Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Temperature detection
Patent
1999-01-12
2000-10-03
Hindenburg, Max
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Temperature detection
600559, 600573, A61B 500
Patent
active
061266140
ABSTRACT:
An improved indication of a condition of an ear of a subject, such as a human or other mammal, is provided by combining two or more measurements such as body temperature, detection of fluid in the ear (for example by acoustic reflectance), and/or a characteristic of any fluid in the ear. Results of any two of these measurements may be combined to provide improved diagnostic information. The combination of measured body temperature and a determined likelihood that fluid is present in the ear provides improved diagnostic information regarding the risk of an ear infection. In particular, if a subject has an elevated body temperature and the likelihood is high that fluid is present in the ear, an indication of a risk of ear infection may be provided by the device. The presence of fluid may be detected using acoustic reflectometry, tympanometry, pneumatic otoscopy, otoacoustic emissions or other mechanism. If temperature is measured in the ear, for example by using radiation thermometry, the combined instrumentation may be used to improve alignment between the device and the tympanic membrane, thus improving the accuracy of both temperature measurement and fluid detection. Chemical sensing of characteristics of any fluid in the ear may be combined with the detection of fluid or measurement of body temperature, or both, to provide improved diagnosis of ear pathologies. Chemical sensing determines a characteristic of the fluid, such as whether a bacterium or a virus is present. The device may provide diagnostic information from sensed characteristics of the fluid, measured likelihood that fluid is present in the ear and/or measured body temperature to indicate the risk of an ear infection. For example, the device may determine whether any fluid present is infected, and/or may identify bacteria in the fluid.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5820264 (1998-10-01), Tsao et al.
patent: 5833367 (1998-11-01), Cheslock et al.
patent: 5833626 (1998-11-01), Leysieffer
patent: 5868682 (1999-02-01), Combs et al.
patent: 5873833 (1999-02-01), Pompei
Jenkins Geoffrey
Kimball Sandra
Kunen David
Hindenburg Max
MDI Instruments, Inc.
Wingood Pamela L.
LandOfFree
Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies by detectin does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies by detectin, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus and method for analysis of ear pathologies by detectin will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-190261