Patent Application
20100049023
The present invention relates to the field of pulse oximetry. More specifically, the invention relates to a pulse oximetry method and system that employs heating means to enhance blood perfusion.
It is well known in the art that pulse oximetry is based on the principle that the color of blood is related to the oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin. Indeed, as blood deoxygenates, the pinkish skin color (in many individuals) transitions to a bluish hue. This phenomenon allows measurements of the degree of oxygen saturation of blood using, what is commonly referred to as, optical pulse oximetry technology.
Pulse oximetry devices, i.e. oximeters, typically measure and display various blood constituents and blood flow characteristics including, blood oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood, the volume of individual blood pulsations supplying the flesh and the rate of blood pulsations corresponding to each heartbeat of the patient. Illustrative are the devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,193,543, 5,448,991, 4,407,290 and 3,704,706.
As is well known in the art, a pulse oximeter passes light through human or animal body tissue where blood perfuses the tissue, such as a finger or ear, and photoelectrically senses the absorption of light in the tissue. Since oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin absorb visible and near infrared light differently, two lights having discrete frequencies in the range of about 650-670 nm in the red range and about 800-1000 nm in the infrared range are typically passed through the tissue. The amount of transmitted light passed through the tissue varies in accordance with the changing amount of blood constituent, i.e. oxygen (or oxygen saturation), in the tissue and the related light absorption.
Two oxygen saturation parameters can readily be ascertained via oximetry; arterial oxygen saturation and peripheral, arterial oxygen saturation. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is based on direct measurement of light absorption in tissue and/or blood based on all commonly measured hemoglobin components. Peripheral, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), as measured by pulse oximetry, is generally determined by measuring the constant (non-pulsatile) and pulsatile light intensities (discussed below) of the two functional components oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin, at each of the two noted wavelengths, and correlating the measured intensities to provide peripheral oxygen saturation.
As is also well known in the art, variations in tissue temperature proximate the measurement site can, and in many instances will, affect blood perfusion and, hence, oximetry measurements dependant thereon. Indeed, a rise in tissue temperature induces or triggers a homeostatic reflex, which enhances local blood flow in order to increase the transfer of heat away from the skin. The enhanced blood flow or perfusion will enhance the accuracy of the oximetry measurement, since the light transmitted to the tissue will encounter a larger volume of blood.
Various heating means have thus been incorporated in sensors or pulse oximeters to improve blood perfusion adjacent the sensor. Illustrative are the sensors disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,926,867, 5,299,570, 4,890,619 and 5,131,391.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,867, an oximeter sensor is disclosed that includes a metal plate that functions as a heater. According to the invention, the heater is adapted and positioned to heat the tissue proximate the sensor to enhance blood perfusion. A separate thermistor is also provided to monitor the amount of heat transmitted to the tissue by the heater.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,570 and 4,890,619 disclose oximeter sensors that employ ultrasonic energy to enhance blood perfusion. The blood perfusion is similarly enhanced primarily proximate the sensor.
Various substances have also been applied to the skin (or tissue site) to enhance blood perfusion. Illustrative are the pulse oximeter methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,392,777, 5,267,563 and 6,285,896.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,392,777 and 5,267,563, a counterirritant is applied to the skin prior to attachment of the oximeter sensor. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,896, a vasodilating substance is applied to the skin prior to attachment of the oximeter sensor to reduce the effects of localized oxygen consumption and to increase blood fraction.
Although the noted sensor systems and methods provide effective means to enhance blood perfusion, there are a number of disadvantages and drawbacks associated with the systems and methods. A major drawback is that the enhanced blood perfusion realized by the conventional sensor systems and methods is typically localized, i.e. proximate the sensor. As discussed in detail herein, applicants have found that the signal-to-noise ratio of an oximeter sensor (and, hence, the accuracy of any physiological characteristic, e.g., O2 saturation, determined therefrom) can be significantly enhanced by heating an entire organ or appendage, e.g., ear or hand, prior to or in conjunction with taking an oximeter reading.
A further drawback is that virtually all of the conventional sensor heating means comprise means for heating the sensor (or housing thereof) or a member that is integral thereto, e.g., heated plate. Such heating means necessitates frequent site changes to avoid thermal injury, which makes the monitoring method (employing the heating means) more labor intensive and costly than other non-invasive monitoring methods.
Additional drawbacks are that the conventional sensor systems and methods require extensive and complex sub-systems to regulate the amount of heat transmitted to the skin site and avoid burning the patient, and are typically limited to one sensor and, hence, one sensor location on the body.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a simple physiological sensor method and system that substantially reduces or overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional sensor methods and systems, such as pulse oximeter sensor methods and systems.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a physiological sensor method and system that substantially reduces or overcomes the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional sensor methods and systems.
It is another object of the invention to provide a physiological sensor method and system that enhance the accuracy of physiological measurements and determinations made therefrom.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pulse oximetry method and system that includes heating means to enhance blood perfusion.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pulse oximetry method and system that includes heating means that is adapted to heat a significantly larger tissue region, such as an entire ear or hand, prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter reading therein.
It is another object of the invention to provide a pulse oximetry method and system that includes multiple sensors and associated heating means that are adapted to selectively heat a large tissue region.
In accordance with the above objects and those that will be mentioned and will become apparent below, in one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a non-invasive method of determining a physiological characteristic, comprising the steps of (i) providing at least one physiological sensor that is adapted to measure at least one physiological characteristic at a target measurement site on a subject's body, (ii) disposing the physiological sensor proximate the target measurement site, (iii) heating an extended tissue region on the subject's body, whereby blood perfusion of the tissue region is enhanced, the extended tissue region including the target measurement site and a region extending beyond the target measurement site, and (iv) measuring at least one physiological characteristic with the physiological sensor during or within a predetermined period after heating the extended tissue region.
Preferably, heating of the extended tissue region is sufficient to induce or trigger an optimal homeostatic reflex, whereby tissue perfusion is enhanced, without burning the subject.
In one embodiment of the invention, the extended tissue region comprises the entire ear of the subject and the target measurement site comprises the earlobe of the heated ear.
In another embodiment, the extended tissue region comprises the entire ear and adjoining structure, i.e. tissue of the head adjacent the ear, of the subject and the target measurement site comprises the earlobe of the heated ear and adjoining structure.
In another embodiment of the invention, the extended tissue region comprises the entire arm of the subject and the target measurement site comprises a finger on the heated arm.
In yet another embodiment, the tissue region comprises a hand of the subject and the target measurement site comprises a finger on the heated hand.
In one embodiment of the invention, the physiological characteristic comprises the blood oxygen saturation of the subject.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a non-invasive method of determining a physiological characteristic, comprising the steps of (i) providing a plurality of physiological sensors that are adapted to measure at least one physiological characteristic at target measurement sites on a subject's body, (ii) disposing a first physiological sensor proximate a first target measurement site on the subject's body and a second physiological sensor proximate a second target measurement site on the subject's body, (iii) heating a first extended tissue region on the subject's body, whereby blood perfusion of the first extended tissue region is enhanced, the first extended tissue region including the first target measurement site and a region extending beyond the first target measurement site, and (iv) measuring at least one physiological characteristic with the first and second physiological sensors during or within a predetermined period after heating the first extended tissue region.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a non-invasive method of determining a physiological characteristic, comprising the steps of (i) providing a plurality of physiological sensors that are adapted to measure at least one physiological characteristic at target measurement sites on a subject's body, (ii) disposing a first physiological sensor proximate a first target measurement site on the subject's body and a second physiological sensor proximate a second target measurement site on the subject's body, (iii) heating a first extended tissue region on the subject's body, whereby blood perfusion of the first extended tissue region is enhanced, the first extended tissue region including the first target measurement site and a region extending beyond the first target measurement site, (iv) heating a second extended tissue region on the subject's body, whereby blood perfusion of the second extended tissue region is enhanced, the second extended tissue region including the second target measurement site and a region extending beyond the second target measurement site, and (v) measuring at least one physiological characteristic with the first and second physiological sensors during or within a predetermined period after heating the first and second extended tissue regions.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a physiological sensor system, comprising (i) means for measuring at least one physiological characteristic at a target measurement site on a subject's body, and (ii) means for heating an extended tissue region on the subject's body, whereby blood perfusion of the tissue region is enhanced, the extended tissue region including the target measurement site and a tissue region extending beyond the target measurement site.
Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and in which like referenced characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the views, and in which:
Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified methods or systems as such may, of course, vary. Thus, although a number of methods and systems similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred methods and systems are described herein.
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only and is not intended to be limiting.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Further, all publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Finally, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms “pulse oximeter”, “oximeter sensor” and “oximeter”, as used herein, mean and include any conventional light-reflecting oximeter or sensor that is adapted to sense or measure light absorption in tissue and/or blood.
The term “oximeter reading”, as used herein, means and includes a measure of light absorption in tissue and/or blood.
The term “heating means”, as used herein, means and includes any means of increasing the core or tissue temperature of a subject, including, without limitation, one or more (i.e. a combination of) devices that transmit heat energy, such as thermoelectric heating devices (e.g., heating elements of various sizes, shapes, materials, etc. that are adapted to cooperate with various heating apparatus and/or configurations, such as a heated glove), contact heaters, lamps, heating blankets, etc., heated rooms, heated liquids, devices that transmit ultrasonic or photoelectric energy, and mentholated, counterirritant and/or vasodilating substances. The term “heating means” also means and includes passive heating means, i.e. means for limiting heat from escaping a specific tissue region of the body.
The terms “patient” and “subject”, as used herein, is meant to mean and include humans and animals.
The present invention substantially reduces or eliminates the disadvantages and drawbacks associated with conventional pulse oximetry methods and systems. In one embodiment of the invention, the pulse oximetry method and system includes an oximeter sensor and associated heating means that is adapted to heat a large tissue region or site, such as an entire organ or appendage, prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter reading. In another embodiment, the pulse oximetry method and system includes a plurality of oximeter sensors and associated heating means that are similarly adapted to selectively heat large tissue regions or sites prior to or in conjunction with obtaining oximeter readings.
As discussed in detail below, Applicants have found that the signal-to-noise ratio of a sensor, i.e. oximeter sensor, (and, hence, the accuracy of any physiological characteristic, e.g., O2 saturation, determined therefrom) can be significantly enhanced by heating a significantly larger tissue region, i.e. a region that extends beyond the target measurement site and/or region in direct communication with the sensor, prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter reading.
Although the methods and systems of the invention are described herein in conjunction with pulse oximeter methods, sensors and systems, and measurements (or readings) obtained therewith, it is understood that the methods and systems are not limited to pulse oximetry and determinations made therefrom. Indeed, as will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the methods and systems of the invention can readily be employed with other physiological monitoring apparatus and methods, which are adapted to monitor and/or determine a physiological characteristic based on the wave form, or amplitude or shape of a plethysmogram.
Referring first to
Two lights are emitted by the emitters 20, 22; in one embodiment, a first light having a discrete wavelength in the range of approximately 650-670 nanometers in the red range and a second light having a discrete wavelength in the range of approximately 800-950 nanometers. The lights, in the illustrated embodiment, are transmitted through finger 10 via emitters 20, 22 and detected by detector 28.
The emitters 20, 22 are driven by drive circuitry 24, which is, in turn, governed by control signal circuitry 26. Detector 28 is in communication with or connected to amplifier 30. The signal from amplifier 30 is transmitted to demodulator 32, which is also synchronized to control signal circuitry 24. The demodulator 32, which is employed in most pulse oximeter systems, removes any common mode signals present and splits the time multiplexed signal into two (2) channels, one representing the red voltage (or optical) signal and the other representing the infrared voltage (or optical) signal.
The signal from the demodulator 32 is transmitted to an analog-digital converter 34. As is well known in the art, the output signal from the demodulator 34 is typically a time multiplexed signal comprising (i) a background signal, (ii) the red light range signal, and (iii) the infrared light range signal.
The desired computations are performed on the output from the converter 34 by signal processor 36 and the results transmitted to and displayed by display 40.
Referring now to
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art. Various oximeter sensors (and systems) can be employed within the scope of the invention. Thus, although the pulse oximeter system 200 discussed in detail below employs sensor 100 (shown in
Referring back to
In some embodiments of the invention, the heating means 50 includes heat regulating means (shown in phantom and designated “51”), e.g., heating blanket, or integral control means, that is adapted to monitor and regulate the heat transmitted by the heating means 50.
Referring now to
In yet additional embodiments, the system 200 further includes at least one heat sensor (shown in phantom and designated “60”) that is adapted to be disposed proximate the tissue region being heated by the heating means 50 and monitor the temperature of the heated tissue region. In the noted embodiments, the heat sensor 60 preferably is in communication with the processor 55 and, hence, display 40, whereby the temperature of the heated tissue region can be displayed.
As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the heating means 50 of the invention is adapted to transmit heat energy to a large or extended tissue region, i.e. a tissue region that extends beyond the target measurement site and/or the tissue region that is proximate to or in direct communication with the sensor (see, e.g.,
The heating means 50 of the invention can thus comprise any means of increasing the core or tissue (or skin) temperature of a subject, including, without limitation, devices that transmit heat energy, such as thermoelectric heating devices (e.g., heating elements of various sizes, shapes, materials, etc. that are adapted to cooperate with various heating apparatus and/or configurations, such as a heated glove), contact heaters, lamps, heating blankets, etc., heated rooms, heated liquids, devices that transmit ultrasonic or photoelectric energy, and mentholated, counterirritant and/or vasodilating substances, and passive heating means, i.e. means for limiting heat from escaping a specific tissue region of the body. As indicated above, the heating means 50 (and 52, discussed below) can also comprise two or more of the noted devices and means, e.g. two heat lamps.
According to the invention, the heat or heat energy provided by the heating means 50 can be substantially steady state (or constant) or varied, e.g. oscillated or any function of time-varied heating.
According to the invention, the heat or heat energy transmitted by the heating means 50 and applied to the tissue is sufficient to induce or trigger an optimal homeostatic reflex, whereby tissue perfusion of the heated tissue region is enhanced, without burning the patient. As will be appreciated my one having ordinary skill in the art, the amount of heat or heat energy that would be necessary to trigger an optimal homeostatic reflex will vary from patient-to-patient, site to site on the same patient as well as over time depending on physical and/or mental health condition, metabolic status, exertion or fatigue and prior thermal conditioning or exposure.
Applicants have, however, found that when the skin of a patient is heated up to a generally tolerable temperature range of approximately 40-42° C., arterioles in the blood vessel network that spread in the shallow layer within the dermis respond to the heat stimulus by active expansion of the inner diameters of the arterioles and general vasodialation. The expanded diameter results in a lowered resistance to blood flow and, hence, increased blood flow therethrough. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, to optimize the increase of perfusion, the skin or tissue of the patient is heated to at least a temperature of approximately 35° C. or, at a minimum, 3° C. above the skin or surface temperature and below a temperature of approximately 42° C. to avoid burning the patient.
A key feature and advantage of the pulse oximeter methods and systems of the invention is the application of the heat or heat energy over a large tissue region, such as an entire organ or appendage, prior to or in conjunction with taking an oximeter reading. As indicated above, Applicants have found that the signal-to-noise ratio of an oximeter sensor (and, hence, the accuracy of any physiological characteristic, e.g., O2 saturation, determined therefrom) can be significantly enhanced by heating a large tissue region prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter region. Indeed, Applicants have realized about one order of magnitude improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio by virtue of the methods and systems of the invention.
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, an order of magnitude increase in blood perfusion is significant in that the resulting signal strength enables measurement at an optimum site, such as a site proximate the central circulation, which is, by design, much less affected by vasoconstriction and, which is more proximal the heart and aorta. Such sites were heretofore deemed inaccessible and there was insufficient sensor signal strength to yield useful and high quality measurements, i.e. a quality that is comparable to conventional sites when non-constricted, such as the finger.
According to the invention, the large tissue region that is subjected to heating can, of course, comprise the entire body of the patient. The heating means 50, in this instance, could thus comprise a heated liquid bath or a heated room, such as a sauna.
More preferably, the larger tissue region comprises an entire organ or appendage and, in some embodiments, the adjoining tissue structure. Referring to
In the noted illustration, the system 200 includes a heat sensor 60, which is disposed proximate the heated finger 10. However, as discussed in detail above, the heat sensor 60 can also be readily disposed proximate any desired location within heat zone “h1” and, hence, hand 60 or heat zone “h2” and, hence, arm 62. According to the invention, two or more heat sensors 60 can also be employed with system 200, e.g., one heat sensor 60 disposed proximate a location on the heated arm 62 and one heat sensor 60 disposed proximate the heated hand 60 or finger 10.
Referring to
According to the invention, the heat can similarly be applied to the ear 64 (or the entire ear 64 and the adjoining tissue region) prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter reading on a site therein, preferably, the earlobe 65, with oximeter sensor 100.
Referring now to
According to the invention, each sensor 100a, 100b is adapted to be positioned proximate to or on a desired position of the body, e.g., earlobe and finger, and obtain oximetry readings therefrom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention (discussed below), at least one sensor, e.g., 100a, is disposed proximate a central circulation site, e.g., neck, ear, nose, etc., and at least one sensor, e.g., 100b, is disposed proximate a peripheral circulation site, e.g., arm, hand, finger, etc.
The system 300 also includes a plurality of associated heating means 50, 52, which are similarly adapted to transmit heat energy to a large tissue region, i.e. a tissue region that extends beyond the respective sensor position or target measurement site and/or the tissue region that is proximate to or in direct communication with the respective sensor, prior to or in conjunction with obtaining an oximeter readings, and, optionally, display 40. The heating means 50, 52 are similarly adapted to be positioned proximate desired locations on the body and transmit heat or heat energy thereto; the term proximate meaning and including in close proximity to and/or in direct contact therewith.
As will be readily appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, each (or both) heating means 50, 52 of the invention can also be adapted to heat a smaller tissue region, e.g., a tissue region proximate a respective sensor, if desired.
According to the invention, heating means 52 can be similar to heating means 50, e.g., heat lamp, or, alternatively, heating means 50 and 52 can comprise different heat sources, e.g., heat lamp, heat blanket and passive heating means. As is also illustrated in
Although system 300 is shown with two sensors, i.e. sensors 100a, 100b, and associated heating means 50, 52, it is to be understood that system 300 can include more than two sensors with associated heating means, e.g. three, four, etc. The illustration of system 300 in
Referring to
In yet additional embodiments, the system 300 further includes at least two heat sensors 60 that are similarly adapted to be disposed proximate the heated tissue regions and monitor the temperature thereof. In the noted embodiments, the heat sensors 60 are preferably in communication with the processor 55 and, hence, display 40, whereby the temperature of the heated tissue regions can be displayed.
Referring now to
According to the invention, one or both regions, e.g., ear 64 and arm 62, can be heated while obtaining oximetry readings with sensors 100a, 100b. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the entire ear 64 (or the ear 64 and adjoining tissue region) is heated with heating means 50 while oximeter readings are acquired at the heated earlobe 65 and the unheated finger 10 with sensors 100a and 100b, respectively. In another embodiment, the entire arm 62 is heated with heating means 52 while oximeter reading are acquired at the unheated earlobe 65 and heated finger 10 with sensors 100a and 100b, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the hand 60 is heated with heating means 52 while oximeter reading are acquired at the unheated earlobe 65 and finger 10 with sensors 100a and 100b, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the entire ear 64 (or the ear 64 and adjoining tissue region) is heated with heating means 50 and the hand 60 is heated with heating means 52 while oximeter reading are acquired at the heated earlobe 65 and heated finger 10 with sensors 100a and 100b, respectively.
According to the invention, oximetry readings can also be obtained with sensors 100a, 100b without the application of heat to an extended tissue region or during (or after a predetermined time after) the application of heat to a smaller tissue region proximate one or both sensors 100a, 100b.
System 300 thus provides an effective means of acquiring multiple oximetry readings with enhanced accuracy from sensors disposed at multiple locations on the body.
The following examples are provided to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and practice the present invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as being illustrated as representative thereof.
A series of blood oximetry readings were obtained from thirty-three (33) subjects that ranged in age from 28 to 92 years of age. Baseline temperature and plethysmographic readings were initially recorded. The baseline temperature for each subject was obtained on an area of the ear proximate the sensor using a remote IR skin temperature monitoring device. Baseline plethysmographic recordings were obtained with a non-heatable Nellcor Ear Sensor®, model ES-3212-9.
Referring now to
It should further be noted that the amplitude of the pulse waves shown in
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Referring now to
The data reflected in
As will readily be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art, the physiological sensor methods and systems of the invention provide numerous advantages. Among the advantages are the following:
Without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, one having ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. As such, these changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims.
