U.S. patent application number 10/623986 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for tele-diagnostic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INEEDMD.COM, INC.. Invention is credited to Gopinathan, Govindan, Tilford, Arthur R..
Application Number | 20040019261 10/623986 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22695339 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040019261 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gopinathan, Govindan ; et
al. |
January 29, 2004 |
Tele-diagnostic device
Abstract
A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic
information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote
location (18, 20, and 22a-22e) and for providing emergency
treatment. The system (10) comprises, a first member (12a)
adaptable to be worn on a person's first hand and a second member
(12b) adaptable to be worn on a person's second hand. The members
(12a and 12b) comprise a plurality of diagnostic devices and a
defibrillator device. A transmitting unit for transmitting
information to, and receiving information from, a remote location
is provided.
Inventors: |
Gopinathan, Govindan;
(Oradell, NJ) ; Tilford, Arthur R.; (Yorba Linda,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C.
1000 TOWN CENTER
TWENTY-SECOND FLOOR
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48075
US
|
Assignee: |
INEEDMD.COM, INC.
Great Neck
NY
|
Family ID: |
22695339 |
Appl. No.: |
10/623986 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10623986 |
Jul 21, 2003 |
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09884371 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
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6595918 |
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09884371 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
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09188971 |
Nov 10, 1998 |
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6248064 |
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09188971 |
Nov 10, 1998 |
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09084647 |
May 26, 1998 |
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6224548 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6806 20130101;
A61B 5/02055 20130101; A61B 5/0022 20130101; Y10S 128/903 20130101;
A61B 5/0008 20130101; A61B 5/0006 20130101; A61B 5/1455 20130101;
A61B 7/003 20130101; A61B 5/024 20130101; A61B 5/282 20210101; A61B
7/04 20130101; A61B 5/021 20130101; A61B 2562/168 20130101; G16H
40/67 20180101; A61B 5/022 20130101; A61B 5/02438 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/300 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information
and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location
and for providing emergency treatment, said system comprising; a
first member adaptable to be worn on a person's first hand and a
second member adaptable to be worn on a person's second hand, said
members comprising a plurality of diagnostic devices and a
defibrillator device, said diagnostic devices capable sensing
diagnostic signals from a person; and transmitting unit for
transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a
remote location.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of diagnostic
devices includes an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and
pulse diagnostic device and a temperature device.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of diagnostic
devices further includes a %O.sub.2 diagnostic device and an
auscultation device.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said members further include an
acupuncture device having a plurality of electrodes located on said
members.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a satellite modem,
wherein the remote location comprises a command center and said
interface units transmits information to, and receives information
from, the remote location via a satellite connection through said
satellite modem.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a telephone modem,
wherein the remote location comprises a command center and said
interface units transmits information to, and receives information
from, the remote location via a telephone wire connection through
said telephone modem.
7. The system of claim 1 further including a first aid kit
comprising Lidocaine.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second
members comprise a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange
portions.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein said EKG diagnostic device
includes at least a first EKG sensor located on said palm portion
of said first member, and a second EKG sensor located on at least
one of said phalange portions of said first member.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said EKG diagnostic device
includes at least eleven EKG sensors.
11. The system of claim 8 wherein said blood pressure and pulse
rate device is located on at least two of said phalange portions of
one of said member and includes an inflatable air bladder.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said temperature device includes
a thermistor which is responsive to temperature changes.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said %O.sub.2 device includes a
LED emitter and an LED sensor, said led sensor and led emitter
being located on one of said phalange portions.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said interface unit comprises an
EKG circuit board, a blood pressure and pulse rate circuit board, a
temperature board, a %O.sub.2 circuit board, wherein said blood
pressure and pulse rate circuit board includes a source of
inflation fluid for inflating said air Diadder.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein said interface unit includes at
least one analog to digital converter for converting at least one
analog output from at least one of said circuit boards to a digital
data stream.
16. The system of claim 8 wherein said defibrillator device
includes a plurality of electrodes being located on said
members.
17. A diagnostic probe comprising: a first and second glove member,
each of said glove members comprising a palm portion, a wrist
portion and a plurality of phalange portions, each of said glove
members adaptable to be worn on one of a person's hand; an EKG
diagnostic device located on said glove members; a blood pressure
and pulse rate device located on one of said glove members; a
temperature device located on one of said glove member; and a
defibrillator device located on said glove members.
18. The diagnostic probe of claim 17 further comprising a %O.sub.2
device located on one of said glove members and an auscultation
device located on one of said glove members.
19. The diagnostic probe of claim 18 further comprising an
acupuncture device located on said glove members.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/084,647, filed May 26, 1998, entitled
Emergency Medical Monitoring Device, which is hereby incorporated
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a system, and a device for use
with the system, for obtaining a plurality of medical diagnostic
information and for providing emergency treatment. In particular,
the present invention relates to a system, and device for use with
the system, for gathering cardiac-related diagnostic information
and transmitting the information from a first, remote, location, to
a second location, such as a medical monitoring command center, for
providing medical management information from the first location to
the second location, and for providing emergency treatment to the
patient at the first location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In a hospital setting, when a situation arises, where a
person in distress (i.e., a "patient") requires emergency treatment
(i.e., and "emergency"), the doctor attending the patient must
first evaluate the patient and determine the cause of the
emergency. To do so, the doctor typically examines the patient in a
methodical manner: (i) observing the patient's appearance and
actions, (ii) if the situation permits, asking the patient and/or
others around the patient questions, to obtain an accurate history
of the illness, and (iii) performing a number of diagnostic tests
such as EKG, blood pressure, pulse, blood gas analysis etc. After
conducting the examination, the doctor is able to diagnose the
patient's illness and decide upon a course of action (i.e., the
treatment), to alleviate the medical emergency the patient is
suffering from.
[0004] However, emergencies rarely occur in a setting where a
doctor is in close physical proximity to the patient. Not
uncommonly, emergencies occur at remote locations. Usually a
paramedic is the first medical professional to reach the patient.
In addition to transporting the patient to a hospital where the
patient can be treated by a doctor, the paramedic typically uses a
plurality of independent medical diagnostic probes, such as a blood
pressure apparatus, stethoscope, and EKG device to perform a quick
evaluation of the patient. The paramedic then conveys this
information to a doctor so that the doctor can (i) provide the
paramedic with treatment instructions, and (ii) prepare the
emergency room for the incoming patient. This routine, while being
the commonly accepted practice, is somewhat inefficient in that it
is relatively time consuming to manipulate all of the different
diagnostic probes attached to the patient to generate vital
information and accurately read the display and convey the
information to the doctor. Usually this is done over a local radio
transmitting system, from an ambulance.
[0005] Other emergency situations occur where the patient is in a
location which is not easily accessible except to persons already
in that location. Typically, such situations occur in a plane, a
boat, or other remote locations like ski resorts. Often times,
constraints, such as budgetary restrictions, or easy access to the
location of the emergency situation, limit availability of medical
diagnostic equipment. In other circumstances, lack of sufficient
population does not merit satisfactory medical diagnostic
facilities. If an emergency situation occurs in a boat or plane,
the vessel carrying the patient must reach a ground station so that
the patient can be treated by a doctor at the base station or
transported to a hospital by paramedics. In these cases,
inevitably, more time passes before a doctor can evaluate the
patient's medical condition and prescribe a course of action.
[0006] In most emergency situations, time is of the essence and is
the key factor that determines the final outcome. As the passage of
time before receiving treatment increases, the chances of
successfully treating the patient decreases. Thus, it would be
desirable to provide a device and system that could reduce the time
element in the evaluation and treatment of the patient.
Accordingly, a device and system which could reduce the time for
evaluating a patient and transmitting the information gathered to a
doctor would be desirable.
[0007] Also, it would be desirable to be able to provide a device
and system which could be used by non-medical personnel (e.g., a
flight attendant) which could enable a remotely located doctor to
evaluate a patient and to provide emergency treatment without
having to wait for a paramedic or caregiver to arrive.
[0008] During emergency situations, time is often expended
adjusting the placement of EKG electrodes to take accurate EKG
readings. Moreover, even in a non-emergency situation, it is often
time consuming to correctly locate the proper placement of EKG
electrodes. It would be desirable to provide a device which could
be placed directly on the patient's chest and which could expedite
the recording of accurate EKG tracings. It would also be desirable
to provide a device which is capable of readily obtaining from the
patient a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting them
in the shortest amount of time to help facilitate a doctor located
far away from the patient to analyze the data and diagnose the
emergency condition.
[0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an inexpensive
and easy to use device which could (i) quickly and easily gather
and transmit from a remote location a plurality of diagnostic
information, which includes EKG, Blood Pressure, Pulse, temperature
% O.sub.2 saturation, and heart sound monitoring, (ii) provide the
ability to allow oral communication with a remote location from a
medical command center, (iii) provide emergency initial treatment,
and (iv) expedite the eventual transfer of the patient to the
nearest medical center.
[0010] It would also be desirable to provide a device and a system
which could convey all the diagnostic information mentioned above,
and have the capability to recognize life threatening heart
irregularities and have the ability to instantaneously defibrillate
a patient.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an
inexpensive and easy to use system for gathering and transmitting a
plurality of diagnostic information to a remote location.
[0012] Another object is to provide an inexpensive and easy to use
system for providing emergency medical treatment at a remote
location.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
inexpensive and easy to use probe which could gather and transmit a
plurality of diagnostic information to a remote location.
[0014] Yet still another object is to provide an inexpensive and
easy to use device which could provide emergency medical treatment
(e.g. defibrillation) at a remote location.
[0015] In carrying out the above and other objects, a system for
collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting
the diagnostic information to a remote location and for providing
emergency treatment is provided. The system comprises a first
member adaptable to be worn on a first hand of a person, a second
member adaptable to be worn on a second hand of a person, and a
means for transmitting information to, and receiving information
from, a remote location. Each member comprises a glove member
having a palm portion, a wrist portion and five phalange portions.
The members further comprise an EKG diagnostic device, a blood
pressure and pulse rate device, a temperature device and a
defibrillator device. Also, the members could have a %O.sub.2
device, as well as an auscultation device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the system of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first side of a first apparatus
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second side of the first
apparatus of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first side of a second apparatus
of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second side of the second
apparatus of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the
interface unit shown in FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an EKG sensor used in FIGS.
2-5.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention relates to a system, and a device for
use with the system, for obtaining a plurality of medical
diagnostic information from, and for providing emergency treatment
at, a remote location. In particular, the present invention relates
to a system, and diagnostic probe and emergency treatment members
and an information transmission device for use with the system, for
gathering cardiac related diagnostic information and transmitting
the information from a remote location to another location, such as
a medical monitoring command center, and for providing emergency
treatment at the remote location.
[0024] As representative of the present invention, FIG. 1,
illustrates a system 10 for gathering, and transmitting, from a
remote location, a plurality of diagnostic information and for
providing emergency treatment at the remote location. The system 10
includes a first glove member 12a and a second glove member
12b.
[0025] The first glove member 12a is adaptable to be worn over one
of a person's hand. The second glove member 12b is adaptable to be
worn over the other one of a person's hand. The glove members 12a
and 12b include a plurality of medical diagnostic probes, which
gather diagnostic signals, and emergency treatment devices, which
provide emergency cardiac treatment, as will be explained in more
detail below.
[0026] The glove members 12a and 12b are connected via a first
cable 14a and a second cable 14b, respectively, to an interface
unit 16 and, thus communicates with, and are capable of
transmitting diagnostic signals, or information, from the medical
diagnostic probes to the interface unit. In a preferred embodiment,
the interface unit 16 communicates with a remote command center 18
via a telephone wire or fiber A, a satellite connection B, or a
radio wave connection C. The interface unit 16 can alternatively
communicate with a personal computer (PC) 20 via an interface
connection D. The PC 20 can be local or remote relative to the
interface unit 16. The interface unit 16 may also communicate with
a plurality of local or remote diagnostic readout apparatuses 22a,
22b, 22c, 22d, and 22e via a central interface connection E via a
plurality of individual interface connections, F, G, H, I, and J,
respectively. The diagnostic readout apparatuses 22a-e are
preferably an electrocardiogram (EKG) readout; a blood pressure
(BP) and pulse readout, a %02 oxygen readout, a temperature
readout, and a stethoscope, respectively.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, both the first glove member 12a
and the second glove member 12b comprise a first glove layer 24a
and 24b, respectfully, and a second glove layer 26a and 26b,
respectively, secured to the first glove layer such that the second
glove layer overlies a majority, and preferably almost all, of the
first glove layer. Each of the first glove layers 24a and 24b is
preferably made of a highly flexible natural or synthetic material,
such as cotton flocked nitrile. Each of the second glove layers 26a
and 26b is preferably made of a highly flexible material, such as
nitrile.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, the first glove member 12a includes a
palm portion 28a, a wrist portion 30a, a thumb phalange portion
32a, an index finger phalange portion 34a, a middle finger phalange
portion 36a, a ring finger phalange portion 38a, and a pinky finger
phalange portion 40a. The first glove member 12a further includes a
palmar surface 42a (FIG. 2) and a dorsal surface 44a (FIG. 3).
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, the second glove member 12b includes a
palm portion 28b, a wrist portion 30b, a thumb phalange portion
32b, an index finger phalange portion 34b, a middle finger phalange
portion 36b, a ring finger phalange portion 38b, and a pinky finger
phalange portion 40b. The second glove member 12b further includes
a palmer side 42b and a dorsal side 44b (FIG. 5).
[0030] As discussed previously, the glove members 12a and 12b
contain a plurality of medical diagnostic devices and emergency
treatment devices. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-5, the glove
members 12a and 12b contain an EKG diagnostic device, a blood
pressure and pulse rate device 46 (FIG. 2), a temperature device
48, a %O.sub.2 device 50 (FIG. 4), an auscultation device 52 (FIG.
2) and a defibrillator device 54 (FIGS. 3 and 5).
[0031] The EKG device is capable of measuring the EKG currents of
the heart muscle and preferably includes a plurality of sensors
56a-56k located on the glove members 12a and 12b. Specifically,
sensors 56a (FIG. 2), 56b, 56c, 56d, 56e 56f, 56g are located on
the first glove member 12a. Sensors 56h (FIG. 4), 56i, 56j, and 56k
are located on the second glove member 12b. Sensors 56a-56g (FIG.
2) are secured to the first layer 24a of the first glove member
12a. Sensors 56h-56k (FIG. 4) are secured to the first layer 24b of
the second glove member 12b. An exemplary sensor 56c is shown in
FIG. 7. Each of the sensors 56a-56k preferably includes a
stainless-steel screen 58 and an EKG jelly sponge 60, capable of
supplying EKG conductive jelly, disposed between the screen and,
preferably, the respective first layer 24a and 24b (FIGS. 2 and 4).
Each sensor 56a-56k is provided on the palmer surface 42a and 42b,
respectively, of one of the glove members 12a and 12b and,
preferably, extends through each respective glove member so that
the sensor is exposed to the environment.
[0032] More specifically, sensor 56a (FIG. 2) is positioned on the
tip portion of the palmar surface 42a of the pinky finger phalange
portion 40a of the first glove member 12a. Sensor 56b is positioned
on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42a of the ring finger
phalange portion 38a of the first glove member 12a. Sensor 56c is
positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42a of the
middle finger phalange portion 36a of the first glove member 12a.
Sensor 56d is positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface
42a of the index finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove
member 12a. Sensor 56e is positioned on the tip portion of the
palmar surface 42a of the thumb phalange portion 32a of the first
glove member 12a. Sensor 56f is positioned on the base portion of
the palmar surface 42a of the pinky finger phalange portion 40a of
the first glove member 12a. Sensor 56g is positioned on the left
side, as viewed in FIG. 2, of the palmar surface 42a of the palm
portion 28a of the first glove member 12a.
[0033] Sensor 56h (FIG. 4) is positioned on the palmer surface 42b
and the dorsal surface 44b (FIG. 5) of the thumb phalange portion
32b and the index finger phalange portion 34b of the second glove
member 12b. The sensor 56h extends from the base portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32b of the second glove member 12b to the
base portion of the index finger phalange portion 34b of the second
glove member. Sensor 56i is positioned on the tip portion of the
palmer surface 42b of the middle finger phalange portion 36b of the
second glove member 12b. Sensor 56j is positioned on the tip
portion of the palmer surface 42b of the ring finger phalange
portion 38b of the second glove member 12b. Sensor 56k is
positioned on the tip portion of the palmer surface 42b of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40b of the second glove member
12b.
[0034] Each of the sensors 56a-56g (FIG. 2) is connected to a wire
62a-62g, respectively, which extends between and electrically
connects a respective one of the sensors 56a-56g with a first
female connection plug 64a (FIG. 3), which is preferably provided
on the dorsal surface 44a of the first glove member 12a. Each wire
62a-62g is preferably disposed between the first and second layers
24a and 26a of the first glove member 12a, and is preferably
secured to the first layer 24a. Each of the sensors 56h-56k (FIG.
4) is connected to a wire 62h-62k, respectively, which extends
between and electrically connects a respective one of the sensors
56h-56k with a second female connection plug 64b (FIG. 5), which is
preferably provided on the dorsal surface 44b of the second glove
member 12b. Each wire 62h-62k is preferably disposed between the
first and second layers 24b and 26b of the second glove member 12b,
and is preferably secured to the first layer 30b. Each wire 62a-62k
is preferably a highly flexible stranded No. 30 (or smaller) wire
which is shielded and has a powdered-iron bead 66 (FIG. 7), such as
Part No. T25-26 from Amidon Associates in Santa Ana, Calif.,
disposed adjacent to its respective sensors 56a-56k to help prevent
the detection of unwanted noise.
[0035] The first glove member 12a includes a first ground strip 68a
(FIG. 3) which is preferably positioned on the dorsal surface 44a
of the palm portion 28a between the first and second layers 24a and
26a, respectively. Each wire 62a-62g is connected to the first
ground strip 68a, preferably, via each respective wire's shield.
The first ground strip 68a is connected to a wire 70a, which
extends between and electrically connects the first ground strip
68a to the first female connection plug 64a. The second glove
member 12b includes a second ground strip 68b (FIG. 5) which is
preferably positioned on the dorsal surface 44b of the palm portion
28b between the first and second layers 24b and 26b, respectively.
Each wire 62i-62k is connected to the second ground strip 68b,
preferably, via each respective wire's shield. The second ground
strip 68b is connected to a wire 70b, which extends between and
electrically connects the second ground strip 68b to the second
female connection plug 64a. The first and second ground strips 68a
and 68b, respectively, are composed of highly flexible copper mesh
or foil and function to bring existing electromagnetic forces (EMF)
noise to a single electrical voltage point for removal.
[0036] The blood pressure device 46 (FIG. 2), which is capable of
measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate
signals, is preferably secured to the first layer 24a of the first
glove member 12a between the first layer 24a and the second layer
26a on the thumb phalange portion 32a and the index finger phalange
portion 34a of the of the first glove member 12a. The blood
pressure device 46 preferably includes an expandable air bladder 72
defining a chamber for accommodating air or another suitable
inflation fluid, an acoustical coupler 74 in the chamber and an air
tube 76. The air bladder 72 extends from the mid-portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a to the
mid-portion of the index finger phalange portion 34a. The air tube
76 extends between and provides fluid and audio communication
between the chamber of the air bladder 72 and the first female
connection plug 64a (FIG. 3). The acoustical coupler 74 (FIG. 2) is
capable of collecting the sound waves in the air bladder 72 and
directing the sound waves towards, and through, the air tube 76.
The blood pressure device 46 is preferably made of parts similar,
or identical, to parts of the UB-302 Systolic/Diastolic (Pulse)
Digital Blood Pressure monitor from A+D Engineering Inc., of
Milpitas, Calif.
[0037] The temperature device 48 is capable of measuring
temperature signals and preferably includes a thermistor 78. The
thermistor 78 is preferably positioned on the tip of the middle
finger phalange 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 and extends through the second layer 26a.
The temperature device 48 includes a pair of highly flexible No. 30
(or smaller) stranded and shielded wires 80 which extend between
and electrically connect the thermistor 78 and the first female
connection plug 64a (FIG. 3). The temperature device 48 (FIG. 2) is
preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the
Cole-Parmer E-08402-00 thermometer and Generic thermistor
E-08459-10 from Cole-Parmer Instrument Company of Vernon Hills,
Ill.
[0038] The %O.sub.2 device 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is capable of
measuring the percent oxygen saturation in the blood (%O.sub.2)
signals and preferably includes a red (600-660 nm) and infra-red
(880-1000 nm) LED emitter 82 and an LED (600-1000 nm) sensor 84
positioned on the second layer 26b of the second glove member 12b.
The LED emitter 82 is preferably secured to the inner side of the
thumb phalange portion 32b of the second glove member 12b and the
LED sensor 84 is preferably secured to the side of the index finger
phalange portion 34b facing the thumb phalange portion 32b of the
second glove member 12b such 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 smaller) stranded and shielded wires 86 which
extend between and electrically connect the LED emitter and the
second female connection plug 64b (FIG. 5). The LED sensor 84 (FIG.
4) is connected to a pair of wires 88 which extend between and
electrically connect the LED sensor and the second female
connection plug 64b (FIG. 5). The %02 device 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is
preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the
Nonin Onyx blood flow and oxygen % reader, model No. 8500M from
Nonin Medical, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn.
[0039] The auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2) is capable of detecting
the sound waves local to the patient's heart and lungs and
preferably includes an acoustical coupler and microphone 90, an air
tube 92, and a pair of highly flexible No. 30 (or smaller) stranded
and shielded wires 93. The acoustical coupler and microphone 90 is
preferably secured to the right side of the palmer surface 42a of
the palm portion 28a of the first glove member 12a, preferably on
the first layer 24a. The acoustical coupler and microphone 90 is
capable of collecting and amplifying sound waves which are in
relative close proximity to the acoustical coupler and microphone.
The air tube 92 extends between and provides audio communication
between the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 and the first
female connection plug 64a, which is adaptable for connection with
a stethoscope. The air tube 92, thus when connected with a
stethoscope, extends between and provides audio communication
between the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 and the
stethoscope. The pair of wires 93 extends between and electrically
connects the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 and the first
female connection plug 64a (FIG. 3). The auscultation device 52
(FIG. 2) is preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to
parts of the EG Company microphone 9445 from the Electrical Gold
Co. Of Scottsdale, Ariz.
[0040] The defibrillator device 54 (FIGS. 3 and 5) is capable of
providing an electrical shock to restore the rhythm of a
ventrically fibrillating heart. The defibrillator device 54
includes a plurality of electrodes 98a-98h located on the dorsal
surfaces 44a and 44b, respectively, of the second layer 26a and
26b, respectively, of the first glove member 12a and the second
glove member 12b, respectively.
[0041] More specifically, electrode 98a (FIG. 3) is positioned on
the dorsal surface 44a of the index finger phalange portion 34a of
the first glove member 12a. Electrode 98b is positioned on the
dorsal surface 44a of the middle finger phalange portion 36a of the
first glove member 12a. Electrode 98c is positioned on the dorsal
surface 44a of the ring finger phalange portion 38a of the first
glove member 12a. Electrode 98d is positioned on the dorsal surface
44a of the pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove
member 12a.
[0042] Electrode 98e (FIG. 5) is positioned on the dorsal surface
44b of the index finger phalange portion 34b of the second glove
member 12b. Electrode 98f is positioned on the dorsal surface 44b
of the middle finger phalange portion 36b of the second glove
member 12b. Electrode 98g is positioned on the dorsal surface 44b
of the ring finger phalange portion 38b of the second glove member
12b. Electrode 98h is positioned on the dorsal surface 44b of the
pinky finger phalange portion 43b of the second glove member
12b.
[0043] Each of the electrodes 98a-98d (FIG. 3) is connected to a
wire 100a-100d, respectively, that extends between and electrically
connects a respective one of the electrodes 98a-98d with a first
defibrillator electrode combiner 102a, which is preferably
positioned on the dorsal surface 44a of the first glove member 12a.
The first defibrillator electrode combiner 102a is connected to a
highly flexible No. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage insulated
wire 104a which extends between and electrically connects the first
defibrillator electrode combiner 102a to the first female
connection plug 64a.
[0044] Each of the electrodes 98e-98h (FIG. 5) is connected to a
highly flexible No. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage insulated
wire 100e-100h, respectively, that extends between and electrically
connects a respective one of the electrodes 98a-98d with a second
defibrillator electrode combiner 102b, which is preferably
positioned on the dorsal surface 44b of the second glove member
12b. The second defibrillator electrode combiner 102b is connected
to a highly flexible No. 24 (or smaller) stranded high voltage
insulated wire 104b which extends between and electrically connects
the second defibrillator electrode combiner 102b to the second
female connection plug 64b. The defibrillator device 54 is
preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the
Heartstream automatic defibrillator model "E" or "EM" of the
Heartstream Co., of Seattle, Wash.
[0045] The glove members 12a and 12b preferably further comprise an
acupuncture device for providing a voltage of sufficient potential
to create electrical pin stimulations. The acupuncture device
preferably includes a plurality of stainless steel electrodes
106a-106j (FIGS. 3 and 4) positioned at the tip of, and extending
away from, a respective phalange portion 32a-40a, and 32b-40b,
respectively, on a respective glove member 12a and 12b. Each
electrode 106a-106j is essentially conical and has a base portion
connected to a respective phalange portion 32a-40a and 32b-40b,
respectively, and terminates in a head portion. Each of the
electrodes 106a-106e (FIG. 3) includes a wire 108a-108e,
respectively, that extends between and electrically connects a
first acupuncture electrode combiner 110a with a respective one of
the electrodes 106a-106e. The first acupuncture electrode combiner
110a is connected to a wire 112a which extends between and
electrically connects the first acupuncture electrode combiner 110a
with the first female connection plug 64a. Each of the electrodes
106f-106j (FIG. 5) includes a wire 108f-108j, respectively, that
extends between and electrically connects a second acupuncture
electrode combiner 110b with a respective one of the electrodes
106f-106j. The second acupuncture electrode combiner 110b is
connected to a wire 112b which extends between and electrically
connects the second acupuncture electrode combiner 110b with the
second female connection plug 64b.
[0046] Each of the glove members 12a and 12b is preferably
manufactured by securing, by any suitable means, the wires,
sensors, electrodes and other components to a respective glove,
preferably made of nitrile (i.e., the first layers 24a and 24b). It
should be noted that the wires, sensors and/or electrodes could be
made using flexible circuit technology, such as by using a
conductive printable ink. The components of the glove member 12a
and 12b which do not extend past the second layers 26a and 26b,
such as the wires, are then covered by the respective second layer
26a and 26b in a suitable manner, such as by spraying or dip
coating.
[0047] The first cable 14a includes a first input plug 114a (FIG.
3), which plugs into male receptors on the first female connection
plug 64a on the first glove member 12a, and a first output plug
116a (FIG. 6), which plugs into male receptors on a first female
connection plug 118a on the interface unit 16. The second cable 14b
includes a first input plug 114b (FIG. 5), which plugs into male
receptors on the second female connection plug 64b on the second
glove member 12b, and a second output plug 116b (FIG. 6), which
plugs into male receptors on a second female connection plug 1 18b
on the interface unit 16. The first cable 14a (FIG. 3) preferably
includes a plurality of electrical wires and air tubes which extend
between plugs 114a and 116a (FIG. 6) to provide electrical, audio,
and fluid communication between the first glove member 12a and the
interface unit 16 when the plugs 114a (FIG. 3) and 116a (FIG. 6)
are plugged into their respective female connection plugs 64a (FIG.
3) and 118a (FIG. 6). The second cable 14b (FIG. 5) preferably
includes a plurality of electrical wires which extend between plugs
1 14b and 116b (FIG. 6) to provide electrical communication between
the second glove member 12b and the interface unit 16 when the
plugs 114b (FIG. 5) and 116b (FIG. 6) are plugged into their
respective female connection plugs 64b (FIG. 5) and 118b (FIG.
6).
[0048] The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) preferably includes an EKG
circuit board 120 for receiving EKG currents detected by the
sensors 56a-56k (FIGS. 2 and 4), a blood pressure circuit board 122
(FIG. 6) for receiving systolic and diastolic blood pressure and
pulse rate signals from the blood pressure device 46 (FIG. 2), a
temperature circuit board 124 (FIG. 6) for receiving temperature
signals from the temperature device 48 (FIG. 2), a %02 circuit
board 126 (FIG. 6) for receiving %O.sub.2 signals from the %O.sub.2
device 50 (FIG. 4) and an acupuncture/defibrillator circuit board
128 (FIG. 6) for controlling the delivery of electrical shock to
the patient.
[0049] The EKG circuit board 120 is capable of amplifying the EKG
currents from the sensors 56a-56k and converting the EKG currents
to at least a plurality of EKG analog outputs. The EKG circuit
board 120 is preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to
parts of the PC-ECG recorder unit from I.P.I. Medical Products of
McLean, Va.
[0050] The blood pressure circuit board 122 is capable of (i)
converting the systolic blood pressure signals to a systolic blood
pressure analog output, (ii) the diastolic blood pressure signals
to a diastolic blood pressure analog output, and (iii) the pulse
rate signals to a pulse rate analog output. The blood pressure
circuit board 122 includes a source of inflation fluid, such as an
air pump 130 (FIG. 6), for supplying a source of inflation fluid
for the air bladder 72, and an acoustical sensor (not shown) for
detecting the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate
signals. The pump 130 is in fluid communication with the air
bladder 72 (FIG. 2) via the air tube 76, cable 14a (FIG. 1) and air
conduit 131 (FIG. 6), which extends between and provides fluid and
audio communication between the female connection plug 118a of the
interface unit 16 and the air pump 130 of the blood pressure
circuit board 122. The blood pressure circuit board 122 is
preferably made of parts similar, or identical, to parts of the
UB-302 Systolic/Diastolic (Pulse) Digital Blood Pressure monitor
from A+D Engineering Inc., of Milpitas, Calif.
[0051] The temperature circuit board 124 is capable of converting
the temperature signals to a temperature analog output. The
temperature circuit board 124 is preferably made of parts similar,
or identical, to parts of the Cole-Parmer E-08402-00 digital
thermometer from Cole-Parmer, of Vernon Hills, Ill. The %O.sub.2
circuit board 126 is capable of converting the %O.sub.2 signals to
a %O.sub.2 analog output. The %O.sub.2 circuit board 124 is
preferably made of parts similar, or identical to parts of the
Nonin Onyx blood flow and oxygen % reader, model No. 8500M from
Nonin Medical, Inc., of Plymouth, Minn. The interface unit 16 also
includes a first audio amp 132 for amplifying the sound waves
received from the auscultation device 52 (FIG. 2). The acupuncture
defibrillator circuit board 128 selectively regulates the amount of
electrical energy supplied by the defibrillator device 54 (FIG. 3)
and the acupuncture device. A high voltage source 134 is contained
within the interface unit 16 which supplies power to the electrodes
98a-98k to generate the electrical shock to be delivered to the
patient and also supplies power to electrodes 106a-106j (FIGS. 3
and 5).
[0052] The interface unit 16 further includes a first analog to
digital converter 136 for converting the EKG analog outputs to an
EKG digital data stream, a second analog to digital converter 138
for converting (i) the systolic blood pressure analog output to a
systolic blood pressure digital data stream, (ii) the diastolic
blood pressure analog output to a diastolic blood pressure digital
data stream, and (iii) the pulse rate analog output to a pulse rate
digital data stream, a third analog to digital converter 140 for
converting the temperature analog output to a temperature digital
data stream, a fourth analog to digital converter 142 for
converting the %O.sub.2 analog output to a %O.sub.2 digital data
stream, and a fifth analog to digital converter 144 for converting
the sound waves from the first audio amp 132 to a sound digital
data stream.
[0053] The interface unit 16 further includes a multiplexer 146 for
combining the digital data streams from the analog to digital
converters 136-144 to a combined digital data stream. The combined
digital data stream can then be conveyed to the PC 20 (FIG. 1) via
a first port 148 (FIG. 6), or to the command center 18 (FIG. 1) by
satellite connection B via a modem, or by radio wave connection C
via the first port 148, or to the command center 18 by telephone
wire, or fiber A, via telephone modem 150 (FIG. 6) and a second
port 152. The digital data streams from the interface unit 16 are
then converted or interpreted into readable diagnostic information
in the command center 18 (FIG. 1) or the PC 20. This circuitry
enables the glove members 12a and 12b and the interface unit 16 to
be provided at a reasonable cost. The multiplexer 146 (FIG. 6) also
communicates with a control panel and indicator circuit board
154.
[0054] The interface unit 16 further includes a speaker/microphone
156 (FIG. 6) which communicates with the multiplexer 146, via a
second audio amp 158 and a sixth analog to digital converter 160,
to enable a medical professional in the command center 18 (FIG. 1)
to communicate orally with the persons in relative close proximity
to the speaker/microphone 156 (FIG. 6).
[0055] The interface unit 16 includes a third port 164 for
receiving and transmitting EKG currents detected by sensors 56a-56k
to an EKG readout apparatus 22a (FIG. 1) where the EKG currents
will be converted or interpreted into readable diagnostic
information. The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) further includes a
fourth, fifth and sixth port 166, 168 and 170, respectively, for
receiving and transmitting the analog outputs from the blood
pressure circuit board 122, the temperature circuit board 124 and
the %O.sub.2 circuit board 126, respectively, to a blood pressure
and pulse readout apparatus 22b (FIG. 1), a temperature readout
apparatus 22c, and a %O.sub.2 readout apparatus 22d, respectively,
where the analog outputs will be converted or interpreted into
readable diagnostic information.
[0056] The interface unit 16 (FIG. 6) also includes a power supply
172 which supplies power, via power supply distributor 174, to all
of the components of the interface unit. The interface unit 16 also
preferably includes a plurality battery packs 176 and a battery
charger port 178.
[0057] The interface unit 16 further includes an optical isolator
180 for electrically isolating the entire interface unit 16 and
glove members 12a and 12b from any destructive and damaging
currents which might be encountered from external communication
links.
[0058] The manner of operation of the system 10 (FIG. 1) will now
be described. A person, other than the patient, places the glove
probes 12a and 12b over his or her right and left hands,
respectively, so that each of the person's fingers are received
within a respective one of the phalange portions 32a-40a and
32b-40b, respectively. The glove members 12a and 12b are then
connected to interface unit 16 by cables 14a and 14b,
respectively.
[0059] EKG Diagnostic Information
[0060] To obtain EKG diagnostic information, the paimar sides 42a
and 42b of the glove members 12a and 12b are placed over the
patient. The sensors 56a-56g are located at strategic positions on
the glove members 12a and 12b, as described above, to enable a
plurality of leadwire combinations to detect a plurality of
standard leads when the glove members 12a and 12b are placed over
the patient. Some exemplary leadwire combinations are as
follows:
[0061] I. Single Lead Three-Leadwire Scenarios:
[0062] It is believed that at least the following ECG Leads are
possible:
[0063] Lead 1:
[0064] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the
index finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0065] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56e on the tip portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above and into the patient's right shoulder
quadrant.
[0066] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0067] Lead 2:
[0068] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast towards the V6
position.
[0069] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56e on the top portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above and into the patient's right shoulder
quadrant.
[0070] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0071] Lead 3:
[0072] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast towards the V6
position.
[0073] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the
index finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0074] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0075] MCL1 (Modified Chest Lead) Lead:
[0076] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the
index finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0077] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56g on the left side of the palm
portion 28a of the first glove member 12a is positioned at the
patient's right sternal border.
[0078] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0079] MCL4 Lead:
[0080] Negative leadwire: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the
index finger phalange 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0081] Positive leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned at the patient's V4 position.
[0082] Ground leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0083] II. Five-Leadwire Scenario:
[0084] With the glove member 12a placed over the patient's left
breast and the second glove member 12b placed over the patient's
right wrist, it is believed that at least the following leadwires
are possible:
[0085] LL acting leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0086] RL leadwire: Sensor 56i on the tip portion of the middle
finger phalange portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is
positioned on the patient's right wrist.
[0087] LA acting lead: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the index
finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0088] RA acting leadwire: Sensor 56e on the tip portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above and into the patient's right shoulder
quadrant.
[0089] C leadwire: Sensor 56g on the left side of the palm portion
28a of the first glove member 12a is positioned at the patient's
right sternal border.
[0090] With the glove members 12a and 12b positioned in the five
leadwire scenario, it is believed that the following lead readings
are possible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, AVR and AVL.
[0091] III. Seven-Leadwire Scenario:
[0092] With the glove member 12a placed over the patient's left
breast and the second glove member 12b placed over the patient's
right wrist, it is believed that at least the following leadwires
are possible:
[0093] LL acting leadwire: Sensor 56a on the tip portion of the
pinky finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned under the patient's left breast.
[0094] V2 leadwire: Sensor 56f on the base portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned in the patient's V2 position.
[0095] RL leadwire: Sensor 56i on the tip portion of the middle
finger phalange portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is
positioned on the patient's right wrist.
[0096] V4r leadwire: Sensor 56k on the tip portion of the pinky
finger phalange portion 40b of the second glove member 12b is
positioned in the patient's V4r position.
[0097] LA acting leadwire: Sensor 56c on the tip portion of the
index finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above the patient's left breast at the left shoulder
quadrant.
[0098] RA acting leadwire: Sensor 56e on the tip portion of the
thumb phalange portion 32a of the first glove member 12a is
positioned above and into the patient's right shoulder
quadrant.
[0099] C leadwire: Sensor 56g on the left side of the palm portion
28a of the first glove member 12a is positioned at the patient's
right sternal border.
[0100] With the glove members 12a and 12b positioned in the seven
leadwire scenario, it is believed that at least the following lead
readings are possible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, AVR, AVL, V2 and
V4r.
[0101] IV. Modified Leadwire Scenarios.
[0102] Other EKG leadwire scenarios can be accomplished at the
discretion of the command center and the person wearing the glove
members 12a and 12b. Such options are available since the following
glove member positions relate to electrical heart activity as
below:
1 G (ground) leadwire: patient's left side + (positive) leadwire:
patient's right chest (right sternal border) - (negative) leadwire:
patient's left shoulder
[0103] It will be noted that the above relationships form a
triangle. This triangle can be compressed or expanded, but always
have the same relationships.
[0104] It should be noted that the glove members 12a and 12b of the
present invention allow for a flexibility in EKG electrode
positioning which has not been possible until now. With the glove
members 12a and 12b positioned at the right and left shoulders, it
is possible to slide a sensor 56i on the middle finger phalange
portion 36b of the second glove member 12b across the patient's
chest from V1 to V6 position to generate the V1-V6 leads as well as
the points between the V1-V6 precordial leads. This enables one to
see how the precordial electrical field changes and to determine
with more accuracy the specific area of patient's heart where a
possible abnormality may occur.
[0105] It should also be noted that, in the event that distortion
of the EKG waveform occurs due to misplacement of the EKG sensors
56a-56k, correction of such can be accomplished using waveform
modification circuits located at the command center 18. Such
waveform modification circuitry accomplishes distortion correction
utilizing waveshaping techniques which filter, compare, and
re-shape into readable data.
[0106] V. Six-Leadwire Scenario
[0107] With the first glove member 12a placed over the patient's
left breast and the second glove member 12b placed over the
patient's right breast, it is believed that at least the following
leadwires are possible:
2 6 Leadwire with Vr positions: Positive Leadwire: Sensor 56c on
the tip portion of the index finger phalange portion 34a of the
first glove member 12a is positioned above the patient's left
breast at the left shoulder quadrant. Negative Leadwire: Sensor 56e
on the tip portion of the thumb phalange portion 32a of the first
glove member 12a is positioned above and into the patient's right
shoulder quadrant. V3r Leadwire: Sensor 56i on the middle finger
phalange portion 36b of the second glove member 12b is positioned
at the patient's right chest V3r position. V4r Leadwire: Sensor 56j
on the ring finger phalange portion 38b of the second glove member
12b is positioned at the patient's right chest V4r position. V5r
Leadwire: Sensor 56k on the pinky finger phalange portion 40b of
the second glove member 12b is positioned at the patient's right
chest V5r position.
[0108] A six leadwire scenario is especially useful in emergency
settings to quickly evaluate risks in patients with acute inferior
myocardial infraction.
[0109] With the glove members 12a and 12b positioned in the six
leadwire scenario, it is believed that at least the following lead
reading are possible: Lead 1, Lead 2, Lead 3, V4r, V5r and V6r. The
above lead readings are important in diagnosing heart conditions in
children, and especially infants.
[0110] As detailed above, the plurality of EKG sensors 56a-56g,
being located together on two easily and quickly manipulatable
glove members 12a and 12b, allows for a variety of EKG leads to be
quickly and easily attained by manipulating the glove members 12a
and 12b and the phalange portions 32a-40a and 32b-40b.
[0111] The EKG currents, or leads, detected from the sensors
56a-56k are transmitted to the first and second female connection
plugs 64a and 64b, and through the cables 14a and 14b to the
interface unit 16 where they can be sent to the command center 18
or PC 20 in a digital data stream, or to the EKG readout apparatus
22a, as discussed above.
[0112] Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Diagnostic Information
[0113] To obtain blood pressure and pulse rate diagnostic
information, the thumb phalange portion 32a (FIG. 2) and the index
finger phalange portion 34a of the first glove member 12a is
wrapped around one of the patient's wrist. In this position, the
air bladder 72 is ready to accept air pressure from the pump 130
(FIG. 6) in the blood pressure circuit board 122. The air pump 130
then transmits inflation fluid, such as air, via the conduit 131,
cable 14a and air tube 76 (FIG. 2), to the air bladder 72 to
inflate the air bladder. Inflation of the air bladder 72
obliterates the radial artery. As the air bladder 72 releases the
inflation fluid, pulse sound waves are acoustically picked-up by
the acoustical coupler 74 and are sent over the air tube 76 to the
first female connection plug 64a, and through the first cable 14a
to the interface unit 16 (FIG. 1) where they can be sent to the
command center 18 or PC 20 in a digital data stream, or to the
blood pressure and pulse rate readout 22b, as discussed above.
[0114] Body Temperature Diagnostic Information
[0115] To obtain body temperature diagnostic information, the
middle finger phalange portion 36a (FIG. 2) of the first glove
member 12a is placed under the patient's tongue, or in a suitable
orifice, for a period of time sufficient to receive temperature
signals from the thermistor 78, preferably about one minute. The
temperature signals from the temperature device 48 can be
transmitted to the first female connection plug 64a, and through
the first cable 14a to the interface unit 16 (FIG. 1) where they
can be sent to the command center 18 or PC 20 in a digital data
stream, or to the temperature readout apparatus 22d, as discussed
above.
[0116] %O.sub.2, Diagnostic Information
[0117] To obtain %O.sub.2 diagnostic information, the thumb
phalange portion 32b (FIG. 3) and the index finger phalange portion
34b of the second glove member 12b are pressed against one of the
patient's finger tips. In this position, the red LED emitter 82
(FIG. 4) emits red and infra-red light toward the LED sensor 84.
When the light from the LED emitter 84 is passed through the
patient's finger (non-painted finger nails only) at the finger
nail, the LED sensor 84 detects the color light waves present.
These signals are translated from light intensity and color quality
to oxygen levels. More oxygen yields a light red blood while less
oxygen produces a darker red to purple blood. It should be noted
that pulse rate can also be ascertained from these readings. As an
alternative to the finger tips, the ear lobes could be used to
measure the %O.sub.2.
[0118] The %O.sub.2 signals from the %O.sub.2 device 50 are then
sent to the second female connection plug 64b, and through the
second cable 14b to the interface unit 16 (FIG. 1) where the
%O.sub.2 signals can be sent to the command center 18 or PC 20 in a
digital data stream, or to the %O.sub.2 readout apparatus 22c, as
discussed above.
[0119] Auscultation Diagnostic Information
[0120] To listen to the heart and lungs of the patient, the first
glove member 12a is moved over the patient's body to enable the
acoustical coupler and microphone 90 to pick up, or hear, sound
waves from the patient's heart and lungs, much like a stethoscope
would. The sound waves are then transmitted to the first female
connection plug 64a, via the pair of wires 93, and then through the
first cable 14a to the interface unit 16, where they can be sent to
the command center 18 or PC 20, in a digital data stream as
described above. Alternatively, the sound waves from the acoustical
coupler of the acoustical coupler and microphone 90 could also be
conducted via air tube 94 to a stethoscope 22e.
[0121] Oral Communication
[0122] To communicate orally with a remote location, such as the
command center 18, the speaker/microphone 156 can transmit and
receive sound waves as described above. It should be noted that the
interface unit 16 may not be able to transmit or receive sound
waves via the speaker/microphone 156 when processing diagnostic
information from the EKG diagnostic device, the blood pressure
device 46, the temperature device 48, the %02 device 50 and/or the
auscultation device 52. The ability for a doctor to communicate
with the patient, if alert, and people proximate to the patient,
such as the person manipulating the glove members 12a and 12b, if
such person is not the doctor, allows the doctor to instruct the
person manipulating the glove members 12a and 12b to best obtain
the diagnostic information and to instruct the person manipulating
the glove members, or other near by the patient how to provide
care/treatment to the patient.
[0123] Defibrillator Device
[0124] Once the diagnostic information from any, or all, of the EKG
device, the blood pressure device 46, the temperature device 48,
the %O.sub.2 device 50, the auscultation device 52, and the oral
information obtained via the speaker/microphone 156 has been
received by a doctor in the command center 18 or accessible to the
PC 20 or the readout apparatus 22a-22e, the doctor can decide on
the best way to treat the patient. If the information obtained by
the doctor indicates that the patient is in ventricular
fibrillation (i.e., the heart beats in an uneven and inefficient
fashion, virtually stopping the heart's ability to pump blood), the
doctor instructs the person manipulating the glove to defibrillate
the patient. Of course, if the doctor is with the patient and is
manipulating the glove members 12a and 12b herself, then the doctor
would defibrillate the patient herself.
[0125] To defibrillate the patient, the dorsal sides 44a and 44b of
the first and second glove members 12a and 12b, respectively, are
positioned on the patient's chest area so that the electrodes 98a-h
contact the patient's chest area. The acupuncture/defibrillator
circuit board 128 (FIG. 6) is activated to ready the high voltage
source 134 to deliver a powerful electrical shock to the patient's
heart. The high voltage source 134 delivers power, preferably about
130-300 Joules per shock, through the cables 14a and 14b to the
electrodes 98a-k on the first and second glove members 12a and 12b
to deliver the electric shock to the patient's heart to bring the
patient out of ventricular fibrillation. The
acupuncture/defibrillator circuit board 128 can be activated either
by the command center 18 or by a person near the interface unit 16.
In the event that the acupuncture/defibrillator circuit board 128
is to be activated by a person near the interface unit, such as the
person manipulating the glove members, the delivery of power can be
delayed for a period of time, preferably about five seconds, after
activation of the circuit board 128 to enable proper placement of
the electrodes 98a-h.
[0126] The delivery of electrical shock to the patient's heart can
be repeated as necessary to bring the patient out of ventricular
fibrillation to restore the patient's heartbeat to an even and
efficient fashion (i.e., a regular rhythm). The glove members 12a
and 12b, having both an EKG device and a defibrillator device,
enables the person manipulating the glove members to quickly and
easily alternate between taking EKG readings, to monitor the
condition of the patient's heart, and the defibrillator device with
only a quick rotation of their hands.
[0127] Once the patient's heartbeat has been restored to a regular
rhythm, the next step is to maintain the patient's heart in a
regular rhythm. To do so, a first aid kit is preferably provided
with the interface unit 16. The first aid kit would preferably
include medications which would include an anti-arrythmic drug,
such as Lidocaine, for inhibiting the heart from falling back into
ventricular fibrillation, a lactic acidosis neutralizer, such as
sodium bicarbonate and pain relieving medications like demerol or
morphine. These medications would preferably be preloaded in
clearly marked and color coded syringes to enable quick
administration. If the doctor were not near the patient and is
operating out of the command center 18, the doctor can monitor the
patient's condition via the glove members 12a and 12b and the
interface unit 16 and can instruct the person manipulating the
glove members 12a and 12b and/or persons near the patient to
properly provide care/treatment for the patient.
[0128] Acupuncture Device
[0129] To provide electrical pin stimulations, the
acupuncture/defibrillat- or circuit board 128 is activated to cause
the high voltage source 134 to deliver power to the electrodes
106a-106j. The high voltage source 134 delivers power, preferably
about 5 to 10 Joules per electrode 106a-106j, through the cables
14a and 14b to the electrodes 106a-106j on the first and second
glove members 12a and 12b to enable the electrodes 106a-106j to
provide electrical pin stimulation to the patient when the
electrodes 106a-106j are moved over the patient's body.
[0130] The electrical pin stimulation from the electrodes 106a-106j
can be used to alleviate pain, as is done via conventional
acupuncture practice, albeit in a non-invasive manner. This glove
mediated acupuncture technique obviates the need to insert needles
into the body to deliver acupuncture and helps insure safety from
needle transmitted diseases, such as HIV infection. The electrical
pin stimulations can also be used to cauterize wounds on the
patient.
[0131] Accordingly, the above-described present invention enables a
plurality of diagnostic information to be quickly and accurately
obtained, either by a doctor in close proximity to a patient, or by
a doctor remote from the patient (i.e., when the doctor is in the
command center 18), evaluate and/or monitor a patient's condition.
The present invention also provides a means for quickly treating a
patient (i.e., the defibrillator device 54 and the acupuncture
device) under the care of a doctor who is accurately informed of
the patient's condition even when the doctor is not near the
patient.
[0132] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have
been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which the
invention relates will appreciate other ways of carrying out the
invention defined by the following claims. For instance, the
placement of the diagnostic devices on the glove members 12a and
12b and/or specific design of the diagnostic devices could vary
from that described above. For instance, the EKG device could have
more or fewer sensors or the sensors could be located differently
than that described above.
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