Portable electronic hemodynamic sensor systems

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for extracting hemodynamic information, optionally employing portable electronic devices with optional User Interface (UI) features for system implementation. The systems and methods may be employed for acquiring hemodynamic signals and associated electrophysiological data and/or analyzing the former or both in combination to yield useful physiological indicia or results. Such hardware and software is advantageously used for non-invasively monitoring cardiac health.

1 . A system comprising:
 a vibration sensor adapted to capture a vibrational signal including a hemodynamic waveform signal, and   a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes,   wherein the vibration sensor and at least one ECG electrode are positioned on a distal face of a device, and at least one ECG electrode is positioned remote from the distal face of the device.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one ECG electrode posited remote from the distal face of the device is incorporated in a body connected by a cord to the device. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one ECG electrode posited remote from the distal face of the device is positioned on a handle section of the device. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the device further comprises a plug for an ECG electrode to be connected by a cord. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the device is adapted to deactivate the at least one ECG electrode positioned on the handle section when the cord is connected. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the adaptation to deactivate the at least one ECG electrode positioned in the handle is provided by a programmed computer processor. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the processor is housed in the device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vibration sensor is also adapted so that the vibrational signal includes an Embedded Frequency signal corresponding to heart sound. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the device is adapted to separate the Embedded Frequency signal and the hemodynamic waveform signal. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein a digital filter is provided to separate the Embedded Frequency and the hemodynamic waveform signal. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the digital filter is provided by a programmed computer processor housed in the device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vibration sensor comprises a light source and a light sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the vibration sensor further comprising a membrane, the membrane made of a material selected to be at least partially reflective to the light source on an inner surface of the membrane. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the membrane comprises metal or is metalized on at least one surface. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the membrane material is selected to reduce light passing from an outer surf ace of the membrane to the sensor. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the material substantially eliminates light passing from the outer surface. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the membrane comprises metal or is metalized on at least one surface. 
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 contacting skin of a subject at a location peripheral to the subject's heart with a vibration sensor and a first ECG electrode, both positioned on one face of a device,   selecting a second ECG electrode from a finger electrode of the device and a plug-in electrode for the device and contacting the subject's skin at a second location with the selected sensor contact,   detecting a vibrational signal with a vibration sensor, and   detecting an ECG signal with the ECG electrodes.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a user is the subject and the selected ECG electrode lead is the finger lead, and the selecting is by the subject holding the device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a user is not the subject and the selected ECG electrode is held by the user separate from the device. 
     
     
         21 .- 111 . (canceled)