BODY-WORN SENSOR FOR CHARACTERIZING PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

摘要

The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

主权项

1. A method for generating an alarm indicating fluid build-up for a patient, comprising:
providing a loop-shaped, flexible member, the flexible member configured to be positioned around the patient's neck and comprising: i) at least four electrodes, each comprised by the flexible member, with a first set of electrodes configured to inject electrical current into the patient near their neck, and a second set of electrodes configured to measure electrical signals from the patient; ii) an impedance-measuring system, comprised by the flexible member and in electrical contact with the second set of electrodes; and iii) a data-processing system, comprised by the flexible member and in electrical contact with the impedance-measuring system; injecting electrical current into the patient near their neck with at least one electrode in the first set of electrodes; measuring a voltage with the second set of electrodes, the voltage related to a product of the injected current and an impedance of the patient; processing different voltages over time to determine a trend in impedance values; and processing the trend in impedance values to generate an alarm indicating fluid build-up for the patient.