Tele-diagnostic device

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

(Technical field) The present invention relates to a system for obtaining a plurality of medical diagnostic information and providing emergency treatment, and a device for use with the system. In particular, the present invention collects heart-related diagnostic information and transmits the information from a remote location to a second location, such as a medical monitor command center, from a first location to a second location. With respect to a system for providing medical management information and providing first aid to a patient in the first position, and a device for use with the system.

【0002】

(background) In a hospital environment, when a person suffering from an illness (ie, a "patient") needs emergency treatment (ie, "emergency itself"), the doctor accompanying the patient first sees the patient and makes an emergency. The cause of the situation must be determined. To that end, doctors typically (i) observe the patient's appearance and behavior and (ii) ask the patient and / or others around the patient if circumstances permit to provide an accurate history of the disease. Patients are examined by methods such as (iii) performing many diagnostic tests such as EKG, blood pressure, pulse, blood gas analysis, etc. After performing the test, the doctor can diagnose the patient's illness and determine the course of coping (ie, treatment) to alleviate the medical emergency the patient is suffering from.

【0003】

However, emergencies rarely occur in an environment where the doctor is physically close to the patient. It is not uncommon for emergencies to occur in remote areas. Usually, the first medical professional to reach the patient is a medical assistant. In addition to transporting the patient to a hospital where the doctor can treat the patient, medical assistants typically use multiple independent medical diagnostic probes such as sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, and EKG devices. Make a quick diagnosis. The medical assistant then communicates this information to the doctor so that he can (i) give treatment instructions to this medical assistant and (ii) prepare an emergency room for the visiting patient. To do. This routine procedure is a normal accepted practice, but to manipulate all of the various diagnostic probes attached to the patient to generate life information, accurately read the display, and convey that information to the doctor. Takes a relatively large amount of time. This is usually done from an ambulance over a local wireless communication system.

【0004】

Other emergencies occur, such as when the patient is in a location that is not easily accessible to anyone other than the person present. Such situations typically occur in other remote areas such as planes, ships, or ski resorts. In many cases, conditions such as budgetary restrictions or accessibility to the location of an emergency limit the availability of medical diagnostic equipment. Other environments with insufficient population do not benefit from satisfactory medical diagnostic facilities. In the event of an emergency on a ship or plane, the ship or plane carrying the patient should be at the land station so that the doctor at the core station can treat the patient or the medical assistant can take the patient to the hospital. I have to stop by. In these cases, more time inevitably elapses before the doctor can evaluate the patient's medical symptoms and prescribe a course of treatment.

【0005】

In most emergencies, time is the essential and important factor that determines the end result. As the passage of time before receiving treatment increases, the chances of successfully treating the patient decrease. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide equipment and systems that can reduce the time component in patient evaluation and treatment. It can also be used by non-medical personnel (flight attendants) and allows remote doctors to evaluate patients and provide first aid without waiting for medical assistants or nurses to arrive. It would be desirable to be able to provide capable devices and systems.

【0006】

In emergencies, time often passes while adjusting the placement of the EKG electrodes to accurately read the EKG. Moreover, even in non-emergency situations, it often takes time to properly position the EKG electrodes. It would be desirable to provide a device that can be placed directly on the patient's chest and facilitates accurate EKG trace recording. In addition, a device that can easily obtain multiple diagnostic information from a patient, transmit these in a short time, and allow a doctor far away from the patient to analyze the data to assist in diagnosing emergency symptoms. It would be desirable to provide.

【0007】

Therefore, (i) EKG, blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, O₂Multiple diagnostic information, including% saturation and heartbeat monitors, can be transmitted quickly and easily from remote locations, (ii) can provide the ability to enable verbal communication from remote locations from medical command centers, and (iii) emergency It would be desirable to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use device that can provide initial treatment and (iv) ultimately transfer the patient to the nearest medical center. It is also desirable to provide devices and systems capable of transmitting all of the diagnostic information mentioned above, recognizing life-threatening cardiac abnormalities, and defibrillating patients immediately. There will be.

【0008】

(Disclosure of Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use system for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting them to a remote location. Another objective is to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use system for providing emergency medical procedures in remote areas. Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use probe capable of collecting multiple diagnostic information and transmitting it to a remote location. Yet another object is to provide an inexpensive and easy-to-use device capable of providing emergency medical procedures (eg, defibrillation).

【0009】

A system is provided for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information remotely and for providing emergency treatment in the execution of the above-mentioned purpose and other purposes. The system goes to a remote location with a first member adapted to be worn by a human first hand and a second member adapted to be worn by a human second hand. It is provided with means for transmitting information and receiving information from a remote location. Each member includes a glove member having a palm portion, a wrist portion and five finger portions. These components further include an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse device, a temperature device and a defibrillation device. In addition, these members are O₂You can also have a% device as well as an auscultation device.

【0010】

(Best mode for carrying out the invention) The present invention relates to a system for acquiring a plurality of medical diagnostic information from a remote location and providing emergency treatment at the remote location, and a device for use with the system. In particular, the present invention is a system for collecting heart-related diagnostic information, transmitting the information from a remote location to another location (for example, a medical monitor command center), and providing emergency treatment at the remote location, and the system. With respect to diagnostic probes, emergency treatment components, and information transmitters for use with.

【0011】

As a representative example of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a system 10 for collecting and transmitting a plurality of diagnostic information from a remote location and for providing emergency treatment at the remote location. The system 10 includes a first glove member 12a and a second glove member 12b.

【0012】

The first glove member 12a is adapted to be worn on one human hand. The second glove member 12b is adapted to be worn on the other human hand. These glove members 12a and 12b include a plurality of medical diagnostic probes that collect diagnostic signals and an emergency treatment device that provides emergency cardiac treatment, as described in more detail below.

【0013】

The glove members 12a and 12b are connected to the interface unit 16 via the first cable 14a and the second cable 14b, respectively, and communicate with the interface unit to provide a diagnostic signal or a diagnostic signal from the medical diagnostic probe to the interface unit. Information can be sent. In a preferred embodiment, the interface unit 16 communicates with the remote command center 18 via a telephone line or fiber A, satellite connection B, or radio wave connection C. Alternatively, the interface unit 16 can communicate with the personal computer (PC) 20 via the interface connection D. The PC 20 may be local to or remote from the interface unit 16. Interface 16 may also communicate with multiple local or remote diagnostic readout devices 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and 22e via central interface connection E and multiple individual interface connections F, G, H, I. Good. The diagnostic readout devices 22a-22e preferably read electrocardiogram (EKG); blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate; O, respectively.₂% Read, body temperature read, and stethoscope.

【0014】

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, both the first glove member 12a and the second glove member 12b include a first glove layer 24a, 24b and a second glove layer 26a, 26b, respectively. The second glove layer is fixed to the first glove layer so as to cover most, preferably almost all, of the first glove layer. Each of the first glove layers 24a, 24b is preferably made of a highly flexible natural or synthetic material such as cotton flocked nitrile. Each of the second glove layers 26a, 26b is preferably made of a highly flexible material such as nitrile.

【0015】

Referring to FIG. 2, the first glove member 12a includes a palm portion 28a, a wrist portion 30a, and a thumb portion 32a, an index finger portion 34a, a middle finger portion 36a, a ring finger portion 38a and a little finger portion 40a. The first glove member 12a further includes a palm surface 42a (FIG. 2) and a back surface 44a (FIG. 3).

【0016】

Referring to FIG. 4, the second glove member 12b includes a palm portion 28b, a wrist portion 30b, and a thumb portion 32b, an index finger portion 34b, a middle finger portion 36b, a ring finger portion 38b and a little finger portion 40b. The second glove member 12b further includes a palm surface 42b and a back surface 44b (FIG. 5).

【0017】

As mentioned above, the glove members 12a and 12b include a plurality of medical diagnostic devices and emergency treatment devices. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the glove members 12a and 12b are the EKG diagnostic device, the blood pressure and pulse rate monitor 46 (Fig. 2), the temperature device 48, O.₂Includes a% meter (Figure 4), auscultation device 52 (Figure 2), and defibrillator 54 (Figures 3 and 5).

【0018】

The EKG device can measure the EKG current of the myocardium and preferably includes a plurality of sensors 56a-56k located on the glove members 12a and 12b. That is, the sensors 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e, 56f, 56g are arranged on the first glove member 12a. Sensors 56h (FIG. 4), 56i, 56j and 56k are located on the second glove member 12b. The sensors 56a to 56g (FIG. 2) are fixed to the first layer 24a of the first glove member 12a. The sensors 56h to 56k (FIG. 4) are fixed to the first layer 24b of the second glove member 12b. An example of the sensor 56c is shown in FIG. Each of these sensors 56a-56k is preferably a stainless steel screen 58 and an EKG conductive jelly placed between the screen and preferably the first layers 24a and 24b (FIGS. 2 and 4). Contains EKG Jelly Sponge 60 that can be supplied. The sensors 56a to 56k are provided on the palm surfaces 42a and 42b of the glove members 12a and 12b, respectively, and preferably extend through the respective glove members so that the sensors are exposed to the environment.

【0019】

More specifically, the sensor 56a (FIG. 2) is located at the tip of the palm surface 42a on the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a. The sensor 56b is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42a in the ring finger portion 38a of the first glove member 12a. The sensor 56c is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42a in the middle finger portion 36a of the first glove member 12a. The sensor 56d is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42a on the index finger 34a of the first glove member 12a. The sensor 56e is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42a in the thumb portion 32a of the first glove member 12a. The sensor 56f is arranged at the base of the palm surface 42a in the little finger portion 38a of the first glove member 12a. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the sensor 56g is arranged on the left side of the palm surface 42a in the palm portion 28a of the first glove member 12a.

【0020】

The sensor 56h (FIG. 4) is arranged on the palm surface 42b and the back surface 44b (FIG. 5) of the thumb portion 32b and the index finger portion 34b of the second glove member 12b. The sensor 56h extends from the base of the thumb portion 32b of the second glove member 12b to the base of the index finger portion 34b of the second glove member. The sensor 56i is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42b in the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b. The sensor 56j is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42b in the ring finger portion 38b of the second glove member 12b. The sensor 56k is arranged at the tip of the palm surface 42b on the little finger portion 40b of the second glove member 12b.

【0021】

Each of the sensors 56a-56g (Fig. 2) is connected to wires 62a-62g, respectively, and these wires extend between each of the sensors 56a-56g and the first female connection plug 64a (Fig. 3). The two are electrically connected to each other, and the female connection plug is preferably provided on the back surface of the first glove member 12a. Each wire 62a-62g is preferably arranged between the first layer 24a and the second layer 26a in the first glove member 12a and preferably fixed to the first layer 24a. Each of the sensors 56h-56k (Fig. 4) is connected to wires 62h-62k, respectively, and these wires are connected between each of the sensors 56h-56k and the second female connection plug 64b (Fig. 5). Extending and electrically connecting the two, the female plug is preferably provided on the back surface of the second glove member 12b. Each wire 62h-62k is preferably arranged between the first layer 24b and the second layer 26b in the second glove member 12b, and is preferably fixed to the first layer 30b. Each wire 62a-62k is preferably Amidon, located in Santa Ana, California. Highly flexible stranded No. 30 (or less) wire with a shielded and powdered iron bead 66, such as part No. T25-26 available from Associates).

【0022】

The first glove member 12a includes a first ground strip 68a (FIG. 3), preferably on the back surface 44a of the palm portion 28a between the first layer 24a and the second layer 26a, respectively. Be placed. Each of the wires 62a-62g is preferably connected to the first ground strip 68a, preferably via a shield of each wire. The first ground strip 68a is connected to the wire 70a, which extends between the first ground strip 68a and the first female connection plug 64a to electrically connect them. The second glove member 12b includes a second ground strip 68b (FIG. 5), preferably on the back surface 44b of the palm portion 28b between the first layer 24b and the second layer 26b, respectively. Be placed. Each wire 62i-62k is preferably connected to a second installation strip 68b, preferably via a shield for each wire. A second ground strip 68b is connected to wire 70b, which extends between the second ground strip 68b and the second female connection plug 64b to electrically connect them. The first and second ground strips 68a and 68b, each made of highly flexible copper mesh or foil, carry existing electromagnetic force (EMF) noise to a single voltage point for removal. It works to do.

【0023】

The blood pressure device 46 (FIG. 2) capable of measuring the pulse signal during systolic and diastolic blood pressure is preferably the first layer 24a and the second layer in the thumb portion 32a and the index finger portion 34a of the first glove member 12a. It is fixed to the first layer 24a in the first glove member 12a with and from 26a. The blood pressure device 46 preferably includes an inflatable air sac 72 that defines a chamber for accommodating air or other suitable inflatable fluid, an acoustic coupler in the chamber and an air tube 76. The air sac 72 extends from the middle portion of the thumb portion 32 of the first glove member 12a to the middle portion of the index finger portion 34a. The air tube 76 extends between the chamber of the air sac 72 and the first female connecting plug 64a (FIG. 3) to provide fluid and acoustic flow between the two. The acoustic coupler-74 (FIG. 2) is capable of collecting sound waves in the air sac 72 and directing the sound waves to the air tube 76 through the tube. The blood pressure device 46 is preferably made of the same or similar parts as the parts of the UB-320 systolic / diastolic (pulse) digital blood pressure monitor available from A + D Engineering Inc., located in Milpitas, Calif. ..

【0024】

The temperature (body temperature) device 48 is capable of measuring temperature signals and preferably includes a thermistor 78. The thermistor 78 is preferably located at the tip of the middle finger portion 36a of the first glove member 12a. The thermistor 78 is preferably secured to the first layer 24a of the first glove member 12a. The temperature device 48 includes a pair of highly flexible No. 30 (or less) stranded and shielded wires 80, which are the thermistor 78 and a first female connection plug 64a ( Extend to and electrically connect them to Figure 3). The temperature device 48 (Figure 2) is preferably the same as or similar to the parts of the Cole Palmer E-08402-00 Thermistor and Generic Thermistor E-08459-10 available from Cole Palmer Instruments, Inc., Vernon Hills, Illinois. Made of parts.

【0025】

O₂% Device 50 (Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) shows the percentage of oxygen saturation in blood (O).₂%) Signals can be measured, preferably red (600-660 nm) and infrared (880-1000 nm) LED emitters 82, and LEDs located on the second layer 26b of the second glove member 12b. Includes (600-1000 nm) sensor 84. The LED emitter 82 is preferably fixed inside the thumb portion 32b of the second glove member 12b. Further, the LED sensor 84 is preferably fixed to the side of the index finger portion 34b facing the thumb portion 32b of the second glove member 12b so that the LED emitter 82 faces the LED sensor 84. The LED emitter 82 is connected to a pair of highly flexible No. 30 (or less) stranded and shielded wires 86, which are the LED emitter and a second female mold. It extends to and from the connection plug 64b (Fig. 5) to electrically connect the two. The LED sensor 84 (FIG. 4) is connected to a pair of wires 88, which extend between the LED sensor and the second female connection plug 64b (FIG. 5) to electrically connect the two. .. O₂% Device 50 (Figures 4 and 5) is preferably Nonyne Onyx Blood Flow and O, available from Nonyne Medical, Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota.₂% It is made of the same or similar parts as the reader and model No.8500M parts.

【0026】

The auscultatory device 52 (FIG. 2) is capable of detecting sound waves localized in the patient's heart and lungs, and is preferably an acoustic coupler and microphone 90, an air tube 92, and a pair of highly flexible. Includes No. 30 (or less) standardized and shielded wire 93. The acoustic coupler and microphone 90 are preferably anchored to the right side of the palm surface 42a in the palm portion 28a of the first glove member 12a, preferably the first layer 24a. The acoustic coupler and microphone 90 can collect and amplify sound waves that are relatively close to the acoustic coupler and microphone. The air tube 92 extends between the acoustic coupler and microphone 90 and the first female connection plug 64a (fitted for connection with a stethoscope) to provide voice communication between the two. Thus, when connected to a stethoscope, the air tube 92 extends between the acoustic coupler and the microphone 90 and the stethoscope to provide voice communication between the two. A pair of wires 93 extend between the acoustic coupler and microphone 90 and the first female connection plug 64a to electrically connect them. The auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2) is preferably made of the same or similar components as the EG Company Microphone 9445 available from Electrical Gold Co., Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona.

【0027】

The defibrillator 54 (FIGS. 3 and 5) can apply an electric shock to restore the rhythm of the ventricular fibrillated heart. The defibrillator 54 includes a plurality of electrodes 98a-98h arranged on the back surfaces of the second layers 26a and 26b of the first glove member 12a and the second glove member 12b, respectively.

【0028】

More specifically, the electrode 98a (FIG. 3) is located on the back surface 44a of the index finger portion 34a of the first glove member 12a. The electrode 98b is arranged on the back surface 44a of the middle finger portion 36a of the first glove member 12a. The electrode 98c is arranged on the back surface 44a of the ring finger portion 38a in the first glove member 12a. The electrode 98d is arranged on the back surface 44a of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a.

【0029】

The electrode 98e (FIG. 5) is located on the back surface 44b of the index finger portion 34b of the second glove member 12b. The electrode 98f is arranged on the back surface 44b of the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b. The electrode 98g is arranged on the back surface 44b of the ring finger portion 38b in the second glove member 12b. The electrode 98h is arranged on the back surface 44b of the little finger portion 43b of the second glove member 12b.

【0030】

Electrodes 98a-98d (FIG. 3) are connected to wires 100a-100d, respectively, which are the first defibrillation electrode combiner located on the electrodes 98a-98d and preferably on the back surface 44a of the first glove member 12a. Extends to and from 102a to electrically connect the two. The first defibrillation electrode combiner 102a is connected to a highly flexible No. 24 (or less) stranded high pressure insulating wire 104a, which is the first defibrillation wire. It extends between the electrode combiner 102a and the first female connection plug 64a to electrically connect them.

【0031】

Each of the electrodes 98e-98h (FIG. 5) is connected to a highly flexible No. 24 (or less) stranded high-voltage insulated wire 100e-100h, which is connected to the electrodes 98e-98h. And preferably a second defibrillation electrode combiner 102b located on the back surface 44b of the second glove member 12b to electrically connect the two. The second defibrillation electrode combiner 102b is connected to a highly flexible No. 24 (or less) stranded high pressure insulating wire 104b, which wire is the second defibrillation electrode combiner. It extends between the 102 and the second female connection plug 64b to electrically connect them. The defibrillator 54 is preferably made of parts that are the same as or similar to the parts of the Heartstream automatic defibrillator model "E" or "EM" available from Heartstream, Seattle, Washington. The glove members 12a and 12b are preferably further equipped with an acupuncture device to provide a voltage of sufficient potential to generate an electrical pin stimulus. The acupuncture device is preferably located at the tips of the respective finger portions 32a-40a and 32b-40b in each glove member 12a and 12b, and a plurality of stainless steel electrodes 106a-106j extending from the finger portions 106a-106j (FIGS. 3 and 3). 4) is included. Each electrode 106a-106j is substantially conical and has a base portion connected to the respective finger portions 32a-40a and 32b-40b, terminating at the head portion. The electrodes 106a to 106e each contain wires 108e to 108j, and each of these wires extends between the first acupuncture electrode combiner 110a and one of the electrodes 106a to 106j to electrically connect the two. There is. The first acupuncture electrode combiner 110a is connected to a wire 12, which extends between the first acupuncture electrode combiner 110a and the first female connection plug 64a to electrically connect the two. ing. Each of the electrodes 106f to 106j (FIG. 5) contains wires 108f to 108j, respectively, and each of these wires extends between the second acupuncture electrode combiner 110b and each of the electrodes 106f to 106j to hold both. It is electrically connected. The second acupuncture electrode combiner 110b is connected to a wire 112b, which extends between the second acupuncture electrode combiner 110b and the second female connection plug 64b to electrically connect the two. doing.

【0032】

Each of the glove members 12a and 12b is preferably made of wires, sensors, electrodes and other parts by some suitable means, preferably each of the nitrile glove members (ie, first layer 24a). And 24b) manufactured by fixing. The wires, sensors and / or electrodes could be made using flexible circuit technology by using conductive printable inks. The parts of the glove members 12a and 12b that do not extend beyond the second layers 26a and 26b, such as wires, are then provided by the second layers 26a and 26b, respectively, in a suitable manner such as spraying or dipping coating. Be covered.

【0033】

The first cable 14a includes a first input plug 114a (FIG. 3) that fits into the male receiver of the first female connection plug 64a in the first glove member 12a and also includes a first in interface unit 16. Includes a first output plug 116a (Figure 6) that fits into the male receiver of the female connection plug 118a. The second cable 14b includes a first input plug 114b (FIG. 5) that fits into the male receiver of the first female connection plug 64b in the second glove member 12b, and also includes a first in interface unit 16. Includes a second output plug 116b (Figure 6) that fits into the male receiver of the female connection plug 118b. The first cable 14a (FIG. 3) preferably comprises a plurality of electrical wires and air tubes that extend between the plugs 114a and 116a (FIG. 6) and the plugs 114a (FIG. 3) and Electrical and acoustically between the first glove member 12a and the interface unit 16 when the 116a (FIG. 6) is plugged into their female connection plugs 64a (FIG. 3) and 116a (FIG. 6). And provide fluid communication. The second cable 14b (FIG. 5) preferably contains a plurality of electrical wires, which extend between the plugs 114b and 116b (FIG. 6) and the plugs 114b (FIG. 5) and 116b (FIG. 5). When 6) is plugged into the respective female connection plugs 64b (FIG. 5) and 118b (FIG. 6), it provides electrical communication between the second glove member 12b and the interface unit 16.

【0034】

The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) preferably has systolic and diastolic blood pressure from the EKG circuit board 120, blood pressure device 46 for receiving the EKG current detected by the sensors 56a-56k (FIGS. 2 and 4). And the blood pressure circuit board 122 (Fig. 6) for receiving the pulse signal, the temperature circuit board 124 (Fig. 6) for receiving the temperature signal from the temperature device 48 (Fig. 2), O₂% Device 50 (Fig. 4) to O₂% O to receive the signal₂Includes% circuit board 126 (Figure 6) and acupuncture / defibrillation circuit board 128 (Figure 6) to control the delivery of electric shock to the patient.

【0035】

The EKG circuit board 120 can amplify the EKG current from the sensors 56a to 56k and convert the EKG current into at least a plurality of EKG analog outputs. The EKG circuit board 120 is preferably made of the same or similar parts as the parts of the PC-ECG recorder unit available from IPI Medical Products, Inc., McLean, Virginia.

【0036】

The blood pressure circuit board 122 (i) converts the systolic blood pressure signal into a systolic blood pressure analog output, (ii) converts the diastolic blood pressure signal into an diastolic blood pressure analog output, and (iii) converts the pulse signal into a pulse analog output. Can be converted to. The blood pressure circuit board 122 comprises an expanding fluid source such as an air pump 130 (FIG. 6) for supplying an expanding fluid source for the air sac 72, and acoustics for detecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse signals. Includes a sensor (not shown). The pump 130 is in fluid communication with the air sac 72 (FIG. 2) via the air tube 76, and the cable 14a (FIG. 1) and the air conduit 131 (FIG. 6) are connected to the female connection plug 118a of the interface unit 16. It extends to and from the air pump 130 of the blood pressure circuit board 122 and provides fluid and acoustic communication between the two. The blood pressure circuit board 122 is preferably made of the same or similar parts as the parts of the UB-302 systolic / diastolic (pulse) digital blood pressure monitor available from A + D Engineering, Inc., located in Milpitas, CA. Will be done.

【0037】

The temperature circuit board 124 can convert the temperature signal into a temperature analog output. The temperature circuit board 124 is preferably made of the same or similar parts as the parts of the Cole Palmer E-08402-00 digital thermometer available from Cole Palmer, Inc., located in Vernon Hills, Illinois. O₂% Circuit board 126 is O₂% Signal O₂% Can be converted to analog output. O₂The% circuit board 126 is preferably made of the same or similar components as the Nonin Onyx Blood Flow and Oxygen% Reader Model No. 8500M available from Nonin Medical, Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota. The interface unit 16 also includes a first audio amplifier 132 for amplifying the sound waves received from the auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2). The acupuncture defibrillation circuit board 128 selectively adjusts the amount of electrical energy supplied by the defibrillator 54 and the acupuncture device. A high voltage source 134 is contained within the interface unit 16 which powers electrodes 98a-98k to generate an electric shock to be supplied to the patient and also electrodes 106a-106j (FIGS. 3 and 5). ) Is supplied with power.

【0038】

The interface unit 16 further converts the first analog / digital converter 136 for converting the EKG analog output to the EKG digital data stream, and (i) the systolic blood pressure analog output to the systolic blood pressure digital data stream, and ( ii) Convert the diastolic blood pressure analog output to the diastolic blood pressure digital data stream, and (iii) the second analog / digital converter 138 to convert the pulse analog output to the pulse digital data stream, and the temperature analog output to temperature. A third analog / digital converter 140 for conversion to a digital data stream, and O₂% Analog output O₂% Includes a fourth analog-to-digital converter 142 for converting to a digital data stream and a fifth analog-to-digital converter 144 for converting sound from the first audio amplifier 132 to an acoustic digital data stream. There is.

【0039】

The interface unit 16 further includes a multiplexer for combining the digital data stream from the analog / digital converters 136 to 144 into the combined digital data stream. The combined digital data stream is then carried to PC 20 (Figure 1) via the first port 148 (Figure 6), or via a modem via satellite connection B, or through the first port 148. It is carried to the command center 18 by radiofrequency connection C, or to the command center by telephone line or fiber A via the telephone modem 150 (FIG. 6) and the second port 152. The digital data stream from the interface unit 16 is then converted or interpreted into readable diagnostic information at the command center 18 (FIG. 1) or PC 20. This circuit makes it possible to provide the glove members 12a and 12b as well as the interface unit 16 at a reasonable cost. The multiplexer 146 (FIG. 6) also communicates with the control panel and indicator circuit board 154.

【0040】

The interface unit 16 further includes a speaker / microphone 156 (FIG. 6), which communicates with the multiplexer 146 via a second audio amplifier 158 and a sixth analog-to-digital converter 160, and commands center 18 (FIG. 1). Allows medical professionals in the area to communicate verbally with people who are relatively close to the speaker / microphone 156 (Figure 6).

【0041】

The interface unit 16 includes a port 164 for receiving the EKG current detected by the sensors 56a to 56k and transmitting the EKG current to the EKG reader 22a (FIG. 1) which interprets or converts the EKG current into readable diagnostic information. .. The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) further includes a blood pressure circuit board 122, a temperature circuit board 124, and O.₂% Blood pressure and pulse reading device 22b (Fig. 1), temperature reading device 22c, and O that receive the analog output from the circuit board 126 and convert or interpret the analog output into readable diagnostic information.₂% Includes fourth, fifth and sixth ports 166, 168 and 170, respectively, for transmission to device 22d, respectively.

【0042】

The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) also includes a power source 172 for supplying power to all components of the interface unit via the power supply distributor 174. The interface unit 16 also preferably includes a plurality of battery packs 176 and battery charging ports 178.

【0043】

The interface unit 16 further includes an optical separator 180 for isolating the entire interface unit 16 and glove members 12a and 12b from any breaking and harmful currents that may be encountered from external communication links. Next, the operation method of the system 10 (Fig. 1) will be described. A person other than the patient wears glove probes 12a and 12b on their left and right hands and puts their fingers in the finger portions 32a-40a and 32b-40b, respectively. The glove members 12a and 12b are then connected to the interface unit 16 by cables 14a and 14b.

【0044】

<EKG diagnostic information> The volar sides 42a and 42b of the glove members 12a and 12b are placed on the patient to obtain EKG diagnostic information. Sensors 56a-56g allow a combination of multiple leads to detect multiple standard leads when the glove members 12a and 12b are placed on the patient, as described above. Is placed in strategic positions on the glove members 12a and 12b. Some examples of lead wire combinations are as follows.

【0045】

I. 1 lead / 3 lead scenario At least the following ECG reads are likely to be possible. Lead 1: Positive lead: The sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the left chest of the patient's left shoulder quadrant. Negative lead: The sensor 56e at the tip of the thumb portion 32a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's right shoulder quadrant. Grounding lead: A sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located below the patient's left chest.

【0046】

Lead 2: Positive lead: The sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is placed under the patient's left chest towards the V6 position. Negative lead: The sensor 56e at the tip of the thumb portion 32a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's left shoulder quadrant. Grounding lead: A sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located below the patient's left chest.

【0047】

Lead 3: Positive lead: The sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is placed under the patient's left chest towards the V6 position. Negative lead: The sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the left chest in the patient's left shoulder quadrant. Grounding lead: A sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located below the patient's left chest.

【0048】

MCL1 (Deformed Chest Lead) Lead: Negative lead: The sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's left chest in the left shoulder quadrant. Positive lead: A sensor 56g at the tip of the palm portion 28a of the first glove member 12a is placed at the patient's right sternum boundary. Grounding lead: A sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located below the patient's left chest.

【0049】

MCL4 Read: Negative lead: The sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's left chest in the left shoulder quadrant. Positive lead: The sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located at the patient's V4 position. Grounding lead: A sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is located below the patient's left chest.

【0050】

II. 5 Lead wire scenario Placing the glove member 12a on the patient's left chest and the second glove member 12b on the patient's right wrist would allow at least the following leads. LL action lead: The sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger 40a on the first glove member 12a is placed below the patient's left chest. RL lead: The sensor 56i at the tip of the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is located on the patient's right wrist. LA Action Lead: A sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's left chest in the left shoulder quadrant. RA action lead: A sensor 56e at the tip of the thumb portion 32a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's right shoulder quadrant. C lead: The sensor 56g to the left of the palm portion 28a in the first glove member 12a is placed at the patient's right sternum boundary. Placing the glove members 12a and 12b in a 5-lead scenario would allow for the following readings: Reed 1, Reed 2, Reed 3, AVR and AVL.

【0051】

III. 7 Lead wire scenario Placing the glove member 12a on the patient's left chest and the second glove member 12b on the patient's right wrist would allow at least the following leads. LL action lead: The sensor 56a at the tip of the little finger 40a on the first glove member 12a is placed below the patient's left chest. V2 lead: The sensor 56f at the base of the little finger portion of the first glove member 12a is located at the patient's V2 position. RL lead: The sensor 56i at the tip of the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is located on the patient's right wrist. V4r lead: The sensor 56k at the tip of the little finger portion 40b of the second glove member 12b is located at the patient's V4r position.

【0052】

LA Action Lead: A sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's left chest in the left shoulder quadrant. RA action lead: A sensor 56e at the tip of the thumb portion 32a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's right shoulder quadrant. C lead: The sensor 56g to the left of the palm portion 28a in the first glove member 12a is placed at the patient's right sternum boundary. Placing glove members 12a and 12b in a 7-lead scenario would allow the following readings: Lead 1, Reed 2, Reed 3, AVR, AVL, V2 and V4r.

【0053】

IV. Modified lead scenario Other EKG lead scenarios may be achieved at the discretion of the command center and the wearer of the glove members 12a and 12b. Such options are variable, as the placement of glove members below is related to electrical cardiac activity as described below. G (ground) lead: left side of patient + (Positive) Leads: Patient's Right Chest (Right Sternum Boundary) -(Negative) lead: patient's left shoulder It can be seen that the above relationship forms a triangle. This triangle can be shrunk or magnified, but always has the same relationship.

【0054】

It should be noted that the glove members 12a and 12b of the present invention allow flexibility in the EKG electrode arrangement, which was not possible until now. If the glove members 12a and 12b are placed on the left and right shoulders, the sensor 56I on the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is slid across the patient's chest from the V1 position to the V6 position, V1-V6. It is possible to generate a point between the reed and the V1-V6 precordial reed. This makes it possible to understand how the precordial electric field changes and to more accurately determine specific areas of the patient's heart where possible abnormalities can occur. It should also be noted that even if an EKG waveform is generated due to a misplacement of the EKG sensors 56a to 56k, the correction can be achieved by using the waveform modification circuit in the command center 18. Such waveform modification circuits achieve distortion correction by utilizing wave shaping techniques that filter, compare, and reshape into readable data.

【0055】

V. 6 lead scenario Placing the first glove member 12a on the patient's left chest and the second glove member 12b on the patient's right chest would allow at least the following leads. 6 leads with Vr position Positive lead: The sensor 56c at the tip of the index finger portion 34a in the first glove member 12a is placed on the left chest of the patient's left shoulder quadrant. Negative lead: The sensor 56e at the tip of the thumb portion 32a in the first glove member 12a is placed above the patient's right shoulder quadrant. V3r lead: The sensor 56i at the middle finger portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is located at the patient's right chest V3r position. V4r lead: The sensor 56j at the tip of the ring finger portion 38b on the second glove member 12b is located at the patient's right chest V4r position. V5r lead: The sensor 56k at the tip of the little finger portion 40b on the second glove member 12b is located at the patient's right chest V5r position.

【0056】

The 6-lead scenario is particularly useful in emergencies to quickly assess the risk of patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction. Placing the glove members 12a and 12b in a 6-lead scenario would allow at least the following reed reads: lead 1, reed 2, reed 3, V4r, V5r and V6r. The reading of the above reeds is important in diagnosing cardiac symptoms in children, especially infants.

【0057】

As described in detail above, the plurality of EKG sensors 56a-56g arranged together on the two glove members 12a and 12b that can be easily and quickly operated are the glove members 12a and 12b and the finger portion 32a-. By manipulating 40a and 32b-40b, it is possible to achieve various EKG reads quickly. The EKG current or lead detected from the sensors 56a to 56k is transmitted to the first and second female connection plugs 64a and 64b, and also transmitted to the interface unit 16 via the cables 14a and 14b. In the interface unit, as mentioned above, they are transmitted as a digital data stream to the command center 18 or PC 20 or to the EKG readout device 22a.

【0058】

<Blood pressure and pulse diagnosis information> The thumb portion 32a (FIG. 2) and index finger portion 34a of the first glove member 12a are wrapped around one of the patient's wrists to obtain blood pressure and pulse diagnostic information. At this position, the air sac 72 is poised to receive air pressure from the pump (P) 130 (FIG. 6) on the blood pressure circuit board 122. The air pump 130 then sends an expanding fluid, such as air, into the air sac 72 via the conduit 131, the cage 14a and the air tube 76 (FIG. 2) to inflate the air sac. The swelling of the air sac 72 occludes the radial arteries. As the air sac 72 releases the expanding fluid, the pulse sound is acoustically picked up by the acoustic coupler-74 and sent over the air tube 76 to the first female connection plug 64a and through the first cable 14a. It is sent to interface unit 16 (Fig. 1). The interface unit can transmit the pulse sound as a digital data stream to the command center 18 or PC 20 or to the blood pressure and pulse reading 22b as described above.

【0059】

<Body temperature diagnosis information> To obtain temperature diagnostic information, the middle finger portion 36a (FIG. 2) of the first glove member 12a is placed on the patient's tongue for a sufficient time (preferably about 1 minute) to receive a temperature signal from the thermistor 78. Place under or in the appropriate gap. The temperature signal from the thermometer 48 is sent to the first female connection plug 64a and also to the interface unit 16 (FIG. 1) through the first cable 14a. There, as mentioned above, the temperature signal can be sent as a digital data stream to the command center 18 or PC20 and to the temperature readout device 22d.

【0060】

<O₂% Diagnostic Information> O₂% To obtain diagnostic information, press the thumb portion 32b (Fig. 3) and index finger portion 34b of the second glove member 12b against the tip of one finger of the patient. At this position, the red LED emitter 82 (FIG. 4) emits red and infrared light towards the LED sensor 84. When the light from the LED emitter 84 passes through the patient's finger on the fingernail, the LED sensor 84 detects a wave of colored light that is present. These signals are translated from light intensity and shade to oxygen levels. More oxygen produces bright red blood, while less oxygen produces dark red to purple blood. Use ear lobes instead of fingertips O₂% May be measured.

【0061】

Then O₂% O from device 50₂The% signal is sent to the second female connection plug 64b and also through the second cable 14b to the interface unit 16 (Fig. 1). In the interface unit, as described above, O₂% Signals can be sent as a digital data stream to Command Center 18 or PC20, or O₂% Can be sent to the reading device 22c.

【0062】

<Auscultation diagnosis information> To hear the patient's heart and lungs, the first glove member 12a is moved over the patient's body and the acoustic coupler and microphone 90 hear sound waves from the patient's heart and lungs like a stethoscope. Allows you to pick up or listen. The sound wave is then sent to the first female connection plug 64a via the wire pair 93a and then to the interface unit 16 via the first cable 14a. The interface unit can transmit sound waves as a digital data stream to the command center 18 or PC 20, as described above. Alternatively, the sound wave from the acoustic coupler and the acoustic coupler of the microphone 90 may be transmitted to the stethoscope 22e via the air tube 94.

【0063】

<Verbal communication> In order to verbally communicate with a remote location such as the command center 18, the speaker / microphone 156 can transmit and receive sound waves as described above. The interface unit 16 includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure device 46, a temperature device 48, and O.₂It should be noted that when processing diagnostic information from the% device 50 and / or the auscultation device 52, it may not be possible to send and receive sound waves through the speaker / microphone 156. The ability of a doctor to communicate with a patient when an alarm is issued, or with a person near the patient (eg, a person operating glove members 12a and 12b) is the ability of the doctor if such person is not a doctor. Instructs the person operating the glove member 12a and 12b to obtain the best diagnostic information, and also cares for the person operating the glove member or others near the patient. / Allows you to instruct how to treat.

【0064】

<Defibrillator> EKG device, blood pressure device 46, temperature device 48, O₂% Any or all diagnostic information of oral information obtained via device 50, auscultation device 52, and speaker / microphone 156 is received by the doctor at command center 18, or to PC20 or reading devices 22a-22e. If accessible, the doctor can determine the best way to treat the patient. When the information obtained by the doctor indicates that the patient is in a state of ventricular fibrillation (ie, the heart beats unevenly and inadequately, and the heart's ability to pump blood is actually stopping). , The doctor instructs the person operating the glove member to defibrillate the patient. Of course, if the doctor was with the patient and operated the glove members 12a and 12b himself, the doctor would defibrillate the patient himself.

【0065】

To defibrillate the patient, the backs of the first and second glove members 12a and 12b are placed in the patient's chest region, respectively, so that the electrodes 98a-98h are in contact with the patient's chest region. The high voltage source 124 is prepared to activate the acupuncture / defibrillation circuit board 128 (Fig. 6) and deliver a strong electric shock to the patient's heart. The high voltage source 134, preferably through cables 14a and 14b, supplies about 130-300 joules of power per shock to the electrodes 98a-k of the first and second glove members 12a and 12b to the patient's heart. Give the patient an electric shock to save the patient from ventricular fibrillation. The acupuncture / defibrillation circuit board 128 may be activated by the command center 18 or by a person in the vicinity of the interface unit 16. When the acupuncture / defibrillation circuit board 128 should be activated by a person near the interface unit, eg, a person operating a glove member, that person should allow the placement of electrodes 98a-h. In addition, the power supply can be delayed for a period of time, preferably about 5 seconds after activating the circuit board 128.

【0066】

The supply of electric shock to the patient's heart is repeated as needed to rescue the patient from ventricular fibrillation and restore the patient's heartbeat to a uniform and adequate condition (ie, regular rhythm). Can be done. The glove members 12a and 12b, which have both an EKG device and a defibrillator, allow the operator of the glove member to quickly rotate his hand for EKG reading and removal to monitor the patient's heart condition. Allows quick and easy changes to and from defibrillators.

【0067】

Once the patient's heart beats to restore regular rhythm, the next step is to maintain the patient's heart in regular rhythm. Therefore, a first aid kit is preferably provided on the interface unit 16. This first aid kit preferably contains a drug, which includes antiarrhythmic agents such as lidocaine to prevent the heart from returning to ventricular fibrillation, lactic acidosis neutralizers such as sodium bicarbonate, and Painkillers such as demerol or morphine may be included. These medications will preferably be preloaded into a clearly marked and color-coded syringe to allow rapid administration. When the doctor is not near the patient and operates from the command center 18, the doctor can monitor the patient's symptoms via the glove members 12a and 12b and the interface unit 16 and also the glove members 12a and 12b. Instructions can be given to the operator and / or those who are in the vicinity of the patient to provide appropriate care / treatment for the patient.

【0068】

<Acupuncture device> To provide electrical pin stimulation, the acupuncture / defibrillation circuit board 128 is activated and the high voltage source supplies power to the electrodes 106a-106j. The high voltage source 134 supplies, preferably, about 5 to 10 joules of power per electrodes 106a to 106j to the electrodes 106a to 106j of the first and second glove members 12a and 12b through the cables 14a and 14b. Allows these electrodes to provide electrical pin stimulation to the patient as the electrodes 106a-106j move over the patient's body. Electrical pin stimulation from electrodes 106a-106j can be used to relieve pain, albeit in a non-invasive manner, as is done through traditional acupuncture practices. This glove-mediated acupuncture technique eliminates the need to insert a needle into the body to perform acupuncture and compensates for safety from needle-borne illnesses such as HIV infection. It will be an aid. This electrical pin stimulation can also be used to cauterize a patient's wound.

【0069】

Therefore, the present invention described above makes it possible to obtain a plurality of diagnostic information quickly and accurately from a doctor who is near the patient or a doctor who is far from the patient (that is, when the doctor is at the command center 18). It also allows the patient's symptoms to be evaluated and / or monitored. The present invention also provides means for rapidly treating a patient (ie, defibrillator 54 and acupuncture) under the care of a physician who has obtained accurate information about the patient's symptoms without being close to the patient. Equipment) is provided.

【0070】

Having described in detail the best embodiments for carrying out the present invention, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand other methods of carrying out the present invention as defined in the claims. For example, the placement of the diagnostic device and / or the specific design of the diagnostic device on the glove members 12a and 12b could be modified from those described above. For example, an EKG device could have more or fewer sensors, and these sensors could be arranged differently than above.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is the schematic which shows the system of this invention. [Figure 2]

It is a top view which shows the 1st side surface in the 1st apparatus of this invention. [Fig. 3]

It is a top view which shows the 2nd side surface in the 1st apparatus of this invention. [Fig. 4]

It is a top view which shows the 1st side surface in the 2nd apparatus of this invention. [Fig. 5]

It is a top view which shows the 2nd side surface in the 2nd apparatus of this invention. [Fig. 6]

It is the schematic of the circuit of the interface shown in FIG. [Fig. 7]

It is an enlarged view of the EKG sensor used in FIGS. 2 to 5.