摘要:
A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.
摘要:
Highly sensitive devices for detecting nitric oxide and/or other gaseous analytes in gaseous samples are improved by the incorporation of a carbon monoxide scavenger in the interior of the device or in the device packaging. The release of carbon monoxide within the housing of the device by the plastic used in the construction of the housing or by anything within the device that releases carbon monoxide causes a loss in sensitivity due to competition between the carbon monoxide and the nitric oxide for the binding sites on the device sensor. The scavenger corrects this by either catalyzing the oxidation of carbon monoxide to the less competitive carbon dioxide or immobilizing the carbon monoxide by affinity-type or covalent binding. Analogous effects are achieved for analytes other than nitric oxide but that likewise encounter interference from carbon monoxide in binding to sensors.
摘要:
An apparatus and method for evaluation of hearing loss is disclosed. The apparatus and method use evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) to determine if the subject is able to hear click stimuli that are repeatedly administered. In order to facilitate efficient differentiation of the ABR from the accompanying noise, normative data is used to detect test conditions where physiological, non-physiological, and ambient acoustic noise would interfere with the progression of test.
摘要:
A monitor for determining a patient's physical condition includes a calibration device configured to provide a calibration signal representative of a patient's physiological parameter. An exciter is positioned over a blood vessel of the patient for inducing a transmitted exciter waveform into the patient. A noninvasive sensor is positioned over the blood vessel, where the noninvasive sensor is configured to sense a hemoparameter and to generate a noninvasive sensor signal representative of the hemoparameter containing a component of a physiological parameter waveform and a component of a received exciter waveform. In this context, a hemoparameter is defined as any physiological parameter related to vessel blood such as pressure, flow, volume, velocity, blood vessel wall motion, blood vessel wall position and other related parameters. A processor is configured to determine a relationship between a property of the received exciter waveform and a property of the physiological parameter. The processor is connected to receive the calibration signal and the noninvasive sensor signal, and the processor is configured to process the calibration signal and the noninvasive sensor signal to determine the physical condition. In an exemplary embodiment, the physical condition is arterial stiffness that represents cardiovascular disease, however, many additional physical conditions can be measured and determined such as arterial elasticity, arterial thickness, arterial wall compliance and other conditions. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the physiological parameter measured is blood pressure, however, the present invention can also be used to analyze and track other physiological parameters
摘要:
A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx-free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.
摘要:
A motion insensitive pulse detector for detecting a patient's pulse includes an exciter adapted to be positioned over a blood vessel of the patient and configured to induce a transmitted exciter waveform into the patient. A noninvasive sensor is adapted to be positioned over the blood vessel and configured to sense a hemoparameter and to generate a noninvasive sensor signal representative of the hemoparameter containing a component of a received exciter waveform. A processor is coupled to the noninvasive sensor and configured to process the noninvasive sensor signal to determine the patient's pulse. Advantages of the invention include the ability to detect a patient's pulse even when the patient is moving or being moved by medical personnel.
摘要:
The flow rate of a gaseous sample of exhaled breath through an analytical device is controlled by a pump, and in certain embodiments two pumps. Placement of the analyte sensor in a secondary stream branching off of the primary stream through the device offers further control over the manner, duration, and quantity of the breath that is placed in contact with the sensor.
摘要:
A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx -free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.
摘要:
A noninvasive apparatus and method for measuring a subject's end tidal carbon monoxide concentration is disclosed, featuring the ability to (i) determine carbon monoxide concentration on a breath-by-breath basis, (ii) determine mean carbon monoxide concentration by averaging local carbon monoxide values, (iii) avoid the premature determination that an end tidal phase is over, and (iv) determine when breath variability or system variability will likely preclude accurate testing. The disclosed device and method allow for more robust determination of end tidal carbon monoxide concentration in subjects with turbulent or irregular breath patterns.
摘要:
An apparatus and method for evaluation of hearing loss is disclosed. The apparatus and method use evoked Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) to determine if the subject is able to hear iteratively administered click stimuli. The present invention evaluates the sufficiency of the patient connections, namely earphones and electrodes, to the evaluation device. More particularly, the present invention determines if the earphones are detached or deformed, if the electrodes have been reversed, or if the electrodes have become detached.