# US 10,368,758 B2 · Methods and devices for central photoplethysmographic monitoring

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- Number: US 10,368,758 B2
- Document ID: US10368758B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/651,697
- Filed: 2017-07-17
- Published: 2018-01-11
- Granted: 2019-08-06
- Earliest claimed: 2004-08-11
- Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
- Applicants: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
- Inventors: Richard J. Melker; Neil Euliano; Brian Fuerhlein
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10368758B2

## CPC

- A61B 5/0295: using plethysmography, i.e. measuring the variations in the volume of a body part as modified by the circulation of blood therethrough, e.g. impedance plethysmography
- A61B 5/02: Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
- A61B 5/0261: {using optical means, e.g. infrared light}
- A61B 5/14552: {Details of sensors specially adapted therefor}
- A61B 5/6803: {Head-worn items, e.g. helmets, masks, headphones or goggles}
- A61B 5/6815: {Ear}
- A61B 5/6817: {Ear canal}
- A61B 5/6819: {Nose}
- A61B 5/6838: {Clamps or clips}
- A61M 16/0051: {with alarm devices}
- A61M 16/06: Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
- A61M 16/0627: {with sealing means on a part of the body other than the face, e.g. helmets, hoods or domes}
- A61B 5/02416: {using photoplethysmograph signals, e.g. generated by infrared radiation (A61B5/14552 takes precedence)}
- A61M 16/0683: {Holding devices therefor}
- A61M 2230/205: partial oxygen pressure (P-O2)
- A61M 2230/432: partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

Provided according to embodiments of the present invention are methods of monitoring individuals that include securing a photoplethysmograph probe to at least one of a pre-auricular region and a post-auricular region of the individual and obtaining photoplethysmography signals from the photoplethysmography probe. Photoplethysmography probes and helmets related to such methods are also described herein.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of monitoring an individual comprising
securing a photoplethysmography probe to a post-auricular region of the individual;
obtaining photoplethysmography signals from a post-auricular artery of the individual; and
processing the photoplethysmography signals with a an oximetry signal processing module to determine a blood oxygen saturation of the individual.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the processed photoplethysmography signals are further analyzed to determine changes in blood flow in the individual.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2, wherein processing the photoplethysmography signals comprises separating the photoplethysmography signals into an isolated AC component signal stream and an isolated DC component signal stream.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, wherein at least one of the isolated AC component signal stream and the isolated DC component signal stream are analyzed to monitor the individual.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the photoplethysmography probe is embedded into a helmet.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the photoplethysmography probe is a reflectance probe.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The method of claim 6, wherein the photoplethysmography probe comprises
a wiring harness, and a probe base structure comprising an LED and a photodetector on the wiring harness,
wherein the wiring harness is configured to secure around the individual's ear and the probe base structure is at a proximal end of the wiring harness and configured to secure to a post-auricular region of the individual.