초록 ▼

An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject.

An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject. The apparatus further includes a display, input device, and one or more communications links such that data and other information may be communicated between the apparatus and one or more remote locations. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable monitoring station disposed in the subject's home, which is kept in communication with a remote medical facility via a wireless interface and PSTN or data network. Two-way communications of monitored data, video, audio, and other types of information is provided to facilitate remote care of the subject, and obviate the need for an in-home caregiver or frequent trips to the medical facility. A communications system for exchanging data between the various locations, and computer program allowing such data exchange, are also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject.

An improved method and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of physiologic parameters associated with a living subject. In one aspect, the invention comprises a monitoring apparatus capable of non-invasively and continuously monitoring the blood pressure, heart rate (ECG), and weight of the subject. The apparatus further includes a display, input device, and one or more communications links such that data and other information may be communicated between the apparatus and one or more remote locations. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable monitoring station disposed in the subject's home, which is kept in communication with a remote medical facility via a wireless interface and PSTN or data network. Two-way communications of monitored data, video, audio, and other types of information is provided to facilitate remote care of the subject, and obviate the need for an in-home caregiver or frequent trips to the medical facility. A communications system for exchanging data between the various locations, and computer program allowing such data exchange, are also disclosed. aft can be moved into a closed ring structure, whereby at the forward free end of the front most link element a locking element is situated, with which the front most link element can be secured for forming the closed ring structure, and in that the closed ring structure can be bent continuously at an angle up to 90 degrees to the rigid part of the shaft. 2. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the distal end of the shaft can be moved, while viewed in the endoscope, into the closed ring structure by means of a tool. 3. Retractor in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that on the closest link element there are recesses into which a tool, in particular a pincer, can engage to move the link elements. 4. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the distal end of the shaft can be moved into the closed ring structure by means of a Bowden cable. 5. Retractor in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the locking element is designed as a notch element, which can be secured in a notch retainer of the first link element that is connected with the rigid part of the shaft. 6. Retractor in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that the locking element is in the form of a magnet. 7. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the ring structure can be bent at least 90 degrees to the rigid part of the shaft in both directions from the plane of the ring structure by means of a hinge between the rigid part of the shaft and the first link element. 8. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the hand piece and the shaft are connected reversibly by way of an adapter piece. 9. Retractor in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the shaft is interlocking with the adapter piece. 10. Retractor in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the adapter piece has an axial bore in which a notch element that is activated from outside by means of a button is mounted for securing the shaft. 11. Retractor in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that the notch element is spring-loaded in the notch position. 12. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the hand piece is formed as a counterweight to the ring structure. 13. Retractor in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an insertion tool having a shaft with a profile that is basically semicircular in cross-section, whose distal end has the form of a self-cutting tip. 14. Method for the use of a retractor, in accordance with claim 1, in endoscopic surgery, characterized by the following steps: a) introducing a retractor shaft in straight, extended position into the body through an artificial bodily opening; b) moving the distal end of the shaft into a closed ring structure; c) bending the displaced distal end of the shaft from the plane of the ring structure opposite the shaft; d) removal of an internal organ or other tissue from the operating area in order to make room and visibility for the endoscopic intervention; and e) replacing the retractor shaft into the straight, extended position for removal from the body. 15. Method in accordance with claim 14, characterized in that, to introduce the retractor shaft into the body, a medical instrument is used whose shaft has a basically semicircular profile in cross-section and whose distal end has the form of a self-cutting tip.