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Abstract

A fiber optic monitor that utilizes optical phase interferometry to monitor a patient's vital signs such as respiration, cardiac activity and body's physical movement. The monitor, which is non-invasive, comprises an optical fiber interferometer that includes an optical fiber proximately situated to the patient so that acousto-mechanical signals from the patient are coupled into the optical fiber. Responsive thereto, the interferometer generates a time-varying serial train of fringes which is detected by a photo-detector. A signal processor coupled to the optical detector provides one or more processed output signals indicative of the vital functions. The monitor system has broad applicability, from routine monitoring of infants at home to apnea, arrhythmia and trauma situations. The system can be implemented in embodiments ranging from a low cost in-home monitor for infants to a high end product for in hospital use to monitor infants in nenonatalogy laboratories or at home by physician's prescription. The monitor can be integrated with other sensors such as an EKG, a camera, an oxygen sensor, a carbon-di-oxide sensor, temperature sensor or a microphone to get additional required information depending on the application. When integrated and combined with EKG information, the monitor provides ballisto-mechanical information of the heart for early diagnosis or prediction of cardiac conditions or events. In some embodiments of the monitor, the system can be made portable so that the patient can walk around while still being continuously monitored.

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