation or blockage or interference with blood flow.
In another preferred embodiment, Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the P2M system with a single passive sensor 61 positioned on a patient 63. Figure 7 shows one of the graphical user interfaces (GUI) of the P2M system. The upper chart 65 shows a 30-second window of digital voltage data, where the low-frequency oscillations are caused by respiration and the higher-frequency spikes are the result of heartbeat measurements of the patient on the litter. The time-series signal is converted to frequency data via a Fourier transform and displayed as a power spectrum, shown in the middle chart 67. From this data, pulse and respiration can be extracted by examining the power associated with the dominant frequencies 69.
In a preferred method of blood pressure measurement passive measurement of blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) may be conducted using pulse wave analyses. Measurement and characterization of the pulse-wave velocity (PWV) , or alternately, the pulse-wave travel time (PWTT) , inherently requires more than one measurement location. Thus, plural sensors are required for measurements in different locations. The sensors may measure pulse-wave characteristics, for example, along the brachial artery, along with other measurements described herein.
Figure 8 shows measurement results of the pulse at two locations along the arm. The temporal separation between the two corresponding peaks 71, 73 gives the Pulse-Wave Travel Time (PWTT) . This value can be used to correlate systolic and diastolic blood pressure. As such, the calibration must be performed simultaneously for several measurements of PWTT and blood pressure to construct a calibration curve. Barschdorff & Erig showed that the relationship between blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) are approximately linear with PWV and PWTT.
Testing and evaluation of the P2M system was performed at TAMC in February, 1998. Simultaneous measurements of pulse and respiration were performed with the P2M, an electronic monitor, and by human evaluation. Figure 9 shows a photograph of the testing performed at TAMC. A total of 11 volunteers were monitored following the project's testing protocol.
Figure 10 displays the results of the testing. The P2M was over 95% accurate as compared to conventional methods, and the several instances where the P2M was not in agreement with conventional methods proved to be very valuable in subsequent modifications and improvements to the system software. In addition, 12 volunteer nurses performed physiological monitoring of pulse and respiration using the P2M, electronic monitor, and human evaluation. Following the monitoring, the nurses completed a survey comparing and ranking the usage of the three methods.
Testing of the P2M system for pulse and respiration in a high noise and vibration environment was performed at Wheeler Army Air Field, on March 5, 1999. Tests were performed during static display of a MEDEVAC helicopter. The main purpose of the test was to characterize the high noise/vibration environment using the P2M, microphones and accelerometers. Results showed that through filtering and signal analyses, the P2M was able to discern physiological signals from the high amplitude and frequency noise caused by the helicopter to output accurately pulse and respiration. No conventional methods were performed at this test due to the high-noise environment, which would render those methods useless.
Figure 11 shows the high noise and vibration testing of P2M at Wheeler Army Air Field, on March 5, 1999.
Next, in response to inquiries made by the flight medics during the March 5, 1999 testing at Wheeler, the ability of P2M system to accurately monitor pulse and respiration through layers of clothing and gear was tested. Fragmentation protective body armor, Military Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, and a combination of the two were tested using the P2M system. Results showed that the P2M performed with higher fidelity with the additional layers between the subject and the sensor, which is largely due to the increased contact area and efficient transmission of mechanical and acoustic signals through the solid layers. The single-sensor P2M configuration that has been demonstrated to accurately measure pulse and respiration is very sensitive to the patient position relative to the main sensor pad. The quality and magnitude of the physiological signals received by the system depends on this positioning. The preferred optimum placement is to situate the sensor directly beneath the center of the patient's chest. If the sensor is moved from this placement, or if the patient position changes, the integrity of the incoming signal also changes. Thus, a preferred configuration uses multiple sensors in a pattern that covers the entire region of the litter on which the patient would lie so that regardless of patient movement and position, there will always be one or more active sensors in optimum measurement placements.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a passive system using an array of distributed sensors (or "multi-sensor") capable of accurately and robustly monitoring certain physiological signals of the human body. These signals, in turn, may be processed for determination of vital signs that are currently used by nurses and other caregivers, for example, heart rate, respiration, and systolic/diastolic blood pressure.
Passive monitoring of such parameters as cardiac output, cardiac function, and internal bleeding are within the scope of this invention. The invention uniquely provides a device that is passive (completely non-invasive) , unobtrusive, and autonomous; i.e., the apparatus in no way interferes either with the patient's mobility or with other monitoring equipment, and is capable of functioning with a minimum of technical expertise. In addition, the equipment functions reliably in high-noise environments and other situations that render alternative and existing methods ineffective. These environments include, but are not limited to, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) by helicopter or ambulance, and operation through Military Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear and body armor.
With the development of a reliable multi-sensor monitoring system for such rugged and noisy operation, the application to the hospital ICU environment, where noise is substantially lower, is considerably more straightforward. Completely non-invasive, passive, pulse, respiration, blood pressure (and detection of cardiac output, internal bleeding, shock, etc.) measurements using a sensor system that is undetectable to the patient have considerable intrinsic value even in noise-free surroundings. The passive and autonomous operation of such a system is suitable for telemetry and real-time remote monitoring, and the final feature of the invention is a telemetry design feature for distance and remote monitoring.
Figure 14 shows a schematic of the P2M using a passive sensor array and microelectronics incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter. A schematic of the inventive technology, incorporated into a MEDEVAC litter, is shown in Figure 14 below. The litter 75 is covered in an array 77 of 32 sensors, each of which can measure acoustic and hydraulic inputs from the patient 63. Each of these signals contains a measure of physiologically generated signal and environmental noise. The environmental noise on each pad will be similar, whereas the physiologically generated signals may be position dependent. This information is used to separate the signal from the noise using proven techniques. Position dependent physiological signals are used to determine patient position, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, pulse strength distribution, and potentially some measure of cardiac output.
The invention may be incorporated into a wide range of applications apart from the MEDEVAC litter. The passive sensor array may be configured without much change to operate on a hospital bed or an ordinary mattress used at home. Of particular note is the area of premature infant care. In this case, the attachment of sensor leads to the infant may often be difficult, causing irritation of sensitive skin and entanglement in leads. The sensor may be incorporated into equipment for use in both civilian and military sectors. The sensor may be incorporated into field equipment, clothes and uniforms. This includes, but is not limited to, cervical collars, body armor, biological and/or chemical hazard protection suits, extraction devices, clothes, cushions on seats and seatbacks. Exercise equipment, such as stationary bicycles, treadmills or steppers may benefit by incorporating sensors into the supports.
Physiological indicators such as heart rate may be detected through handholds as an aid to regulating the exercise regime. Other useful applications might include the use of a passive sensor system in a chair or couch used for psychological examinations. Scrutiny of the subject's physiological signs may give indications of emotional disturbance caused by trigger words or events during counseling. The size of each sensor, number of sensors in the array, and configuration of the sensor array may be tailored, without much experimentation, to particular needs and situations. For a mattress, for example, 32 or more sensors in a rectangular array may be required.
The preferred passive sensor may use piezo-electric films and ceramics, hydrophones, microphones or pressure transducers. Amplification hardware may include signal amplification circuitry and hardware, e.g., charge amplifier. Data acquisition hardware and signal processing hardware (circuitry) and software are used in the system. For the interface between sensor and patient either solid, fluidized (air) or fluid layer may be used, as for example, gel, water, foam, rubber, plastic, etc. The interface facilitates trans ittal of physiological signals.
The invention has great medical value for field monitoring, hospital monitoring, transport monitoring, and home/remote monitoring. For example, the invention may have application in every hospital for passive monitoring of patients. The invention being undetectable to the patient, which adds comfort to the monitoring process.
While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus for passively monitoring physiology of a patient, the apparatus comprising: at least two sensors, each comprising a piezoelectric film, for sensing physiological signals from the patient and environmental signals from an environment around the patient; a converter communicating with the at least two sensors for converting the physiological and environmental signals into digital signals; a processor communicating with the converter for isolating physiological digital signals from the digital signals by comparing the digital signals between the at least two sensors to provide physiological data; and a monitor communicating with the processor for displaying the physiological data in real-time.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric film comprises a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one band-pass filter coupled with the at least two sensors for filtering out at least one of the environmental signals.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a pre-amplifier coupled with the band-pass filter for pre-amplifying at least one of the physiological and environmental signals.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, where the physiological and environmental signals are selected from a group consisting of mechanical, thermal and acoustic signals.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the physiological and environmental signals indicate cardiac output, cardiac function, internal bleeding, respiratory, pulse, apnea, temperature signals and combinations thereof.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a pad incorporating the PNDF film.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pad is a fluid-filled interface for facilitating transmittal of physiological signals.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the fluid is a non-reactive substance selected from a group consisting of gel, water, air, foam, rubber, and plastic or combinations thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises a frequency Fourier transform for transforming the physiological digital signals [data] into frequency data.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a microcomputer for recording, analyzing and displaying the frequency data to enable on-line assessment of the frequency data and real-time response to the frequency data.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric film is positioned under the patient at various locations.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric film is positioned on the patient as a wrapped cuff.
14. A passive physiological monitoring apparatus for monitoring physiology of a patient comprising: plural sensors for sensing data by placing the plural sensors on the patient, each of the plural sensors comprising a piezoelectric film, the piezoelectric film comprising a polymer for sensing data from the body and converting the sensed data into voltage measurements, the polymer comprising polyvinylidene fluoride (PNDF), wherein the plural sensors consist of pairs of sensors for sensing the sensed data from the patient and for separately sensing ambient noise; a converter communicating with the each of the plural sensors for converting the sensed data into signals; a computing device communicating with the converter for receiving and computing the signals and for outputting computed data; and instrumentation communicating with the computing device for real-time interaction with the device and for display of the computed data.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plural sensors is disposed on a substrate selected from a group consisting of an item of clothing, a stretcher, a bed, a litter, a cervical collar, body armor, body protection gear, a uniform, an extraction device, exercise equipment, furniture, a cushion, a seat and a seatback.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plural sensors are configured to measure pulse-wave velocity at plural locations on the patient.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the plural sensors are configured to measure pulse-wave travel time at plural locations on the patient.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two sensors comprise an array of sensors distributed over different locations for measuring and monitoring the sensed data from the patient.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a litter incorporating the array of sensors for measuring acoustic and hydraulic signals from the patient, when the patient is positioned on the litter, and from surrounding areas.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the acoustic and hydraulic signals comprise physiological signals from the patient and environmental signals from the surrounding areas.
21. (Amended) A method for passively monitoring physiology of a patient, the method comprising: placing a first piezoelectric sensor in contact with the patient; placing a second piezoelectric sensor in a location near to but not in contact with the patient; sensing physiological signals and environmental signals with the first sensor and environmental signals with the second sensor; converting the physiological and environmental signals into physiological and environmental digital signals; isolating the physiological digital signals from the environmental digital signals by subtracting environmental signals sensed by the second sensor from the signals sensed by the first sensor; and displaying the physiological digital signals.
22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising filtering out the environmental signals with a band-pass filter.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the sensing comprises sensing mechanical, thermal and acoustic signals.
24. The method of claim 21 , further comprising: placing a third sensor on the patient, at a location remote from the first sensor; and measuring a pulse-wave velocity with the first and third sensors.
25. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein a first sensor is in contact with the patient and a second sensor is in an environment around the patient but not in contact with the patient.
26. An apparatus as in claim 25, wherein the processor compares physiological signals and environmental signals sensed by the first and second sensors, respectively, so as to isolate the physiological signals.
27. An apparatus as in claim 1 , wherein a first sensor is disposed at a first location and a second sensor is disposed at a second location, and wherein the processor determines a pulse-wave velocity in response to a physiological signal time difference between the first sensor and the second sensor.
28. An apparatus as in claim 27, wherein the processor calculates blood pressure data in response to the pulse-wave velocity.
29. A method as in claim 24, further comprising converting the pulse- wave velocity into systolic and diastolic blood pressure data and displaying the blood pressure data.
30. A method as in claim 21 , further comprising: engaging a third sensor with the patient, at a location remote from the first sensor; and measuring a pulse- wave travel time between the first sensor and the third sensor.
31. A method as in claim 30, further comprising converting the pulse- wave travel time into systolic and diastolic blood pressure data and displaying the blood pressure data.
32. A method as in claim 21, wherein the sensing step includes sensing the physiological signals through one or more layers of clothing, bullet proof armor, or a combination thereof.
33. A method for passively monitoring physiology of a patient, the method comprising: engaging a first piezoelectric sensor with the patient; engaging a second third piezoelectric sensor in a location near to but not in contact with the patient; sensing physiological signals and environmental signals with the first sensor and environmental signals with the second sensor; isolating the physiological signals from the [body from ambient] environmental signals by subtracting environmental signals sensed by the second sensor from the signals sensed by the first sensor; and displaying the physiological digital signals.
34. A method as in claim 33, further comprising: engaging a third piezoelectric sensor with the patient, at a location remote from the first sensor; sensing physiological signals and environmental signals with the third sensor; and comparing the physiological and environmental signals from the first sensor with the physiological and environmental signals from the third sensor to determine locations of the first and second sensors on the patient.
PCT/US2002/009280 2002-03-25 2002-03-25 Passive physiological monitoring (p2m) system WO2003082111A1 (en)

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JP2003579659A JP4344247B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2002-03-25 Passive physiological function monitoring (P2M) system
EP02739108A EP1494586A4 (en) 2002-03-25 2002-03-25 Passive physiological monitoring (p2m) system
PCT/US2002/009280 WO2003082111A1 (en) 2002-03-25 2002-03-25 Passive physiological monitoring (p2m) system
AU2002311781A AU2002311781B2 (en) 2002-03-25 2002-03-25 Passive physiological monitoring (P2M) system
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AU2002311781B2 (en) 2009-09-03
CA2479972A1 (en) 2003-10-09
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CN100518638C (en) 2009-07-29
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