Device, method and system for monitoring pressure in body cavities | Patent Application Number 10283245

A method for analysing pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, comprising the steps of identifying from said digital data features related to single pressure waves, and determining at least one parameter of the single wave parameters elected from the group of: pressure amplitude ΔP, latency (ΔT), rise time coefficient ΔP/ΔT, and wavelength of the single wave, as well as determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected combinations of two or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said given time sequence. In another aspect of the invention, the method is capable of identifying from said digital data features related to absolute pressures relative to atmospheric pressure a number of different pressure levels and duration thereof, and presenting the numbers of levels of various time durations in said matrix format.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application No. Ser. No. 09/843,702 filed on Apr. 30, 2001, now abandoned the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for analyzing pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, comprising the steps of sampling said signals at specific intervals, converting the pressure signals into pressure-related digital data with a time reference, as defined in the preamble of attached claim 1. The invention provides for monitoring and analyzing of pressure within body cavities in a human body or animal body, e.g., intracranial pressure and blood pressure, and even in cavities such as e.g. cerebrospinal fluid space. The invention provides for analysis of pressure signals subsequent to sampling, recordal, storage and processing of pressure measurement signals, and thereby quantitative analysis.

2. Related Art

The clinical use of intracranial pressure monitoring was first described by Janny in 1950 and Lundberg in 1960.

Intracranial pressures may be measured by different strategies. Solid or fibre-optic transducers may be introduced into the epidural or subdural spaces, or introduced into the brain parenchyma. Intracranial pressure also may be recorded directly by measuring pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, requiring application of catheter to the cerebrospinal fluid space (most commonly in the cerebral ventricles or the lumbar spinal cavity). During infusion tests the pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid is recorded.

The present invention deals with strategies to analyze single pulse pressure waves, and make analysis of these waves available to the daily clinical practice. The fluctuations of intracranial pressure arise from cardiac and respiratory effects. The intracranial pressure cardiac waves or cerebrospinal fluid pulse waves result from the contractions of the left cardiac ventricle. The intracranial pressure wave or the cerebrospinal fluid pulse wave resemble the arterial blood pressure wave, that is characterized by a systolic rise followed by a diastolic decline and a dicrotic notch. In addition, changes in pressures associated with the respiratory cycle affect the intracranial pressure wave. The morphology of the intracranial pulse pressure wave depends on the arterial inflow, venous outflow, as well as the state of the intracranial contents. The single pulse pressure waves of intracranial pressure include three peaks that are consistently present, corresponding with the arterial pulse waves. For a single pulse pressure wave the maximum peak is termed P1 or top of the percussion wave. During the declining phase of the wave, there are two peaks namely the second peak (P2), often termed the tidal wave, and the third peak (P3), often termed the dicrotic wave. Between the tidal and dicrotic waves is the dicrotic notch that corresponds to arterial dicrotic notch. In the present application, the amplitude of the first peak (ΔP1) is defined as the pressure difference between the diastolic minimum pressure and the systolic maximum pressure, the latency of the first peak (ΔT1) is defined as the time interval when pressures increases from diastolic minimum to systolic maximum. The rise time (ΔP1/ΔT1)) is defined as the coefficient obtained by dividing the amplitude with the latency. The morphology of the single pulse pressure wave is intimately related to elastance and compliance. Elastance is the change in pressure as a function of a change in volume, and describes the effect of a change in volume on intracranial pressure. Compliance is the inverse of elastance and represents the change in volume as a function of a change in pressure. Therefore, compliance describes the effect of a change in pressure on craniospinal volume. Elastance is most useful clinically as elastance describes the effect of changes in intracranial volume on intracranial pressure. The relationship between intracranial pressure and volume was described in 1966 by Langfitt and showed an exponential curve, where the slope of any part of the curve resembles the rise time of a single wave (that is ΔP/ΔT or change in pressure/change in volume). The curve is termed the pressure-volume curve or the elastance curve. The horizontal part of the curve is the period of spatial compensation whereas the vertical portion is the period of spatial decompensation. When elastance increases also the amplitude of a single pulse pressure wave increases due to an increase in the pressure response to a bolus of blood from the heart. It has, however, not been possible to take the knowledge of single wave parameters into daily clinical practice.

In the intensive care unit, continuous intracranial pressure monitoring usually presents the pressures as mean pressure in numerical values, or as a curve that has to be visually analyzed. Though single waves may be displayed on the monitor, strategies to explore trends in changes of single wave characteristics are lacking. Furthermore, strategies to continuously examine compliance solely on the basis of the pressure curves have not been established.

There is a close relationship between blood pressure and intracranial pressure as the intracranial pressure waves are built up from the blood pressure waves. Simultaneous assessment of intracranial pressure and blood pressure provides several advantages, for instance by calculation of the cerebral perfusion pressure (that is mean arterial pressure minus intracranial pressure). The assessment of cerebral perfusion pressure represents a critical parameter in the monitoring of critically ill patients. Assessment of blood pressure per se also has a major place in daily clinical practice, including both assessments of diastolic and systolic pressures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technical solution may be applied to a variety of pressures such as intracranial pressures (or cerebrospinal fluid pressures), blood pressures, or other body cavity pressures. Invasive or non-invasive sensors may record pressures.

According to the invention, the intracranial pressure curve is quantified in different ways. The pressure recordings may be presented as a matrix of numbers of intracranial pressure elevations of different levels (e.g. 20, 25 or 30 mmHg) and durations (e.g. 0.5, 1, 10 or 40 minutes), or a matrix of numbers of intracranial pressure changes of different levels and durations. The pressure recordings also may be presented as a matrix of numbers of single pulse pressure waves of certain characteristics. In this context, elevations are understood as rises in pressure above the zero level that is relative to the atmospheric pressure. An elevation of 20 mmHg represents the pressure of 20 mmHg relative to the atmospheric pressure. Pressure changes represent the differences in pressures at different time stamps. A pressure change of 5 mmHg over a 5 seconds period represents the differences in pressure of 5 mmHg over a 5 seconds measuring period. It should be understood that each pressure recording is measured along with a time stamp. All pressure signals are measured along a recording time. Similar analysis can be made for blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure.

With regard to sampling, analysis and presentation of single pulse pressure waves, relative differences in pressures and relative time differences are computed. The analysis is not relative to the zero level or the atmospheric pressure, therefore the results of data analysis are not affected by the zero level or drift of zero level.

By means of the invention used as stated above, the applicant was able to show in a study including 127 patients that the calculation of mean intracranial pressure is an inaccurate measure of intracranial pressure. There was a weak correlation between mean intracranial pressure and the number of intracranial pressure elevations. A high proportion of abnormal intracranial pressure elevations may be present despite a normal mean intracranial pressure. In another study including 16 patients undergoing continuous intracranial pressure monitoring before and after cranial expansion surgery, the applicant found that calculation of numbers of intracranial pressure elevations of different levels and durations in a sensitive way revealed changes in intracranial pressure after surgery. Comparing mean intracranial pressure before and after surgery did not reveal these changes. Accordingly, this type of quantitative analysis of the intracranial pressure curve represents a far more accurate and reliable way of analyzing intracranial pressure than the classical ways of analyzing mean intracranial pressure and describing Lundberg's A, B or C waves.

With regard to single pulse pressure waves, the invention provides measurement and analysis of the following parameters:

a) Minimum is defined as the diastolic minimum pressure of the single wave, or as the valley of the wave.

b) Maximum is defined as the systolic maximum pressure of the single wave, or defined as the peak of the wave.

c) Amplitude is defined as the pressure difference between the systolic maximum pressure and the diastolic minimum pressures during the series of increasing pressures of the single wave.

d) Latency is defined as the time of the single wave when the sequence of pressures increases from minimum pressure to maximum pressure.

e) Rise time is defined as the relationship between amplitude divided by latency, and is synonymous with the rise time coefficient.

f) Wavelength is defined as the duration of the single pulse pressure wave when pressures changes from minimum and back to minimum, and reflects the heart rate.

As mentioned in the Related Art section, amplitude, latency and rise in the present invention is referring to the first peak (P1). This does not represent a limitation of the scope of the invention, however, as amplitude, latency and rise time also may be calculated for the second (P2) and third (P3) peaks as well.

By means of the invention the applicant showed that quantitative analysis of characteristics of single pulse pressure waves revealed important and new information about the pressures. Both these latter parameters are important for assessment of abnormal pressures. The applicant has demonstrated (not published) that parameters of the single pulse pressure waves analyzed and presented quantitatively, provide information about compliance and elastance.

The quantitative method was developed for various pressures such as blood pressure, intracranial pressure (subdural, epidural, intraparenchymatous, or cerebrospinal fluid pressure), and cerebral perfusion pressure.

Furthermore, the quantitative method was developed for offering different types of data presentations:

a) matrix presentations of numbers or percentages of single pulse pressure waves with pre-selected characteristics during a recording period,

b) graphical presentations of single pulse pressure waves with the opportunity to compare single waves, either between individuals, against a reference material or within the same individual at different time intervals,

c) various types of statistical handling of the data are possible.

According to the invention, the method for analyzing comprises the inventive steps of:

identifying from said digital data features related to single pressure waves in said pressure signals,

• • said identifying step including determination of a minimum pressure value related to diastolic minimum value and a maximum pressure value related to systolic maximum value, and
  • determining at least one parameter of the single wave parameters elected from the group of: pressure amplitude=ΔP=[(maximum pressure value)−(minimum pressure value)], latency (ΔT), rise time or rise time coefficient=ΔP/ΔT, and wavelength of the single wave, and
  • determining numbers of said single pressure waves occurring during a given time sequence,
    wherein said determining of numbers includes:
  • determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected values of one or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said given time sequence, and
  • further includes determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected combinations of two or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said given time sequence.
    Further embodiments of this first aspect of the invention are defined in sub-claims 2–39.

One object of the present invention is to provide a technical solution for continuous digital sampling of pressures in a body cavity such as intracranial pressure, with or without simultaneous blood pressure measurement, in freely moving individuals that are not bed-ridden. Therefore the apparatus is small and may be driven by a rechargeable battery.

In the context of the invention there is disclosed apparatus to provide for recordal of signals indicative of the intracranial pressure or blood pressure from various sources of signals, that is invasive implanted microtransducers and non-invasive devices using acoustic or ultrasonic signals, or other signals recorded by non-invasive devices. Thus, the algorithm for analysis of pressures may be used whether pressure signals are derived from invasive or non-invasive devices.

The invention is useful for monitoring intracranial pressures without being dependent on the zero level (i.e. calibration against the atmospheric pressure). This is particularly important for pressure sampling by means of non-invasive sensors. An object of the invention is to provide a solution for analysis and presentation of continuous intracranial pressure recordings obtained by non-invasive sensors.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new method of analyzing pressure samples such as intracranial pressure, blood pressure or cerebral perfusion pressure, including quantitative presentations of the various pressure curves. The different pressures may be monitored simultaneously.

Through use of proper software it is possible to perform software for the quantitative analysis and presentation of continuous pressure recordings representing e.g. intracranial pressure, blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. The software has several options for quantitative description of the data, including calculation of a matrix of pressure elevations of different levels and durations, or a matrix of pressure changes of different levels and durations, or a matrix of numbers of single pulse pressure wave parameters with selected characteristics.

The main objectives of the invention are related to intracranial pressure and blood pressure, but this is not a limitation on the scope of the invention. The invention can also be utilized in connection with pressure sensors measuring pressure in other body cavities (such as the cerebrospinal fluid cavities).

In a process for obtaining pressure signals and carrying out analysis thereof, one or more pressure sensors are applied to a patient and the pressure signals from the sensors are sampled at selected intervals. The sampled signals are converted to digital form and stored along with a time reference that makes it possible to evaluate the change of pressure over time. The time reference may be stored as part of the digital value, or it may be associated with the memory position, or memory address, at which the pressure value is stored. The stored sample values are then, according to this embodiment of the invention, analyzed in order to generate a presentation of at least one of the following: number of pressure elevations with any selected combination of level and duration; number of pressure changes with any selected combination of level difference and duration of change; and number of pulse pressure waves with preselected characteristics regarding minimum, maximum, amplitude, latency and rise time. This allows for various sampling rates and duration of measuring periods. Assessment of single pulse pressure waves preferentially requires a sampling rate of 100 Hz or above. As an alternative to numbers, percentages may be computed. Any point of the single waves may be calculated, and different parameters of the waves may be computed. There is a fundamental difference between computation of number of pressure elevations with any selected combination of level and duration and number of pulse pressure waves with preselected characteristics regarding minimum, maximum, amplitude, latency and rise time. One way is thereby to compute pressures relative to a zero level (i.e. atmospheric pressure), whereas a second way is to compute relative differences in pressures and time and therefore is independent on the zero level.

In the context of the invention there is provided a system for handling single pulse pressure waves in a way that pressures from a single subject may be superimposed on the pressure-volume (elastance) curve providing information about the elastance. This solution provides one of several strategies of early detection of decompensation of pressures, before the conventional methods.

In the present disclosure there is described a system for quantitative and accurate comparisons of pressure recordings/curves when assessing pressure in a body cavity or blood pressure. Comparisons may be made between different continuous pressure curves that include different recording periods, different heart rates, as well as different zero levels. Comparisons of continuous pressure recordings may be made both between individuals and within individuals (that is before and after treatment or comparisons of pressure recordings at different time intervals). This system makes use of a newly developed algorithm (not further disclosed) in computer software. The algorithm includes quantitative approaches for analysis of the pressure recordings and strategies to present the recordings. The system may be integrated in commercially available pressure transducer devices, in computer servers or in medical device computers or in the portable apparatus for pressure monitoring described here.

The technical solution of comparing various continuous pressure curves involves standardisation procedures. The numbers/percentages during a given recording period may be standardized to numbers/percentages during a standardized recording period (e.g. one or 10 hours) and a standardized heart rate. For different individuals the quantitative data for a given recording period may be standardised to a selected recording period (for example numbers/percentages during one minute, one hour or 10 hours recording period), as well as standardised to a selected heart rate (for example heart rate of 60 each minute). Thereby, continuous pressure recordings for different individuals may be compared. This strategy may provide the opportunity for development of reference curves, on the basis of recordings in several individuals. Comparisons of pressure curves for individual cases also become possible. During real time and on-line pressure monitoring, changes in pressure trends may be explored. For example, numbers of pressure characteristics during one hour of pressure recording may be compared at different time intervals.

As compared to the traditional monitoring of mean intracranial pressure, assessment of parameters of single waves may provide early warning of changes in brain compliance, allowing early intervention to reduce pressure.

In the context of the invention, there is disclosed a system for performing the analysis according to the method. The system may be in the form of a suitably programmed computer, or dedicated equipment particularly designed for performing this analysis. The system includes a communication interface for receiving a set of digital pressure sample values, a memory for storing these values, and a processor for performing the analysis described above. The system further includes a video interface that is controlled by the processor and that is capable of generating a visual presentation of the result of any analysis performed by the processor. The visual presentation will be presented on a display. The system also comprises input means for allowing a user to change the parameters of the performed analysis. This implies that the system may be integrated in different computer servers, medical device computers or vital sign monitors. Therefore, the apparatus described here represents no limitation by which the invention may be applied.

The output computed by the software may be presented in a number of ways, including matrix of numbers, graphical presentations, and comparisons of pressures in an individual against a reference material or against previous recordings of the individual.

The particular features of the invention are described in the attached independent claims, while the dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments and alternatives.

Further exemplifying features and embodiments of the invention as well as other aspects of and relations thereto will now be described in the following description with reference to the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1

As a result of its compact construction and lightweight, a patient can easily carry the apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 may be fastened to the belt of the patient or kept in a carry pouch with straps. Alternatively, the apparatus 1 may be used as an interface for connecting the network station or personal computer 6 to the pressure sensor 2. This allows real time online monitoring of pressure so that the pressure curves may be displayed on a display. The different applications of the apparatus 1 as well as modifications in the construction of the apparatus 1 are further illustrated in

FIG. 11

Most commercially available sensors 16 give an analogue signal on the basis of a mechanical action on the sensor. Within the pressure transducer 2 the signals from the sensor is converted to a signal that may either be a voltage or current signal. The pressure transducer 2 then produces a continuous voltage or current signal. The voltage or current signals from the transducer are further processed within the signal conditioner 5. The analogue signals are converted to digital signals within the analogue to digital converter 7. Certainly various modifications are possible. When data are collected from for example a vital signs monitor both the pressure transducer 2 and the analogue to digital converter 7 may be built into the vital signs monitor. The digital signals are handled according to the invention.

The apparatus 1 may be constructed in a number of ways. The embodiment described below is based on a unit with a central processing unit 8 operating in accordance with instructions stored in memory 9 and communicating with the various parts of the apparatus over a common data bus 14. However, a number of variations are possible. Instead of using a central processing unit 8 and instructions stored in memory 9, the functionality of the apparatus 1 could be constructed directly in hardware, e.g. as ASICs. The apparatus represents no limitation for the use of the system for the analysis and presentation of pressures described here.

The main components of the apparatus 1 are then the analog to digital converter 7, which converts the received analog measuring signals to digital, the data memory 9, which receives the digitized values from the analog to digital converter 7 and stores them. An input/output interface 15 allows data stored in the memory 9 to be transferred to the network station or personal computer 6 for processing. The apparatus preferably includes a galvanic element 3 protecting the patient from the electric circuitry of the apparatus, a signal conditioner 5 either to the input or the output of the analog to digital converter 7, an input control 10 for controlling operation and adjusting settings of the apparatus, a display unit 12, and an alarm unit 13. Input control 10, display 12 and alarm unit 13 are connected to and in communication with the central processing unit 8 and/or other parts of the apparatus such as ASICs, display drivers, and power sensors (not shown).

Besides, the software computes the number of artifacts during a recording period, and the artifact ratio. The program includes an option for excluding recordings when the artifact ratio is above a selected level.

After the signal conditioner 5 has processed the analog signals, the analog signals are converted to digital signals within an analog to digital converter 7. The central processing unit 8 controls the operation of the various elements of the apparatus 1. The central processor is in communication with the analog to digital converter 7, and is capable of reading out samples of the digitally converted pressure measurements and storing them in a data memory 9. The data memory 9 may be in the form of electronic circuits such as RAM, or some form of magnetic storage, such as a disc, or any other convenient form of data memory known in the art.

As has already been mentioned, the apparatus 1 is here described as receiving signals indicative of the intracranial pressure from sensors 16 implanted within the skull. However, the apparatus may also incorporate a signal conditioner 5 for processing signals from non-invasive devices such as acoustic, ultrasonic or Doppler devices. Whether the entire apparatus 1 must be constructed with a signal conditioner 5 for a specific purpose or whether the same signal conditioner 5 allows for different uses, with or without re-programming, is dependent on implementation and specific needs. If the apparatus 1 is intended to work with various sensors 16 with various levels of sensitivity, the signal conditioner should be adjustable in a manner that allows operation with the desired sensors and to adapt the output range to the various sensors to the input range of the analog to digital converter 7. In this case the signal conditioner 5 must obviously be connected between the input of the apparatus 1 and the analog to digital converter 7.

The apparatus 1 is programmable including an input control 10, with a simple key board for entering a few commands. The input control 10 has a calibration function that allows calibration of the pressure sensor 16 against the atmospheric pressure, before the sensor 2 is implanted within the skull of the patient. Thereby the intracranial pressure monitored actually is the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure within the skull of the patient. It should be noted, however, that this invention also describes a method for recording and analysis of relative continuous pressure recordings that are not related to the atmospheric pressure, and are independent of a zero level. The input control 10 also contains a function for selecting the interval of pressure recordings. The pressures may be recorded with variable sampling frequency, e.g. from about 1–10 Hz up to at least 150 Hz (most preferably between 100 and 200 Hz). When single pulse pressure waves are monitored, the sampling frequency preferentially is 100 Hz or above. The minimum memory space should then allow storing of recordings at least 150 times a second for at least 48 hrs (26 920 000 recordings). The input control 10 preferably also has a function for adjusting the real time clock, since each pressure sample should include a time reference indicating when the sample was made.

Via a connector 11, data may be transferred to the personal computer 6 for analysis. The connector 11 may be a serial port, and the apparatus will preferably comprise an input/output interface 15 converting the internal signal format for the apparatus 1 to a format for communication over said connector 11.

A display 12 shows on-line the digital pressure signals as well as the real-time time. The display 12 is preferably controlled by the central processing unit 8.

An internal battery (not shown) powers the apparatus 1 that preferably is rechargeable, but with input for external power supply (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 1 has an alarm function that indicates shortage of memory capacity or reduced battery capacity. This alarm may be displayed visually on the display 12, but may also include a unit 13 emitting an audible alarm signal.

As mentioned before, the apparatus 1 may be connected to a personal computer 6 via the serial port 11. Alternatively the apparatus 1 may be connected to another digital computer-based monitoring system 6 such as a network station. This gives the opportunity for on-line and real time monitoring of the pressure with real time graphic presentation of the recordings. In this situation the apparatus 1 functions as an interface for a stationary personal computer or flat screen. Different applications are illustrated in

FIG. 11

The apparatus 1 is preferably controlled by software that is stored in a non-volatile part of the memory 9, and that controls the operation of the central processor 8. The various units of the apparatus are shown as communicating over a common data bus 14, but it should be noted that the various components may be interconnected in other ways.

The invention also relates to a method for measuring and analyzing pressure in a patient. This method will now be described.

First a signal from a pressure sensor 16 and transducer 2 representative of pressure in a body cavity is received and sampled at selected intervals. This signal is converted to digital form 7 and stored along with a time reference representative of the time at which the sample was made 9. The time reference does not have to be a time reference value stored for every sample. Since the sample rate will be known, it will be sufficient to store an actual time reference for the start of the measuring period. The time reference for the individual samples will then be given by their relative address in memory.

The stored sample values may then be analyzed in order to generate a presentation regarding a time period of at least one of the following:

• • number of pressure elevations with any selected combination of level and duration,
  • number of pressure changes with any selected combination of level difference and duration of change,
  • number of single pulse pressure waves with pre-selected characteristics such as minimum, maximum, amplitude, latency and rise time.

This type of analysis may be performed either on-line or off-line. During on-line analysis, analysis is performed repeatedly and presented repeatedly during real-time on-line monitoring. This allows for comparisons of pressure characteristics at repeated intervals. Off-line analysis is performed after the recording period has been ended.

In order to analyze number of pressure elevations with any selected combination of level and duration occurring in a time period, the stored samples are simply analyzed in order to determine for how long the measured pressure has remained within a certain pressure interval. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the user performing the analysis will be able to set the pressure intervals defining the various levels and duration of pressure elevations manually and perform the analysis repeatedly with different values for these parameters. Level may be measured on a linear scale e.g. with intervals of 5 mmHg, while the time scale intervals should preferably increase with time, e.g. each interval being twice as long as the previous shorter interval.

An analysis of number of pressure changes with any selected combination of level difference and duration of change would involve an analysis of the stored samples in order to determine the size of a pressure change and the time over which the change takes place.

An analysis of single pulse pressure waves will take into consideration not only elevations that remain within a certain time interval, but the transition of a wave from minimum to maximum and back to a new minimum or vice versa. Pre-selected characteristics identifying a pressure wave of interest may be the duration of the single pulse wave from minimum (maximum) back to minimum (maximum) combined either with minimum value, maximum value or amplitude of the single wave. Another pre-selected characteristic may be the rise time of the single wave.

The pressure sensor 16 may be applied by implanting the sensor in a body cavity of the patient, but it may also be applied by a non-invasive technique with a sensor using acoustic measuring signals, ultrasonic or Doppler, or even a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure. In general, a problem with non-invasive sensors recording intracranial pressure, is the lack of a zero level since intracranial pressure is calibrated against atmospheric pressure. The present invention solves this problem by computing the relative differences in pressure during single pressure wave analysis. Thereby the need for a zero level is excluded.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sampling rate is at least 10 Hz, and the measurements may be taken over a period of at least 24 hours. Even more preferably, the measurements may be performed with a sampling rate of 100 Hz, or at least 150 Hz, and taken over a period of at least 48 hours. According to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus the physician can set the sampling rate through the input control 10.

The computer is not shown in detail. It preferably includes a standard communication interface for receiving a set of digital pressure sample values from the apparatus described above, as well as data memory, such as a hard drive, for storing the received sample values and processing means, such as a microprocessor, with access to said data memory, and capable of analyzing said sample values in order to determine at least one of the following: —number of pressure elevations with any selected combination of level and duration—number of pressure changes with any selected combination of level difference and duration of change,—number of single pulse pressure waves with preselected characteristics regarding minimum, maximum, amplitude, latency and rise time. The computer further includes a video interface in communication with said processing means and capable of, in combination with the processor means, generating a visual presentation of the result of any analysis performed on the pressure sample values together with a graphical user interface. The video interface may be a graphics card connected to a display for displaying the generated visual presentation. The computer will also include input means allowing a user of the system to enter and change parameters on which said analysis should be based. These input means will normally include a keyboard and e.g. a mouse, and the user will be assisted by a graphical user interface presented on the display.

The parameters on which the analysis should be based may include at least some of the following: pressure intervals defining a number of pressure elevations, pressure change intervals defining a number of pressure change step sizes, time intervals defining a number of durations, pressure wave characteristics including minimum, maximum, amplitude and latency, selection of type of analysis, and selection of presentation of numbers as absolute numbers, percentages or numbers per time unit.

The operation of the computer 6 will preferably be controlled by computer program instructions stored in the computer 6 and making the computer capable of performing the analysis. The program will preferably be able to perform the analysis based on default values in the absence of parameters input by a user. Such a computer program may be stored on a computer readable medium such as a magnetic disc, a CD ROM or some other storage means, or it may be available as a carrier signal transmitted over a computer network such as the Internet.

FIG. 2

FIG. 2

FIG. 2

FIG. 2

FIGS. 3–6

The size of the window, that is the observation time may be changed to reveal the single pulse waves. Each single pulse wave is built up from a blood pressure wave. Comparable to the heart rate, during one minute of recording often about 50–70 single pulse waves may be recorded. There is, however, a large variation in heart rate both between and within individuals, accordingly there is a variation in the numbers of single pulse intracranial or blood pressure waves during one minute recording.

The graphical interface in

FIG. 2

The functions referred to above and the software modules that perform them will not be described in detail as they are well known in the art and do not constitute a part of the invention as such.

Reference is now made to

FIG. 3

The mathematical functions may be implemented in the software by various routes. One implementation is shortly described. The data needed for analysis of pressure elevations of different levels and durations include the pressure recordings and the corresponding time recordings. Two variables are selected, namely the threshold levels (pressures expressed in mmHg) and the width (time expressed in seconds). A search is made for both peaks (positive-going bumps) and valleys (negative-going bumps), and the exact levels of peaks and valleys are identified. Peaks with heights lower than the threshold or valleys with troughs higher than the thresholds are ignored. For a threshold value less or equal to zero a valley search is performed. For threshold values greater than zero a search for peaks is performed. The peak/valleys analysis is performed for every width/threshold combination in the matrix. In short, the procedure is as follows. The part of the pressure curve 34 that is to be examined is selected 33, the data is visualised in the user interface. A suitable width/threshold matrix is selected, specifying the width/threshold combinations. The units used are time in seconds (width) 37, and pressure in mmHg (threshold) 36, respectively. The software records the numbers of samples that fit a given width/threshold combination. The output from the analysis is a matrix containing the numbers of all the different width and threshold combinations. An example of such a matrix 35 is given in

FIG. 3

By clicking a first button 38, the user can select a presentation of the data as a chart of numbers of intracranial pressure elevations with various combinations of level 36 and duration 37. The intracranial pressure levels and durations may be selected in each case. According to a preferred embodiment, intracranial pressure is expressed as mmHg and duration as seconds and minutes. Also blood pressure may be expressed as mmHg. Independent of the type of pressure measured the pressures may be presented in the same way.

A second button 39 allows the user to select presentation of the data as a chart of numbers of intracranial pressure intracranial pressure changes of different levels 36 and duration 37. The changes may be differences between two recordings or differences between a recording compared to a given or selected value (e.g. mean pressure).

By clicking a third button 40, the user selects presentation of the data as numbers of single pulse pressure waves with pre-selected characteristics. The user accesses an input dialog box for entering these characteristics by clicking a fourth button 41. Each single pulse pressure wave is identified by minimum, maximum, amplitude, latency and rise time. Further details about analysis and presentation of the parameters of single pulse pressure waves are given in

FIGS. 7–10

The presentation of the results of the analysis in chart 35 may be toggled between absolute numerical quantities and percentages of recording time by clicking one of two buttons 44.

The numbers may be standardized by presenting the data as numbers per time unit 42. The time unit (e.g.) may be selected in each individual case. The data presented in

FIG. 3

FIG. 7

During on-line presentation the matrix 35 may be compared repeatedly. The whole matrix 35 may not need to be presented but only certain width/threshold combinations. Differences between certain combinations at different time intervals may be revealed. For example, the numbers or percentages of intracranial pressures of 15, 20 and 25 mmHg lasting 5 minutes during 1 hour recording period may be computed and presented each hour during on-line presentation. Normalization of data to a standardized recording time 42 and heart rate allows for accurate comparisons between different time intervals for individual cases, as well as comparisons between individuals.

For example, for blood pressure, comparisons of pressure curves may be performed before and after treatment with medications in an individual. Alternatively, pressure recordings from an individual may be compared against a normal material. A normal material may be constructed on the basis of the recordings from a large group of individuals.

The method for performing these analyses is described above, and the various buttons described above invokes software modules for performing the various steps of this method.

Again, a special function 43 allows the analyzed data to be saved as text files with a selected text format such as ASCII, or other files compatible with applications for mathematical and/or statistical handling of the data or for generating presentations.

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

The results shown in

FIG. 3

FIG. 4

FIG. 4

FIG. 3

During the standardisation procedure, the numbers or percentages are adjusted to a given factor. The normalised time may be chosen in each individual. An example is given. If the actual recording time is 6 hours, a standardisation to 10 hours recording time implies that all numbers or percentages of pressure elevations are multiplied with a factor equal to 10/6 (that is 1.66666).

The following example is intended to illustrate various aspects of the present invention regarding related measurements of pressure waves described in

FIGS. 2–4

EXAMPLE 1

Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring was performed in a girl aged 2 years and 11 months because of suspected shunt failure. In this girl an extracranial shunt was previously placed because of hydrocephalus. Shunt failure was suspected because of headache, lethargy and irritability. In fact, increased, reduced or normal intracranial pressures may cause these symptoms. The results of intracranial pressure monitoring during sleep in this girl were as follows: Mean intracranial pressure 14.4 mmHg, range 0.1–67.3 mmHg, std 5.7 mmHg. The duration of intracranial pressure monitoring was 544 minutes. A mean pressure of 14.4 mmHg is by most physicians considered as borderline whereas a pressure above 15 mmHg is considered as abnormal. Therefore, no indication for surgery (shunt revision) was found on the basis of the intracranial pressure monitoring. The girl was not treated which resulted in lasting symptoms of headache and lethargy for more than 2 years. A retrospective analysis of the intracranial pressure curve was performed by means of the method according to the invention.

FIG. 4

FIG. 5

FIG. 4

The procedure of comparing pressure curves 34 is further illustrated in

FIG. 6

FIGS. 2–6

EXAMPLE 2

Continuous intracranial pressure monitoring was performed in a 3 years and 10 months old boy due to suspected premature closure of the cranial sutures. The boy had symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. During sleep the data of the intracranial pressure curve were as follows: Mean intracranial pressure 15.4 mmHg, range 0–57.1 mmHg, std 6.0 mmHg, and time of pressure recording 480 min (8.0 hrs). On the basis of the results of intracranial pressure monitoring, surgery was performed. A cranial expansion procedure that is a rather major procedure was performed to increase the cranial volume and thereby reduce intracranial pressure. However, after surgery the patient still had symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Therefore it was decided to repeat the intracranial pressure monitoring, that was undertaken six months after surgery. The data for this monitoring during sleep were as follows: Mean intracranial pressure 15.2 mmHg, range 5.5–39.4 mmHg, std 3.9 mmHg, and time of intracranial pressure recording 591 min (9.85 hrs). This new intracranial pressure monitoring was inconclusive because mean intracranial pressure was unchanged after surgery. In retrospect, the monitoring of intracranial pressure was without purpose since no conclusions could be drawn on the basis of the pressure recordings. Though the pressure was unchanged after surgery, it was decided not to perform a new operation though the results of intracranial pressure monitoring did not document any reduction of intracranial pressure after cranial expansion surgery. A “wait and see†policy was chosen on the basis of intracranial pressure monitoring. However, when the method according to the present invention was applied retrospectively to the intracranial pressure curves before and after surgery, it was found a marked and significant reduction of number of intracranial pressure elevations. The matrix 35 of numbers of intracranial pressure elevations of different levels 36 and duration's 37 before and after surgery is presented in both Table 1 and

FIG. 6

FIG. 6

As ca