Device and method for monitoring and treating advanced bradycardia

Abstract

A device and method for monitoring the heart rate of a patient for a bradyarrhythmia event and thereafter administering medications is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring heart rate via at least one sensor secured to the neck or head of a patient; and if a bradyarrhythmia event is determined; applying an anticholinergic medication to the conjunctiva of at least one eye and releasing ammonia vapor in close proximity to the nostrils of a patient.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a patient's heart rate using at least one sensor attached to the neck or head of the patient and dispensing a medication onto the conjunctiva of at least one eye automatically in response to a bradyarrhythmia event comprising the steps of: monitoring heart rate via the at least one sensor attached to the neck or head of the patient to determine a bradyarrhythmia event; and, if a bradyarrhythmia event has occurred, automatically dispensing an anticholinergic medication to the patient and automatically releasing ammonia vapor.

2. A device for monitoring a patient's heart rate and dispensing a medication onto the conjunctiva of at least one eye comprising: an eyeglass frame having a bridge; a photoplethysmography sensor; a module connected to the eyeglass frame comprising: an input for operable connection to the photoplethysmography sensor; an ammonia inhalant; and, an alert mechanism selected from the group consisting of audible, vibration or both; and, a spray mechanism attached upon the bridge of the frame having a reservoir for containing a predetermined amount of anticholinergic medication; the spray mechanism having at least one nozzle for discharging the liquid medication.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the anticholinergic medication is Atropine.

4. The device of claim 2 further comprising a wire for operable connection of the photoplethysmography sensor to the module.

5. A method for monitoring a patient's heart rate using at least one sensor attached to the neck or head of the patient and dispensing a medication onto the conjunctiva of at least one eye automatically in response to a bradyarrhythmia event comprising the steps of: monitoring heart rate via the at least one sensor attached to the neck or head of the patient to determine a bradyarrhythmia event; and, upon detection of a bradyarrhythmia event, thereafter applying an anticholinergic medication to the conjunctiva of at least one eye of the patient and releasing ammonia vapor.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device.

(2) FIG. 2 is a close up view of the module of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a close up view of the bridge portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is an alternate close up view of the bridge portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 5 is a prospective view of the device on a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(6) The figures presented herein are for illustrative purposes and the illustrated parts are not necessarily shown in correct proportion or scale.

(7) The device and methodology described herein is specifically directed to patients who have undergone a TAVR procedure and have been discharged from the hospital. For these patients, the risk of experiencing a bradyarrhythmia event event within weeks of hospital discharge is high.

(8) The method for monitoring heart rate and dispensing a medication comprises the steps of:

(9) monitoring heart rate via at least one sensor attached to the neck or head of a patient to detect the occurrence of a bradyarrhythmia event; and,

(10) upon detection of a bradyarrhythmia event, applying an anticholinergic medication to the conjunctiva of at least one eye of the patient and releasing ammonia vapor in close proximity to a patient's nostrils.

(11) The release of ammonia vapor can be before, concurrently or subsequent to application of the anticholinergic medication.

(12) The methodology can be implemented by device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. Device 10 comprises an eyeglass frame 100 having a sprayer 200 and a module 300.

(13) Sprayer 200 includes a reservoir (not shown) for storage of an anticholinergic medication such as Atropine. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, sprayer 200 includes a removable cap 202 for refilling the reservoir and a snap-on recess 203. Sprayer 200 can be designed to fit on the bridge of eyeglass frame 100 with recess 203 ensuring a secure attachment. Sprayer 200 includes a pair of nozzles 201 as best shown in FIG. 4. These nozzles discharge the medication from sprayer 200 to the conjunctiva of the patient.

(14) Module 300 is best illustrated in FIG. 2 and comprises a wire 301 for operative connection to a PPG sensor 400 as will be discussed later. Wire 305 operably connects module 300 to sprayer 200. Module 300 further comprises a charging terminal 302 for charging an internal battery (not shown), an audio speaker 303 and a vibration unit (not shown), and a snap-on recess 304 to securely attach Module 300 to eyeglass frame 100.

(15) In order for device 10 to be worn while the patient sleeps, a band (not shown) connected on either end to respective temples of frame 100 is used to maintain the positioning of device 10 to the patient's head. Wire 301 connects module 300 to PRG sensor 400 which in turn is attached to a patient's earlobe shown as part of human head 500 in FIG. 5.

(16) In practice, a patient wearing device 10 will have his heart rate monitored by PPG sensor 400. If the monitored heart rate falls below 40 beats per minute or if there is no heart beat for at least 3 seconds, a bradyarrhythmia event will have occurred and an anticholinergic medication will be dispensed through nozzles 201 for administration to the conjunctiva of the patient's eyes within 10 seconds as well as the release of ammonia vapor from ports 303 of module 300 which is in close proximity to the nostrils of the patient. Module 300 is also equipped with a speaker and vibration device (not shown) for alerting the patient, particularly if asleep.