Automated testing for palpating diabetic foot patient

摘要

The present invention teaches a system for the automated palpation testing of a patient, including the use of a robotic device with a actuating element thereto. The system is useful for testing patients at risk of nerve degradation, such as diabetic sufferers. The system includes a controller for programming the robotic device to administer the test in a particular pattern, and a storage medium for storing the results of the test. The system allows a more accurate determination of the stage of nerve degradation, as well as being more standardized because of the inclusion of automation technology.

主权项

1. A system for automated mammalian distal portion testing, comprising:
(i) a robotic device configured to move across a three-dimensional contact point array in a pre-programmed palpation pattern, wherein the three-dimensional contact point array defines a plurality of contact points of the mammalian distal portion and is configured to track nerves and nerve degradation in the mammalian distal portion; wherein the mammalian distal portion is selected from the group consisting of a hand and a foot; (ii) at least two actuating elements positioned on an X-Y plane of the robotic device configured to move in concert with the robotic device and make contact, without obstruction, with the plurality of contact points of the mammalian distal portion, wherein the at least two actuating elements each comprise an extendable core to provide a force to a contact point on the mammalian distal portion; wherein at least two contact points of the mammalian distal portion are contacted simultaneously; (iii) a resting portion for accepting the mammalian distal portion; (iv) a controller connected to the robotic device that is configured to control movement of the robotic device and movement of the at least two actuating elements; (v) one or more user interface devices controllably attached to the controller; and (vi) a feedback device configured to provide feedback information of the testing of the mammalian distal portion to the controller received from the mammal being tested, wherein the feedback information is associated with a coordinate of a specific contact point when the feedback information is provided.