Method and apparatus for determining conditions of biological tissues
US7708697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 4, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2230/65
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Airway monitoring apparatus 30 includes a driver 6 for applying sound in the audible frequency range to the airway of a subject and a detector 7 for monitoring the response of the airway, e.g. by detecting transmitted sound signal components and/or reflected sound signal components. Variations in the detected sound signal, e.g. energy, due to attenuation of the signal, give an indication of the state of the airway, e.g. airway patency, and can be used to monitor sleep-disordered breathing events, such as apnea and hypopnea, and to provide a breathing event index, e.g. AHI. The apparatus may provide servo-control for a respiratory assist device, such as a positive airway pressure device, so as to provide an appropriate pressure level setting. It may allow for home use of such devices and for home titration. It may also assist in discriminating central and obstructive breathing events, and in providing a measure of airway resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.