A sensing system for sensing a potential complication at a venous catheter site. The system includes a sensor module for attachment at the site of the catheter. The sensor module includes a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure data representing measured pressure at the site of the catheter; a temperature sensor configured to generate temperature data representing measured temperature at the site of the catheter; and two pairs of bio impedance electrodes that generate bioelectrical signals representing bioelectrical activity at the site of venous catheter and a transmitter for transmitting the pressure, temperature data and bio impedance data. The system also includes a computing device configured to receive the response signal that includes the generated pressure, temperature and bio impedance data; and transmit the pressure temperature and bio impedance data to a user device for comparing the generated pressure temperature bio impedance data to threshold values indicative of intravenous complications.

A wireless, patient-worn, physiological sensor configured to, among other things, help manage a patient that is at risk of forming one or more pressure ulcers is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the sensor includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The sensor also includes a substrate layer including conductive tracks and connection pads, a top side, and a bottom side, where the bottom side of the substrate layer is disposed above the top side of the base. Mounted on the substrate layer are a processor, a data storage device, a wireless transceiver, an accelerometer, and a battery. In use, the sensor senses a patient's motion and wirelessly transmits information indicative of the sensed motion to, for example, a patient monitor. The patient monitor receives, stores, and processes the transmitted information.

Disclosed herein is a pressure-relief mattress comprising: a plurality of inflatable bladders; a pressure sensor pad arranged to detect pressure exerted on a subject, the pressure sensor pad comprising a plurality of pressure sensor cells being arranged in a matrix with at least one row and at least one column; a pressure-sensing electronic unit electrically connected with the plurality of pressure sensor cells; and a pressure-control electronic unit communicatively connected with the pressure-sensing electronic unit; wherein the pressure-sensing electronic unit is configured for generating a measurement result indicative of a pressure exerted upon the subject at one or more of the pressure sensor cells, the pressure control electronic unit is configured for controlling operation of one or more of the inflatable bladders according to the pressure measurement result.

The invention provides a system and method for measuring vital signs (e.g. SYS, DIA, SpO2, heart rate, and respiratory rate) and motion (e.g. activity level, posture, degree of motion, and arm height) from a patient. The system features: (i) first and second sensors configured to independently generate time-dependent waveforms indicative of one or more contractile properties of the patient's heart; and (ii) at least three motion-detecting sensors positioned on the forearm, upper arm, and a body location other than the forearm or upper arm of the patient. Each motion-detecting sensor generates at least one time-dependent motion waveform indicative of motion of the location on the patient's body to which it is affixed. A processing component, typically worn on the patient's body and featuring a microprocessor, receives the time-dependent waveforms generated by the different sensors and processes them to determine: (i) a pulse transit time calculated using a time difference between features in two separate time-dependent waveforms, (ii) a blood pressure value calculated from the time difference, and (iii) a motion parameter calculated from at least one motion waveform.

The present disclosure relates to the reduction of pressure ulcers and falls with respect to patients with physical or cognitive impairments who are in bed. A control system assures that the bed and ancillary apparatus are physically set and that patient behaviors are responded to by care providers. Motion is monitored with a non-mutually exclusive portfolio of sensors, and this information is used by one or more reasoning engines. An integrated clinical workflow is informed by the patterns of movement and then the physical environment, patient interaction, and care provider workflow are controlled to reduce the incidence of falls and pressure ulcers in bed ridden patients.

A load cell apparatus for use with a bed includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a load cell device held by the bottom portion of the housing. The load cell device is structured to generate a signal having a magnitude that is proportional to a first force being applied to the load cell device. The load cell apparatus also includes a button member held by the housing in a manner wherein the button member is structured to engage the load cell device and apply the first force to the load cell device in response to a second force being applied to the top portion of the housing. Also, various systems for monitoring parameters such as weight, sleep quality, fall risk, and/or pressure sore risk that may incorporate such a load cell apparatus.

A monitoring system and method tracks a patient's position over time and ensures that proper turning or other manipulation is done within the time prescribed. Preferably, the techniques herein continuously monitor patient position and alert medical or other personnel of the need for turning or other patient manipulation. The system may be implemented within a medical or other care facility, or within a patient's home.

A method comprising receiving an input indicating intake information associated with a patient. Based on the input, the method further includes determining an initial discharge date and receiving mobility information associated with the patient. Based in part on the mobility information, the method further includes determining an estimated discharge date and a confidence metric associated with the estimated discharge date, determining that the estimated discharge date is later than the initial discharge date by more than a threshold period of time, and determining that the confidence metric is greater than a threshold metric. Based in part on the estimated discharge date being later than the initial discharge date by more than the threshold period of time and the confidence metric being greater than the threshold metric, the method further includes generating an alert.

Apparatus and methods are described including identifying that a subject suffers from sleep apnea. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is applied to the subject via a mask placed on a face of the subject. A respiratory-related parameter of the subject is sensed, while the mask is on the face of the subject, and a need of the subject for respiratory support is assessed, responsively to the respiratory-related parameter. In accordance with the assessed need, the mask is configured to regulate the PAP provided to the subject's face. Other applications are also described.

A system for monitoring medical conditions including pressure ulcers, pressure-induced ischemia and related medical conditions comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more patient characteristic including at least position, orientation, temperature, acceleration, moisture, resistance, stress, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood oxygenation, a host for processing the data received from the sensors together with historical patient data to develop an assessment of patient condition and suggested course of treatment, including either suspending or adjusting turn schedule based on various types of patient movement. Compliance with Head-of-Bed protocols can also be performed based on actual patient position instead of being inferred from bed elevation angle. The sensor can include bi-axial or tri-axial accelerometers, as well as resistive, inductive, capacitive, magnetic and other sensing devices, depending on whether the sensor is located on the patient or the support surface, and for what purpose.