Inventors:
Mark K. Zornow - PORTLAND OR, US
Assignee:
OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY - PORTLAND OR
International Classification:
A61B 5/1455, G08B 23/00, A61B 5/08, A61H 1/00, A61N 1/36, A61M 5/00
US Classification:
600323, 607 42, 604 66, 600529, 601 1, 3405731
Abstract:
Embodiments provide a continuous monitor of a patient's oxygenation and/or respiration coupled to a device configured to stimulate the patient's respiratory drive and/or summon medical assistance. In embodiments, there are provided systems, devices, and methods to assist in preventing patients from overdosing themselves with narcotics post-surgery. In embodiments, an apnea prevention device (APD) may utilize a commercially available pulse oximeter and/or a respiratory monitor to continuously monitor a patient's level of oxygenation/respiration. Should a patient develop respiratory depression or apnea and begin to desaturate, an APD may, using a proprietary method, trigger a sequence of staged responses to reverse worsening hypoxia.