Cardiodynamics International Corporation

Other

Jeremy Malecha

Gail Dawn Baura

Dennis G Hepp

James O Elf

Sau Kuen Ng

Donald J Brooks

Patrick Walton Bradley

Radouane Bouguerra

Methods and apparatus for utilizing multiple sources of physiologic data to enhance measurement robustness and accuracy. In one embodiment, phonocardiography or 'heart sounds' data is used in combination with one or more other techniques (for example, impedance cardiography or ICG waveforms, and/or electrocardiography or ECG waveforms) to provide more accurate and robust physiological and/or hemodynamic assessment of living subjects. In one variant, the aforementioned methods and apparatus are used to improve ICG fiducial point (e.g., B, C and X point) detection and identification accuracy. Moreover, the new ICG fiducial points that may be clinically important may be identified using the disclosed methods and apparatus. In a further aspect, the invention discloses methods and apparatus for utilization of ICG and/or ECG waveform information to improve the identification and characterization of heart sounds (such as e.g., S, S, S, or Sheart sounds), murmurs, and other such artifacts or phenomena.

Methods and apparatus for enhanced fiducial point determination and non-invasive hemodynamic parameter determination

An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more physiologic parameters, such as for example those associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one exemplary embodiment, the invention evaluates cardiac events (e.g., beats) present within an ECG waveform to determine which beats should be retained and which rejected. This evaluation is conducted based on a hierarchical method, wherein the ECG noise and morphology, as well as various aspects of the Delta Z (change in thoracic impedance), are utilized to evaluate beats for retention/rejection. In one variant, fuzzy models are used in conducting the foregoing evaluations. Parameter median filtering is also optionally applied. The foregoing techniques increase the accuracy, stability and robustness of any systems (e.g., impedance cardiographic or otherwise) which make use of the events. Improved impedance cardiographic apparatus and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for signal assessment including event rejection

An improved apparatus and method for determining the cardiac output of a living subject. The improved apparatus generally comprises one or more electrode assemblies or patches affixed to the skin of the subject in the vicinity of the thoracic cavity. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a constant current source impedance cardiography (ICG) monitor adapted as a stand-alone system. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a module adapted for use with a host monitoring system, the latter providing ECG, blood pressure, and/or other inputs to the module. Method of detecting a loss of electrical continuity in one or more of the terminals of the electrode patch, and selecting between a plurality of signal inputs based on signal quality, are also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for determining cardiac output in a living subject

An improved apparatus and method for evaluating the need for, and performing as applicable, defibrillation. In one aspect, an improved defibrillation apparatus utilizing cardiographic impedance waveforms for determining cardiac output and accurately correlating this output to shockable or non-shockable cardiac conditions is disclosed. One exemplary embodiment uses electrodes having optimal spacing to enhance the accuracy of the impedance measurement. Another exemplary embodiment uses time-scale processing of the waveforms to identify fiducial points therein. Yet another embodiment uses advanced decision logic (such as fuzzy logic) to perform the aforementioned evaluation. The use of pacing spike detection and beat parsing based thereon is also disclosed.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Jeremy Malecha