High efficiency external counterpulsation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for applying external counterpulsation to a patient, including detecting a blood-flow impedance signal, self-adaptive filter processing the detected blood-flow impedance signal, and adjusting inflation of an inflatable member based on the self-adaptive filter processing in order to optimize counterpulsation timing. A computer processes the signals and controls a fluid distribution device to distribute compressed fluid to a plurality of inflatable members based on said processed signals.

1 . A method for applying external counterpulsation to a patient using a device including an inflatable member placed on a limb of the patient, such method comprising: 
 detecting a blood flow impedance signal;    self-adaptive filter processing said detected blood flow impedance signal; and    adjusting inflation of the inflatable member based on said self-adaptive filter processed detected blood flow impedance signal to optimize counterpulsation timing.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said self-adaptive filter processing includes comparing a reference impedance signal to said detected impedance signal.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said adjusting inflation of the inflatable member includes adjusting inflation to coincide retrograde blood flow signals with aortic valve closure.  
     
     
         4 . A counterpulsation control method comprising: 
 obtaining an impedance blood flow signal;    obtaining an electrocardiographic signal;    detecting a QRS wave of said electrocardiographic signal;    determining a counterpulsation blood flow wave initiation from said impedance blood flow signal; and    controlling at least one of inflation time and deflation time of an inflatable member from said electrocardiographic signal and said counterpulsation blood flow wave initiation.    
     
     
         5 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising determining an objective index reflecting a curative effect of counterpulsation.  
     
     
         6 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , wherein said determining an objective index includes detecting a peak amplitude and duration of a systolic waveform and an impedance cardiograph counterpulsation wave.  
     
     
         7 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising applying a high-frequency, constant-current source to a patient body to generate said impedance blood flow signal.  
     
     
         8 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising applying a high-frequency, constant-current source to generate said electrocardiographic signals.  
     
     
         9 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising displaying said impedance blood flow signal and said electrocardiographic signal.  
     
     
         10 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising self-adaptive filter processing said impedance blood flow signal.  
     
     
         11 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 10 , wherein said determining a counterpulsation blood flow wave initiation includes processing said impedance blood flow signal after self-adaptive filter processing.  
     
     
         12 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising detecting blood pressure during counterpulsation.  
     
     
         13 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 12 , further comprising comparing the detected blood pressure value to a predetermined value.  
     
     
         14 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 13 , further comprising stopping counterpulsation if said detected blood pressure value exceeds said predetermined value.  
     
     
         15 . The counterpulsation control method of  claim 4 , further comprising detecting blood oxygen saturation.