System and Methods for Monitoring Edema

Abstract

This invention presents a system and associated algorithms for monitoring edema. Edema is considered, clinically as a diagnostic symptom for many medical conditions. It can be present in various body locations such as lower limb, ankle, and abdominal area. The current invention, in particular, provide a means to measure edema continuously and in real-time to provide an objective assessment of the patients conduction which can be used as a basis for clinical interventions. Edema is often an early sign of significant fluid retention, which could eventually result in significant cardiac overload and conditions such as heart failure. Although many physicians are aware of the importance of monitoring edema, accuracy and consistency in assessing edema has been a challenge. A variety of methods to quantitatively measure peripheral edema have been proposed (e.g., volumetry and ankle circumference) but their use has generally been limited to physical therapy and sports medicine settings.

The most widely-used technique is a subjective clinical assessment where an examiner applies pressure with there index finger to a single location on the patient’s ankle. While this is the most standard method, it is subjective and often inaccurate. There are other methods used to diagnose edema but, they have both positive and negative aspects associated with them. Our device is non-invasive and  takes into account other methods currently being used. The device itself can measure the ankle circumference along with other key factors relating to edema and other related disease states that allow a trained professional a better overall evaluation of a patient health. Additionally, the assessment can made remotely due to the specialized algorithms that are associated with the device.

Advantages

This device is a predictable, cheap and accurate system which can be used to detect health problems in patients remotely allowing for early detection and treatment.

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