Protocol Systems, Inc.

Lee A Taylor

Ronald G Bennett

Thomas J Dorsett

Herbert R Salisbury

An artifact rejector for repetitive physiologic-event-signal data generated from electronically-controlled physiologic-event-measuring equipment includes a physiologic-event-signal averager in communication with such physiologic-event-measuring equipment. The artifact rejector is constructed to generate and store repetitive averaged physiologic-event-signal data based upon a substantially stable time relationship between corresponding physiologic-event-signal data and heart-beat-related-signal data. The repetitive averaged physiologic-event-signal data includes less noise than the repetitive physiologic-event-signal data. The artifact rejector generates and continuously updates an averaged-data template by storing such repetitive averaged physiologic-event-signal data for a preselected number of measured physiologic events. The artifact rejector also includes a physiologic-event-noise estimator and a physiologic-event-noise monitor in communication with such physiologic-event-measuring equipment, and capable of instructing the monitor to adjust the measurement cycle based upon estimated, monitored noise. The averager preferably includes a sharp roll-off, low pass filter and examples include a fourth-order Bessel filter, two cascaded, identical second-order Bessel filters, an elliptic filter, a Tchetschebyscheff filter, or finite impulse response filters. The heart-beat-related signal is preferably an ECG signal. A method of artifact rejection includes generating and storing repetitive averaged physiologic-event-signal data based upon a substantially stable time relationship between corresponding physiologic-event-signal data and heart-beat-related-signal data, with the repetitive averaged physiologic-event-signal data including less noise than the repetitive physiologic-event-signal data.

Artifact rejector for repetitive physiologic-event-signal data

An improved method of validating pulse-like, heartbeat-induced physiologic events, such as blood-pressure pulses, is described in relation to vital signs monitoring apparatus that is also capable of monitoring R-waves obtained from an ECG sensor. The method includes the steps of monitoring the occurrence of an R-wave followed by an event of interest, and validating such event based upon analyzing, along with other preselected criteria, a time relationship extant between the R-wave and the event. The validating step includes the steps of noting the time period between selected points of the two occurrences, labeling the time period based on preselected timing criteria, and using the label with other criteria to validate the event. Events whose immediate validation is questionable are placed in a 'wait and see' category for future review. The disclosed method further includes the step of repeating the monitoring, noting and labeling steps for successive R-waves and pulses, thus to establish a first measurement cycle. Also, disclosed is a step for adapting the preselected timing criteria based upon already analyzed time relationships.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Lee A Taylor