Fiber optic interferometric vital sign monitor for use in magnetic resonance imaging, confined care facilities and in-hospital
US6816266B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0266
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber optic monitor that utilizes optical phase interferometry to monitor a patient's vital signs such as respiration, cardiac activity, blood pressure and body's physical movement. The monitor, which is non-invasive, comprises an optical fiber interferometer that includes an optical fiber proximately situated to the patient so that time varying acousto-mechanical signals from the patient are coupled into the optical fiber. Responsive thereto, the interferometer generates a time-varying optical intensity resulting from the interference of optical signals, which are detected at a photo-detector. A signal processor coupled to the optical detector provides one or more processed output signals indicative of the vital functions. The monitor system has broad applicability, from routine monitoring of infants at home to detection of apnea, arrhythmia, blood pressure and trauma. The system can be implemented in embodiments ranging from a low cost in-home monitor for infants to a high end product for in hospital use. The monitor can be integrated with other sensors such as an EKG, a video or still camera, an oxygen sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, temperature sensor or a microphone to get …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.