CN102655806A

CN102655806A - Apparatus and method for bioelectrical impedance analysis and monitoring

Info

Publication number: CN102655806A
Application number: CN201080056731.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 史密斯·沃伦托马斯
Original assignee: SAMADHA PACIFIC Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SAMADHA PACIFIC Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-24
Filing date: 2010-12-21
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-21
Also published as: RU2012128692A; CN102655806B; WO2011075767A1

Abstract

A method and apparatus for determining bioimpedance in a body is described. One or more current injection electrodes (1a) are connected to a first hand or foot of the body; and a current return electrode (1b) is connected to a second hand or foot of the body, or to an arm or leg directly connected to a second hand or foot of the body. The one or more current injection electrodes and/or the current return electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points of the body. First and second voltage sensing electrodes (2a, 2b) are connected at spaced apart positions of the body. Bioimpedance across meridian-defined whole body portions and meridian-defined segments of the body can be determined.

Description

The equipment and the method that are used for bio-electrical impedance analysis and monitoring

The cross reference of related application

The application requires in the priority of the Australian temporary patent application No2009906285 of December in 2009 submission on the 24th, and its content is all introduced also for referencial use at this.

Technical field

The present invention relates to the non-invasive analysis of patient body bio-impedance characteristic, and/or monitoring.

Background technology

Bioimpedance analysis relates to organism to adding the measurement of applied current response.Bio-impedance parameter that can write down such as resistance, reactance, phase angle, it is a purpose to confirm that blood flow and body are formed (for example, water and fat content).However, have the health evidence of accumulation, the phase angular dimensions of bioimpedance analysis is measured at body composition at least, as the general health situation index and forecasting tool likely exceeded the stage of using as the one of which.Phase angle it has been generally acknowledged that, for example is cell membrane integrity and the fluid index in the cell interior or exterior space distribution of cellular level.Ongoing research shows that phase angle also can reflect other biological attribute.

Any document, law, material, equipment, article or similarly discussion; Wherein listed in this description; Should not allow arbitrarily or part that all these materials form the prior aries basis; Or be general general knowledge for the present invention in the art, when it is present in before every claim priority date of the application.

In whole description, word " comprises ", or its variation " generally comprises " or " just comprising "; Be interpreted as that hint contains element, integral body or the step of statement; Or the group of element, integral body or step, but be not to get rid of other element, integral body or step, or the group of element, integral body or step.

Summary of the invention

According to first aspect, the invention provides a kind of method of in health, confirming bio-impedance, said method comprises:

One or more electric current injecting electrodes are connected to primary hands of health or foot; With

Current-return electrode is connected to deputy hands of health or foot, or is connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands of health or foot;

Wherein one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points;

The position spaced-apart at health connects first and second voltage induced electrodes;

At least use the signal of telecommunication between one of them at electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode;

Use the voltage induced electrode, measure across the voltage drop of the part health signal of telecommunication at least between electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode; With

Utilize voltage drop to measure and confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

According to second aspect, the invention provides the equipment that is used for confirming bio-impedance in the health, said equipment comprises:

Drive circuit comprises:

Be set to be connected to one or more electric current injecting electrodes of primary hands of health or foot; And current-return electrode; Be set to be connected to the deputy hands or the foot of health; Or being connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands of health or foot, wherein one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points; With

Sensor circuit comprises:

The first voltage induced electrode that is set to be connected to health with

Be arranged on and be spaced apart, be connected to the second voltage induced electrode of health in the first voltage induced electrode position;

The voltage induced electrode of the sensor circuit that is set to measure; Depend on the signal of telecommunication between one of them at least, across the application of the voltage drop of the part health signal of telecommunication at least between electric current injecting electrode and the continuous position of current-return electrode at electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode.

The equipment of second aspect can further comprise processor, is set to utilize voltage drop to measure to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

Aspect first and second,, have been found that electric current can transmit the meridians definition electric pathway of crossing over one or more preferential electric pathways such as health through one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points.Therefore, bio-impedance can be determined along the meridians definition path of part health at least.In straightforward procedure, bio-impedance (Z) Ohm's law capable of using is confirmed, Z=E/I, and wherein E is voltage drop, I is the applied current across electrode.

In this manual, the electrode that is connected to health relates to releasedly with the partial electrode body contact, like body skin.Said electrode is body contact directly, or it can contact transport element, like paillon foil or disc, is fixed on the health.Electrode contacts with health or other transport element simultaneously, can adopt pressure to keep in touch.Said pressure can be clinicist or patient's applied pressure, for example holds tight in one's hands through the patient or fixes or rest on the electrode.In addition or alternatively, spendable fastener means such as belt, band, leather band, adhesive or belt.

In addition, in this manual, the term current injecting electrode is used to distinguish different drive electrodes with current-return electrode, and its different parts at health applies electric current to health.Through using the AC electric current, electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode be undistinguishable basically, according to electric work and/or further feature yet in fact.

Said one or more electric current injecting electrode can connect at the bioactivity point separately of primary hands or foot.At least one subclass of bioactivity point comprises the acupuncture point.For the sake of simplicity, in description and claim subsequently, the term of well recognized " acupuncture point " more is used to refer to bioactivity point and possibly comprises by the point of World Health Organization (1991) definition and comprise classical and extra point.For example, the electric current injecting electrode possibly be connected one or more " well caves " or " source points " of primary hands or foot.

If refurn electrode is connected to arm or lower limb, preferably it connects the elbow of arm or lower limb or the remote location of knee respectively.

Preferably, at least one or a plurality of electric current injecting electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points.

Current-return electrode can be connected to acupuncture point, fingernail or other zone (skin area, area and/or point etc.) of arm or lower limb.But, can be preferably, said current-return electrode is free of attachment to the acupuncture point.If refurn electrode is connected to acupuncture point (with the non-main skin around the acupuncture point); The skin contact surface of refurn electrode possibly need less relatively; As, be less than 15 millimeters of diameters or less than 10 millimeters of diameters, or be less than 200 square millimeters or be less than 100 square millimeters; Mean in the biological impedance relevant, may cause high current-return electrode impedance and mistake with parasitic capacitance.Therefore, can preferably refurn electrode be connected to the acupuncture point,, reduce these negative effects so that have bigger skin contact.Even so, can think that active electrode can be used for overcoming the high electrode impedance problems, electrode can have the little or single-stage multiplication near electrode.

As stated, junction point is well cave or source points at the acupuncture point of hands and foot for electric current injection and/or refurn electrode.Term " well cave " refers to the acupuncture point (being also referred to as Tsing, Sei, and well point) that clearly defines on the anatomy, lists in the below table 1.Similarly, term " source points " refers to the acupuncture point (being also referred to as initial point) that clearly defines on the anatomy, lists in the below table 2.Well cave and source points are the points on skin, have reported than surrounding skin or fingernail to have higher electrical conductivity, and have been arranged in a straight line and are referred to as " meridians ".The well point is positioned at the end of each 12 bilateral regular passages through which vital energy circulates.

Put at the detailed dissection acupuncture point in table 1-well cave

Table 1 data come from: recommended standard international acupuncture name: Report of a WHO Scientific Group, WHO Headquarters in Geneva, 1991; " Illustration of Acupoints " by Haruto Kinoshita, Ido-No-Nippon-Sha, Tokyo, Japan, 1976; And " Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture " Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, China, 1980.

LU?9	Lung 9 [Taiyuan]-on the radial artery of wrist palmar side a crease in the skin
		LI?4	Large intestine 4 [connected valleys]-the back of the hand face is between first and second metacarpal bones
PC?7	Pericardium 7 [daling]-wrist facies palmaris is on a crease in the skin between flexor carpi radialis tendon and the palmaris longus
		TE?4	Between three warmers 4 [Yang Chi]-little finger of toe extensor digitorum muscle of hand tendon and the extensor, on a crease in the skin of the wrist back side
HT?7	The center of heart 7 [Shenmen]-wrist tendon diametric plane wrist palm fold in the wrong
		SI?4	Between small intestinal 1 [Wangue]-five metacarpal bone and the triangular bone base, on the back of the hand ulna face
SP?3	On the middle rear end protuberance of spleen 3 [too white]-first metatarsal head
		LR?3	Between liver 3 [dashing very much]-first and second metatarsal base fronts
?ST?42	Stomach 42 [chongyang]-at the instep peak, second and os metatarsale tertium and sphenoid between sinking place in
		?GB?40	Gallbladder 40 [Qiuxu]-before ectocondyle is on the lower surface
?BL?64	On the side of the rear end protuberance of the 5th proximal phalanx base of bladder 64 [Jinggu]-foot
		KI?3	The rear portion of the interior condyle peak in kidney 3 [Taixi]-ridge tibia arteriosomes

Put at the detailed dissection acupuncture point of table 2-source points

Table 2 data come from: recommended standard international acupuncture name: Report of a WHO Scientific Group, WHO Headquaters in Geneva, 1991; " Illustration of Acupoints " by Haruto Kinoshita, Ido-No-Nippon-Sha, Tokyo, Japan, 1976; And " Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture " Foreign Languages Press, Beijing, China, 1980).

Of the present invention any aspect, confirm that the impedance of health can comprise definite phase angle.Be surprised to find that the stream that powers in some position of hands and foot injects and the layout of refurn electrode; Especially at well, former and/or fingernail place; Caused the phase angle measurement that depends on the position; Even, inject and refurn electrode from electric current when the distance of induction electrode surpasses 10 to 15 centimetres (even greater than 60 centimetres).This thinks the indication of the segmental different electronic states of meridians definition health, and there is the preferred path (comprising the path network) that is used for electric current in nearest discovery in health.Through measuring along different meridians definition health fragments, the present invention can realize analyzing in more detail and/or monitoring patient's body is formed and/or health status.Because phase angle is extremely insensitive for the difference of the shape of measured zone and cross-sectional area in theory, be useful especially parameter aspect more left and right body panel segment body composition and the health status.Therefore, though one section of health greater than other part (arm or lower limb possibly more preponderated, and for example and therefore have bigger girth than other), phase angle (having the θ of relation=atan (X/R)) can not influenced by these geometry difference to a great extent yet.

According to the aspect of present invention, four electrodes that on the ad-hoc location of first and second handss or foot, adopt can obtain almost not having or do not have the influence from electrode impedance across the big relatively segmental bio-impedance data of experiment body health.For example, along the whole body part of meridians definition, or its big relatively meridians definition fragment is directly measured bio-impedance.This and bipolar electrode technology contrast; The biological example impedance data is controlled by the influence of local impedance, comprises electrode impedance, especially on little probe electrode; Therefore even along the body length of the meridians definition successive analysis at diverse location, and/or the data extrapolation can not obtain similar result yet.

As the method and apparatus that treatment is adopted, monitoring or assessment AIDS in the traditional medicine bioimpedance analysis is used.In addition or alternatively, particularly because the signal of telecommunication that adopts can be crossed over the health fragment of one or more meridians definition, said method and apparatus can be used for comprehensive assessment and the Therapeutic Method of Chinese Chinese medicine for the basis.In fact, said method and apparatus can be got in touch the Gernral Check-up of diverse traditional medicine impedance analysis technology and acupuncture, in arbitrary field enhanced diagnostic tool is provided.

In this manual, with reference to bio-impedance phase angle Determination of Parameters.But, the measurement of phase angle can not only comprise the measurement of phase angle in essence, comprises that also the combination of phase angle and impedance is measured, and bonded data are used to define the bio-impedance vector.From this point, if desired, also can calculated resistance and reactance value.Alternatively, phase angle measurement can comprise resistance and reactance measurement and by these two calculation of parameter phase angles (with optional impedance level and the impedance vector that is associated).

Generally speaking, for increasing condition, phase angle is regarded as the index of general health situation, and shows that hope is as forecasting tool.The application example of this prediction has just reported that liver cirrhosis, the bacteremia patient in hemodialysis has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, wound, sepsis and/or various cancer (colorectal cancer, breast carcinoma, pulmonary carcinoma and pancreas).Through to crossing over far-ranging meridians definition health fragment more detailed bioimpedance analysis being provided, equipment of the present invention and method can provide enhanced health evaluating and/or forecasting tool in these fields.

As pointed, a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes can be provided.Each electric current injecting electrode can connect the diverse location (at the end of wrist or ankle) of first hands or foot; And current signal can transmit between each injecting electrode and refurn electrode successively; Allow segmental analysis of many health meridians bases or sequential monitoring, and need not reconfiguring of arrangement of electrodes.In addition or alternatively; Can provide a plurality of refurn electrodes to increase total contact area; Each connection is in the diverse location of second hands or foot, and (and/or other part of be associated arm or lower limb), current signal is transmission successively between each parallel connected injecting electrode and refurn electrode.

However, injecting electrode and/or refurn electrode movably (as when have only one inject and/or during a refurn electrode), allow different some continuous probe is allowed to make similar analysis.For example, injecting electrode is configurable to be probe, is mobily connected in the well cave of hands or foot, and after the analysis of the meridians definition path that relates to the well cave, other well cave that it is mobily connected in hands or foot allows the analysis of other meridians definition path, or the like.

For fear of current delivery through vitals, especially stride heart, and according to vertical 12 bilateral passages through which vital energy circulates of traditional definition, but first with deputy hands or foot homonymy, promptly in the same side of health.For example, injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of the right hand and the right hand or lower limb, or injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of right crus of diaphragm and the right hand or arm.Similarly, injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of left hand and left foot or lower limb, or injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of left foot and left hand or arm.Yet, imagination in some cases, first can offside with deputy hands or foot, promptly at the not ipsilateral of health.For example, if use low current level, this is possible.Consider this point, injection and refurn electrode can be connected respectively to any hands or foot and any other hands or foot.For example, injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of left foot and right crus of diaphragm, or vice versa.Another instance is that injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of the left hand and the right hand, or vice versa.Another instance is that injecting electrode can be connected to the refurn electrode of left hand and right crus of diaphragm, or vice versa.

In a specific embodiment, injecting electrode can be connected to the well cave of any one or more following right sides or left foot: SP1, LR1, ST45, GB44, KI1a, BL67 and KI1, refurn electrode are connected to the hands of test lower body homonymy.

In another specific embodiment, injecting electrode is connected to the well cave of any one or more following right sides or left hand: LU11, LI1, PC9, TE1, HT9 and SI1, refurn electrode are connected to the foot of test lower body homonymy.

Therefore from these specific embodiment, said method and apparatus can be used for obtaining any one or multinomial status information of left side and right side health 12 conventional acupuncture and meridians: the 6 conventional meridians (SP, LR, ST, GB, KI and BL) of lower limb; 6 conventional meridians (LU, LI, PC, TE, HT and SI) with arm.

If will be along the whole linear measure longimetry bio-impedance of body part between injecting electrode and refurn electrode junction point; The first voltage induced electrode can be connected; Or nearly arm, wrist, lower limb or ankle (being directly connected to primary hands of health or foot); Can be connected with the second voltage induced electrode, or nearly arm, wrist, lower limb or ankle (being directly connected to deputy hands of health or foot).

Yet, in addition or alternatively, the health specific region between injecting electrode and refurn electrode link position can be measured.This can realize through connecting one or two aforesaid voltage induction electrode, or one or more extra voltage induced electrode, for example is directly connected to arm, wrist, lower limb or the ankle of hands or foot rather than first and deputy hands and foot.

For example, one or more injecting electrodes and the one or more refurn electrode right hand and the right crus of diaphragm that can be connected respectively to.Therefore, can between the right hand and right crus of diaphragm, use the signal of telecommunication,, can all confirm bio-impedance along path through right lower limb, trunk and right arm.Through one of voltage induced electrode being connected to another voltage induced electrode of right ankle and left lower limb or ankle, induction electrode can be used to measure the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication, confirms corresponding bio-impedance, and said signal only defines fragment across each meridians of right lower limb.Therefore, said equipment allows to confirm that separately each meridians of right lower limb define segmental bio-impedance.In addition or alternatively; Through one of voltage induced electrode being connected to other voltage induced electrode of right wrist and left arm or wrist, induction electrode can be used for measuring the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication; Confirm corresponding bio-impedance, said signal only defines fragment across each meridians of right arm.Therefore, said equipment allows to confirm that separately each meridians of right arm define segmental bio-impedance.In addition or alternatively; Through one of voltage induced electrode is connected to left arm or wrist; Other voltage induced electrode with left lower limb or ankle; Induction electrode can be used for measuring the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication, confirms corresponding bio-impedance, each meridians definition fragment that said signal only produces across the right side along trunk.Therefore, said equipment allows to confirm that separately each meridians of right side of trunk define segmental bio-impedance.Other different junction points realizes that similar individual region analysis is imaginabale.Said arrangement can be exchanged into the left side of health, is used for the analysis of left lower limb, left arm and left side of trunk.

The analysis of multiple different body regions can be carried out in real time, allows the segmental continuous monitoring of different meridians definition health of above-mentioned setting.Randomly, analyze with monitoring and can on different body regions, carry out simultaneously, induction is provided with through utilizing by all kinds of means.

Significantly; Although big distance is arranged between injecting electrode and induction electrode; When placing the health opposite side of induction electrode in injecting electrode; Rather than reach the bio-impedance data of single platform, and be independent of and selected which electrode, be observable for the difference of the bio-impedance data of each analysis path.In addition, this is the indication of the different electronic states of preferred electron path, and like meridians definition path, it is consistent pointing to the existence that is used for the preferred path of electric current in the health with nearest survey result.

As stated, equipment of the present invention can allow to carry out bioimpedance analysis along multiple preferred electron path, like the meridians definition path of independent body region.But these detail analysis result is the present invention's expanded body composition analysis person's application, surmounts the generation through independent phase angle reading, and individual very general health evaluating is provided.On the contrary, the matrix of phase angle can generate, each combination that is used for body passageway and body region analysis.Can use the data of generation, as confirming the regional left side of corresponding selection and right meridians definition fragment, the meridians definition fragment that said zone has poor L-R balance and/or is associated with high or low phase angle.As a result, said method and apparatus can provide assessment tool or assistance individuality is confirmed the treatment agreement to medical care provider (acupuncturist, Physical Therapist etc.).And, at therapeutic process itself, can use said method and apparatus, if desired can be in real time as obtain in detail, the monitoring means of Noninvasive, body treatment response, allow the objective evaluation of treatment effectiveness.

As stated, said equipment can be particularly useful for a left side or the right side of health.Electrode can move between a left side and right side.Alternatively, two cover electrodes (promptly 8 electrodes) at least altogether can be provided, allow the analysis and/or the monitoring of left body and the whole length in right side, except analysis every arm, lower limb and the trunk of the every side of individual health.Through using two cover electrodes, in case said equipment is set, can analyze or monitor, and a side of the health of not having no alternative but to comply is to the opposite side traveling electrode.

When injecting and refurn electrode is connected or near the end (as in fingernail or well cave etc.) of hands and foot, the voltage induced electrode can connect adjacent wrist that is associated or ankle, as stated.Yet when injecting and refurn electrode is connected source points, its most proximal end is in or adjacent wrist or ankle, and the voltage induced electrode can further be positioned on be associated arm or the lower limb, as is in or adjacent knee or ancon.

Of the present invention any aspect; Drive circuit can connect driving arrangement and be used to control the signal of telecommunication; As control the curtage level of the signal of telecommunication, the different electric stream that the frequency of the pattern of the signal of telecommunication (like pulse signal (pulse voltage or electric current)) and/or the signal of telecommunication sends to circuit injects electrode.Driving arrangement can comprise the computer interface that is used for the automatic control of drive circuit signal, and/or allows user (like patient or clinicist, doctor or other working healthily person) control drive circuit signal, is prior to and in analysis or the observation process.Driving arrangement can provide energy or use ac signal through battery.

Sensor circuit can be connected to sensing apparatus, is used to respond to the signal of telecommunication of crossing over induction electrode, and corresponding initial data is provided, and handles initial data and to the terminal use output of handling the back data is provided with suitable form.For example, said equipment can comprise voltage detecting circuit, multiplexer and be furnished with the computer interface of suitable software.Driving arrangement and sensing apparatus can combine to allow two feedbacks between the system.

The the 4th to the 5th aspect according to following invention; Can provide the alternate method and apparatus in aforementioned aspect to be used for confirming bio-impedance in the body; Especially the core impedance of health between two electrodes, based on Horton and van Ravenswaay in 1935 disclosed technology (" HvR technology ") in document first.In fact, the HvR technology is based on model, and the total impedance between any two surface electrodes is coupled as two kinds of assemblies usually: local impedance relevant with each electrode and core (non local) impedance between two electrodes.Think that the former comprises coming from electrode, come from electrode to the contact skin impedance with come from the influence of upper layers of skin, and think that the latter relates to the subcutaneous tissue of vague definition.The details that relates to the HvR technical equation is provided at the end of this description.

According to the third aspect, the present invention provides the method for confirming bio-impedance in the body, and said method comprises:

First outer electrode is connected to primary hands of health or foot;

Second outer electrode is connected to deputy hands of health or foot, or is directly connected to the arm or the lower limb of deputy hands of health or foot;

Wherein said one or more electric current injecting electrode and/or current-return electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points;

First and second internal electrodes are connected to the position that health is spaced apart, in the inside of first and second outer electrodes;

Between all six combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode, use the signal of telecommunication successively;

Measurement is in response to each self-application signal of telecommunication, across the voltage of each combination of electrodes;

Utilize voltage data to confirm the impedance between each combination of electrodes; With

Utilize this impedance data to calculate between the internal electrode link position, the bio-impedance of body core part.

According to fourth aspect, the invention provides the equipment that is used for confirming bio-impedance in the body, said equipment comprises:

First outer electrode is set to be connected to primary hands of health or foot;

Second outer electrode is set to be connected to deputy hands of health or foot, or is directly connected to the arm or the lower limb of deputy hands of health or foot, and wherein said one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points;

First and second internal electrodes are set to be connected to the position that health is spaced apart, in the inside of first and second outer electrodes; With

Bioimpedance measurement means; Be set to measure; Across the application signal of telecommunication of all six combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode,, and be set to utilize voltage data to confirm the impedance between each combination of electrodes in response to successively across the voltage of each combination of electrodes; And calculate between the internal electrode link position bio-impedance of body core part.

Between the internal electrode link position, the bio-impedance of health mid portion HvR technique computes capable of using.Equation A3-i, A3-ii or the A3-iii of further said HvR technology below can using.

In aspect third and fourth, outer electrode can be connected to health, and it is in described position, above-mentioned first and second aspects (injecting and refurn electrode about electric current).For example, outside first electrode can be connected well cave or the source points of first hands or foot and fingernail or the other places that outside second electrode can be connected to second hands or foot digit.If outer electrode is connected to arm or lower limb, preferably it is connected to the ancon of arm or lower limb or the far-end of knee.

In aspect third and fourth, inside and outside electrode also can be used to carry out biological impedance according to common 4 electrode technology methods, for example according to following shown in Figure 1.For example can confirm bipolar electrode bio-impedance from one of outer electrode to nearest internal electrode.

Other optional aspect, be used for confirming method and apparatus two pairs of drive electrodes capable of using of bio-impedance in the body, wherein every pair setting is that the electric current of first and second aspects according to the present invention injects and the setting of refurn electrode.Two counter electrode can lay respectively at left body and right side.Utilize the HvR technology, can assess the interconnected degree of electronics between a paired left side and the right meridians definition fragment.

Summary of the invention

Only through the mode of embodiment, description is described the specific embodiment, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the link position of electrode on hands and foot of general bioimpedance analysis equipment;

Fig. 2 shows according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the link position of the electrode of bioimpedance analysis equipment on hands and foot;

Fig. 3 shows according to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the link position of the electrode of bioimpedance analysis equipment on hands and foot;

Fig. 4 shows according to the specific embodiment of the invention, is used for the traveling probe electrode of equipment;

Fig. 5 shows another specific embodiment according to the present invention, and the electrode of bioimpedance analysis equipment is at the link position of hands and foot;

Fig. 6 shows the possible link position of the electrode of the specific embodiment of the invention at hands and foot;

Fig. 7 shows the bioimpedance analysis equipment of another specific embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 a and 8b show the similar bioimpedance analysis equipment that Fig. 7 is applied to the bioimpedance analysis equipment of foot and is applied to hands respectively.

Fig. 9 shows the sketch map of the bioimpedance analysis equipment of the specific embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 a shows the possible electrode position according to the bioimpedance analysis equipment of the specific embodiment of the invention to 10d, to obtain the analysis of different body regions;

Figure 11 shows the decouple idealized expression of surface measurement impedance of local and core (non local) impedance, is used for the HvR measuring technique;

Figure 12 shows the idealized expression of the non-linear setting of four electrodes shown in figure 11;

Figure 13 a and 13b show exemplary impedance and phase angle figure respectively; With

Figure 14 a and 14b show respectively before left body and the right side electrical stimulation procedures with the chart of afterwards exemplary impedance figure and Figure 14 c and 14d and show left body and right side electrical stimulation procedures before and the chart of exemplary phase angle figure afterwards; Step.

The specific embodiment

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the scope that does not depart from the wide in range description of the present invention with of the present invention numerous variations shown in the following special specific embodiment and/or modification.Therefore, all aspects of the specific embodiment of the present invention are considered to illustrative and are nonrestrictive.

For for simplicity, be used to the arrangement of electrodes analyzing and monitor in following description and the accompanying drawing, be commonly referred to as right side of body.Yet purpose is and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that said equipment is suitable for the analysis and the monitoring of left side of body.

With reference to figure 1, four general electrode bio-electrical impedance analysis to measure equipment have been described.The first counter electrode 1a ', 1b ' provide the drive circuit and the second counter electrode 2a ', and 2b ' provides sensor circuit.For example, drive circuit electrode 1a ', 1b ' is separately positioned near the right hand back side of metacarpal bone articulations digitorum manus with near the right crus of diaphragm back side of metacarpal bone toe joint.Sensor circuit electrode 2a ', 2b ' is arranged on drive electrode 1a ', within the 1b ', and is separately positioned on right wrist middle-end between ulna and the radius stem journey, and the back side of right ankle between middle ankle and the side ankle.Electric current is applied between the drive electrode and induction electrode is used to measure ' whole health ' bio-impedance partly that is arranged on therebetween.Knownly within the 5cm induction electrode is set at least from drive electrode separately.According to before understanding, the measurement of bio-impedance parameter such as the phase angle of health, the influence that not be provided with by drive electrode separately, when the distance that is provided with from induction electrode greater than about 5cm.

With reference to figure 2 and 3, according to the specific embodiment of the present invention, the bioimpedance measurement means that provides comprises the first counter electrode 1a that forms the part drive circuit, the second counter electrode 2a of 1b and formation part sensor circuit, 2b (voltage induced electrode).First counter electrode comprises electric current injecting electrode 1a and current-return electrode 1b.Said injecting electrode 1a is set to connect the hands or the foot on patient body right side.Said refurn electrode 1b is set to connect another hands or the foot of homonymy health, or is directly connected to the arm or the lower limb of another hands or foot.

Especially, said injecting electrode 1a is set to be connected to the well cave of a plurality of positions such as fingernail, finger or toes tip region and/or hands or foot.Said refurn electrode is set to be connected to well cave or other zone (skin area, area and/or the acupuncture point etc.) of a plurality of positions such as fingernail, finger or toes tip region and/or hands or foot or arm or lower limb.

As shown in Figure 2, injecting electrode 1a can be connected to the special well cave such as the LI1 of the right hand, near the radially base of right hand forefinger fingernail.Simultaneously, refurn electrode 1b is connected to the zone of adjacent right crus of diaphragm toe.In the optional specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, injecting electrode 1a is connected to the special well cave such as the ST45 of right crus of diaphragm, near the direction finding base of second toenail.Simultaneously, refurn electrode is connected to the zone near right finger.

Be connected one or two electrode 1a through relative end at hands and foot, 1b, like the well cave, the signal of telecommunication can transmit across the one or more different preferred electron paths of health.Especially, the signal of telecommunication can transmit along one or more meridians definition preferred electron paths of health.Find unexpectedly; Powering in hands and some position of foot, stream injects and the layout of refurn electrode; Especially in well, former and/or fingernail position; Caused the phase angle measurement that depends on the position, though when induction electrode be in from electric current inject and refurn electrode greater than 10 to 15cm distance (even greater than 60cm).

In order to monitor the bio-impedance of the whole basically meridians defined range of health between injecting electrode 1a and the refurn electrode 1b; Sensor circuit electrode 2a in this specific embodiment; 2b is arranged on right wrist middle-end between ulna and the radius stem journey, and the right ankle between middle ankle and the side ankle.

Yet, can confirm bio-impedance across the many different preferred electron paths of health through moving the injecting electrode 1a between the diverse location on hands or the foot.Said injecting electrode 1a can adopt the form of traveling probe, can oppress different positions continuously, like the well cave, finger or toes or other, write down the bio-impedance data of each probe acupuncture point/meridians simultaneously.Probe can as shown in Figure 4ly be provided with, and for example, has the probe of critical piece 10, and it can be by user's handling with operation probe and removable contact component 11.Master unit 10 near end 101 place's connection lines 103, is used to provide electric current at it.At the far-end 102 of master unit 10, there is the depression (not shown) to be used for accepting conduction stud (like stainless steel material), it is arranged on a side of contact component 11 with buckle or hasp form.At the offside of contact component 11, provide the hydrogel electrolyte to apply or the dried electrode material that is fit to guarantee that good discharging electrically contacts between probe and patient skin or the fingernail.In case analyze, contact component 11 can be removed and remove or replace.Many distortion of probe are imaginabale, comprise contact component integral body with critical piece and the material that forms contact component, and said material relatively easily cleans in the original place or sterilizes, like gold plate.Another option is that one or more contact components are fixed to the patient.For example, the conduction disc can be connected to the patient like most aluminium foil discs, as passing through the electroconductive binder on every one side.For example, the about 8mm of said disc diameter.Said disc can be arranged on all electric current injection phases (like the well cave near finger and toe).Measurement can only relate to the order contact of probe to every disc.Therefore, can use to be similar to probe shown in Figure 4, for example, but have the most advanced and sophisticated but not gel nail electrode that can dispose of Metal Contact.As the refill of aluminum, can use other conductive material to be used for paillon foil, comprise gold, stannum or apply golden aluminum.For example, the scope of foil thickness is from 5 microns to 50 microns.

Though adopted only injecting electrode 1a in the equipment in Fig. 2 and 3, a plurality of injecting electrodes be provided in other specific embodiment.Therefore, injecting electrode can connect the diverse location of in one's hands or foot simultaneously, like the well cave.The signal of telecommunication is applicable to each injecting electrode in proper order, and the bio-impedance data of the path of the relevant health meridians definition of record are simultaneously chosen wantonly automatically.Through using a plurality of injecting electrodes, can analyze or monitor a plurality of paths does not need reconfiguring of arrangement of electrodes.

Draw from this, in the specific embodiment shown in Figure 5, six injecting electrode 1a are provided, each is connected to each artesian well cave (SP1, LR1, ST45, GB 44, KI1a and BL67) of six conventional meridians of right crus of diaphragm.The electric current injecting electrode can be connected to these points and other exemplary well cave, is shown among Fig. 6.

In optional equipment, provide a plurality of injecting electrodes to be shown among Fig. 7,8a and the 8b.Said equipment comprises the arrangement of electrodes that is applied to hands or foot.Said layout comprises a plurality of electric current injecting electrode 1a and current-return electrode 1b and voltage induced electrode 2a/2b.Said layout and equipment shown in Figure 5 have similarity, and electrode can be connected to the acupuncture point of pointing out among a plurality of Fig. 6.Yet electric current injecting electrode 1a mounts on a plurality of fingernails and toenail 121; The different fingernails and the toenail of its be set to reel hands or foot; Circuit refurn electrode 1b mounts on center band 122; It is set to reel palm or arch and voltage induced electrode 2a/2b mount on wrist/ankle band 123 its be set to reel wrist or ankle.Each comprises the hook-loop setting tool 124 that end of tape is linked together with 121,122,123, in order to strain safely and to fix around hands or the foot band of part separately.Voltage induced electrode 2a/2b comprises that the electric conductance fabric of lasting conductive substrate or conduction contacts maybe can dispose bonding film, and said substrate or contact make presets electrode and contact with the exterior conductive surface.Electric current injects and refurn electrode 1a, and 1b can comprise that also the electric conductance fabric of lasting conductive substrate or conduction contacts maybe can dispose bonding film, and said substrate or contact make presets electrode and contact with exterior conductive is surperficial.In the similar specific embodiment shown in Fig. 7 a, 8a and the 8b, the arrangement of electrodes that is applied to hands and foot can be included in respectively in glove equipment or the socks equipment.At least the part of each electrode can be arranged on the inner surface of glove or socks.Contact portion such as tinsel can be connected on the required acupuncture point of hands or foot in advance, to guarantee reliable electrical contact and the electrode between patient's hands or the foot, when glove or socks breakage.

Electricity plumbous 125 is being with 121,122, is being extended between 123 electric current is injected and refurn electrode provides electric current, and allows the monitoring of voltage induced electrode.Plumbous 125 is half flexible and each electrode is connected to ribbon cable 126, is connected to user interface/multiplex adapter adapter 128 through adapter connector 127 successively.Connect and arrange each electrode of permission through the addressing independently of single ribbon cable 126, and the automatization that can realize the bio-impedance data collection.

Fig. 8 a and 8b show the equipment of appropriate position on hands and foot, and

electrode

1a, 1b, 2a, 2b illustrate with dotted line with respect to the position of hands or foot.

The injecting electrode 1a of Fig. 5 or Fig. 7,8a and 8b and refurn electrode can form to illustrate the part of the bioimpedance measurement means in Fig. 9.Said equipment comprises complete driving and voltage sense circuit 71, and circuit 71 is connected to current-return electrode 1b, through multiplexer can be connected to a plurality of injecting electrode 1a one of them, be connected to the conveying electric current, from power supply, across patient 74.Circuit 71 is controlled by controller 75 and complete user interface and data processor 76 with multiplexer 72.User interface allows patient or clinicist through connecting graphical interfaces 77 control commands on it, and for example through order, electric current is applied to electric current injecting electrode 1a.Circuit 71 further is connected to voltage induced

electrode

2b, 2a, and is set to receive voltage readings, and the transmission voltage reading is to data processor 76, and said processor is set to generate corresponding bio-impedance data and is sent to the user through graphical interfaces 77.User interface and data processor 76, and graphical interfaces 77 can form general purpose computer, or the part of equipment for customizing.

Except carrying out measurement, in addition or alternatively, can measure bio-impedance across the segmental individual areas of health across basic ' whole body part ' (as from the ankle to the wrist).Through connecting one or two voltage induced electrode, or other voltage induced electrode realizes that to arm, wrist, lower limb or ankle said arm, wrist, lower limb or ankle are associated with hands or foot that other injecting electrode and refurn electrode are connected to.

Consider ' whole health ' analysis layout once more, with reference to figure 10a, one or more injecting electrode 1a and refurn electrode 1b are connected respectively to the right hand and right crus of diaphragm.Therefore, the signal of telecommunication can transmit between the right hand and right crus of diaphragm, through right lower limb, trunk and right arm, and the voltage drop across this path (usually with shown in the uninterrupted line 3) can take place.Utilize voltage induced

electrode

2a, 2b carries out the measurement of voltage drop, and said electrode places right wrist and right lower limb respectively, and monitoring is across the voltage drop in path between them, usually with dotted line 4 expressions.Therefore, bio-impedance confirmable part in this layout is the whole health fragment between injecting electrode 1a and the refurn electrode 1b basically.

Yet with reference to figure 10b, through a voltage induced electrode 2a is connected to right wrist, another voltage induced electrode 2c is connected to left wrist, but falls along the new route measuring voltage that is represented by dotted lines, and extends across right arm, upper torso and left arm.Because the zone between voltage induced electrode 2c and the right shoulder top has same potentiality (because between these two positions, not having electric current); Voltage drop will only relate to electric current with the bio-impedance of therefore calculating injects and refurn electrode 1a, the part of right arm between the 1b (along the path 31).Therefore, by this way configuration device to confirm separately the bio-impedance of right arm.

Similarly, with reference to figure 10c, through a voltage induced electrode 2b is connected to right ankle, another voltage induced electrode 2d is connected to left ankle, falls along the new route measuring voltage shown in the dotted line 42, extends across right lower limb, lower torso and left lower limb.Because the zone between voltage induced electrode 2d and the right lower limb top has same potentiality (because between these two positions, not having electric current); Voltage drop will only relate to electric current with the bio-impedance of therefore calculating injects and refurn electrode 1a, the part of right arm between the 1b (along the path 31).Therefore, by this way configuration device to confirm separately the bio-impedance of right lower limb.

Similarly, with reference to figure 10d, through a voltage induced electrode 2c is connected to left wrist, another voltage induced electrode 2d is connected to left ankle, falls along the new route measuring voltage shown in the dotted line 43, extends across left arm, trunk and left lower limb.Because the zone between voltage induced electrode 2c and the right arm top has same potentiality (because between these two positions, not having electric current); Voltage drop will only relate to electric current with the bio-impedance of therefore calculating injects and refurn electrode 1a, the part of right trunk between the 1b (along the path 33).Therefore, by this way configuration device to confirm separately the bio-impedance of right trunk.

As implied above, said equipment is suitable for the analysis of left side of body in a similar fashion.

According to a specific embodiment, describe now and utilize the said equipment to confirm the method for bio-impedance.

A. as shown in Figure 1, have general four arrangement of electrodes, confirm the whole health phase angle of right side of body.

B. as shown in Figure 2, have the right crus of diaphragm current-return electrode and touch the right crus of diaphragm back side near the second metatarsal bone toe joint, confirm each relevant phase angle with the right hand 6 well caves.

C. as shown in Figure 3, have right hand current-return electrode touch near second and the metacarpal bone,middle articulations digitorum manus between the right hand back side of mid point, confirm each relevant phase angle with the right hand 6 well caves.

D. as shown in Figure 1, have general four arrangement of electrodes, be transformed into left side of body, confirm the whole health phase angle of left side of body.

E. have the left foot current-return electrode and touch the left foot back side, confirm each relevant phase angle with left hand 6 well caves near the second metatarsal bone toe joint.

F. have the left hand current-return electrode touch near second and the os metatarsale tertium toe joint between the left hand back side of mid point, confirm each relevant phase angle with left foot 6 well caves.

G. calculate the phase angle of each meridians definitional part of right side of body and the ratio of the whole health phase angle of right side of body.Likewise, calculate the ratio that each meridians of left side of body define segmental phase angle and the whole health phase angle of left side of body.

H. the meridians of confirming the L-R coupling define the left side percentage difference in the original phase angle between the fragment.

L-R percentage difference between the meridians definition fragment of i. definite L-R coupling in the ratio of meridians phase angle and whole health phase angle.

J. with numeral and figure output result.

In order to use electrode equipment of the present invention to carry out this aspect or selectable method, in a specific embodiment, drive circuit and sensor circuit are connected to power supply and control appliance.Control appliance comprises the controller of the curtage level of controlling the signal of telecommunication, and the different electric stream that is sent to circuit injects the signal of telecommunication pattern (like pulse signal) and the electrical signal sequence of electrode; The patient interface that allows the user to control with the signal of telecommunication that is fit to, as make the user can select special meridians definitional part to be used for analyzing, or be prior to and the electric signal parameter in the analytic process; Come from initial data such as the phase angle and the impedance level data processor of sensor circuit with reception, and handle initial data; With the output of data processed is provided and is used for the graphical interfaces that the terminal use explains with the form that is fit to.Method of the present invention computer software capable of using is carried out, as execution said method step a is set to j or its distortion.

In the selectable specific embodiment, the voltage induced electrode can be replaced by the two driving/induction electrodes of second cover.Therefore,, inner drive electrode B in pairs can be arranged for example with reference to Figure 11, C and outside drive electrode A in pairs, D is connected to patient's skin and/or fingernail.According to " HvR " technology, the signal of telecommunication can externally and between all 6 combinations of internal electrode be used successively successively, can confirm voltage drop and bio-impedance therefore across each combination of electrode.According to these data, can confirm the bio-impedance (BC) of the mid portion between the inner paired electrode.This approach provides confirms the bio-impedance across the health different piece; Based on the notion of impedance between any two surface electrodes, it is two kinds of assemblies that surface electrode is decoupled: relate to the local impedance of each electrode and core (or non local) impedance between two electrodes.The bio-impedance Z of core _C(BC) capable of using HvR equation definite (as referring to equation A3-i) that the description end provides.

With reference to Figure 12, the electronic reciprocal degree between a paired left side and the right meridians definition fragment can utilize the equation A4-ii of HvR technology to assess.For example, carry out complete four biological impedances, like (i) between right crus of diaphragm well cave and right hand site; (ii) between right crus of diaphragm well cave and left hand site; (iii) between left foot well cave and left hand site; (iv) between left foot well cave and right hand site, and DZc, the electronic reciprocal degree between the left and right meridians definition fragment is calculated according to equation A4-ii.Likewise, if desired, DRc, DXc and D θ c also can confirm that DRc, DXc and D θ c represent the electronic reciprocal degree, respectively according to resistance, reactance, phase angle by the DZc impedance data.

And, equation A1-i (&-ii) and A2-i (&ii) can be used to assess the local impedance under the inner paired electrode, electrode is linearity or almost 4 arrangement of electrodes.This is not only guaranteeing the good electrode of internal electrode to contact skin, and can be used for the transverse impedance of skin under the evaluate electrode (adding subcutaneous tissue) substantially.The bilateral ratio of these transverse impedances then can be used for confirming change in organization, follow monolateral lymphedema like known said change.

Multiple other the non-limiting layout, configuration, parameter and the technology that are used for the present device and the method specific embodiment are as follows.

The signal of telecommunication

The signal of telecommunication through the transmission of drive circuit electrode can be AC (sinusoidal signal).Said range of signal be 1kHz to 100MHz, preferred 5kHz is to 300kHz.Signal can be the form of the continuous sweep (frequency spectrum) of single-frequency, complete frequency (being multifrequency) or frequency.For the current drives of control, the electric current of application can be 0.2 μ A to 2mA, and preferred 5 μ A are to 250 μ A.For the driven of control, the voltage of application can be 0.05V to 5.0V, and preferred 0.2V is to 2.0V.Constant current drives can preferably be offset the slight change in skin or the nail surface profile, and in the slight change of electric current injecting electrode junction point electrode contact quality.

The signal of telecommunication can be pulse, like potential pulse or circuit pulse.

The principle outcome measurement

The principle outcome measurement can be impedance level, resistance, reactance or its inverse (receive amplitude, electric conductance, susceptance), phase angle, and reactance is divided into resistance or is divided into patient's height as these resistance of the amount of deriving, and reactance is divided into patient's height etc.And this tittle relates to the applying frequency of single applying frequency, a series of applying frequency or continuous sweep.

Electrode

Any one or more drive circuit (electric current injection) electrode or sensor circuit (voltage induced) electrode can use wet type contact (as using conducting resinl or hydrogel etc.).Contact can be viscosity or inviscid.

Alternatively or in addition, any one or more electrodes dry type contacts capable of using (as utilizing metal, conductive fabric, micro structure carbon or ultra-fine microneedle array).

The little active electrode of one of any a plurality of electrodes has little or single-stage is amplified near electrode.For example, this can allow electrode to use under the situation of electrode gel not having.

Any one or more electrode can rely on the binding agent that contacts with the patient, and/or utilizes band, ribbon or leather band or patient's pressure (as holding tight in one's hands through the patient or fixing or rest on the electrode) to remain on the appropriate location.

Said electrode can be included in the automatic prober system, contacts through moving between electrode and patient, for example carries the mechanical hand of electrode.Automatically remote analysis or the monitoring of system as can be used for the patient.

Any one or more electrode can be fixed in patient or movably.

Any one or more electrode can be taked metallic plate, disc, band, ellipse, heart type or other irregular form.Be used for that electric current injects and the disc of refurn electrode can have 0.1 and 15mm between diameter, preferred 2mm is to 10mm.The band that is used for electric current injection and refurn electrode can have the width of 2mm to 10mm, and/or 2mm is to the length of 25mm.For example, the about 5mm of said band is wide and 20mm long.However, adjustable dimension, as other scope is provided, to be suitable for contacting different patients skin or fingernail zone.Said electrode also can be taked glove or socks or sphere.

For skin or fingernail with the patient electrically contact, it is stable with repeatably electrode-skin or electrode-fingernail contact to guarantee on skin or fingernail, to apply competent pressure.

In measuring process, preferably avoid the physics contact between human observer and patient, to prevent in electronic surveying, introducing short circuit.Human observer can be worn insulating glove and prevented this probability.

One of all or part of any electrode can be disposed arbitrarily, abandons after the test to reduce the probability of cross infection between the patient.Alternatively, any one or more electrode can be sterilized after use and be compatibly dry.

The medically acceptable lead of standard and cable can be used for electrode is connected to control appliance, multiplexer and power supply etc.Lead can directly connect in the multiplexer, or is connected to the wireless transmission that wireless transmission unit is used for the data and/or the signal of telecommunication.

The health location

In analytic process, patient's body can be in the position of lying on the back, and maybe can stand, or sit down and hands and glue are still on the suitable insulating surface.The patient can be static or be stood on the non-conductive surface, and arms and legs do not contact with each other, or patient's trunk.Yet the position of health can change, and for example holds tight in one's hands through the patient or fixes or rest on the electrode, when electrode is gripped the contact patient.

The ethanol for disinfection wiping capable of using of patient's skin or fingernail, intensive drying is as 5 minutes subsequently, then contact electrode.If exceed, preferably do not remove the chaeta on lower limb or the arm.

Patient's palm faces down on insulating surface, and finger stretches gently and do not contact with each other.

If necessary, insulant can be inserted between finger or the toe, be used as that liner prevents to refer to or toe in contact.

The HvR method

Suppose that the surface impedance influence is not obvious; With reference to Figure 11, shown the sketch map that electrode A contacts with the surface of skin 5 to D, and (C) and core impedance (BC) with relevant local impedance (B); Can demonstrate the simple combination of utilizing two electrodes; The independent assessment of local impedance (B), ZS (B) and Z ' S (B) can utilize electrode pair A&C and A&D to obtain respectively, as " reference " electrode:

Z _S(B)＝[Z _T(AB)+Z _T(BC)-Z _T(AC)]/2?(A1-i)

Z wherein _T(AB), Z _T() &Z BC _T(AC) represent overall measurement electrode between Dian JiA &B, B&C and the A&C respectively,

With

Z′S(B)＝[Z _T(AB)+Z _T(BD)-Z _T(AD)]/2?(A1-ii)

Z wherein _T(AB), Z _T() &Z BD _T(AD) represent overall measurement electrode between Dian JiA &B, B&D and the A&D respectively,

In the same way, can obtain local impedance (C), Zs (two assessments of C) &Z ' s (C):

Z _S(C)＝[Z _T(BC)+Z _T(CD)-Z _T(BD)]/2?(A2-i)

Z wherein _T(BC), Z _T() &Z CD ^T(BD) represent overall measurement electrode between Dian JiB &C, C&D and the B&D respectively,

With

Z′ _S(C)＝[Z _T(AC)+Z _T(CD)-Z _T(AD)]/2?(A2-i)

Z wherein _T(AC), Z _T() &Z CD _T(AD) represent overall measurement electrode between Dian JiA &C, C&D and the A&D respectively,

Next step is by local impedance (Z _S() &Z B _S(C), Z ' _S() &Z B _S(C) etc. four combinations of possibility) can show three assessments that have core impedance (BC):

To (A2-i), we obtain from equation (A1-i)

Z _C(BC)＝[Z _T(AC)+Z _T(BD)-Z _T(AB)-Z _T(CD)]/2?(A3-i)

From equation (A1-i) & (A2-ii) and (A1-ii) with (A2-i), we obtain

Z′ _C(BC)＝[Z _T(AD)+Z _T(BC)-Z _T(AB)-Z _T(CD)]/2?(A3-ii)

From equation (A1-ii) & (A2-ii), we obtain

Z″ _C(BC)＝Z _T(AD)+Z _T(BC)-[Z _T(AB)+Z _T(AC)+Z _T(BD)+Z _T(CD)]/2?(A3-iii)

Expansion Horton & van Ravenswaay equation can obtain following parameter, as the difference between the body core impedance of the fragment BC of these assessments:

{dZ}_{C} (BC &LeftRightArrow; AD) = Z_{C} (BC) - {Z^{'}}_{C} (BC) = {Z^{'}}_{C} (BC) - {Z^{''}}_{C} (BC)

= [Z_{T} (AC) + Z_{T} (BD) - Z_{T} (AD) - Z_{T} (BC)] / 2 - - - (A 4 - i)

With

DZc (BC &LeftRightArrow; AD) = Z_{C} (BC) - {Z^{''}}_{C} (BC)

= Z_{T} (AC) + Z_{T} (BD) - Z_{T} (AD) - Z_{T} (BC) - - - (A 4 - ii)

Wherein symbol

is represented the electronic reciprocal degree between two special parts.

Embodiment 1-method and instrumentation

Test is carried out on the healthy women human experimentation body that vertically is sitting in the chair, and arm stretches and facies palmaris is still on the desk down, makes finger and toe keep separating through inserting fibrous insulation.

Make the experiment body in the position of sitting, keep surpassing 5 minutes, different bio-impedance electrode and be used for the electrode of electricity irritation is connected to the patient.Especially, the voltage induced electrode that is of a size of 55mmx23mm is connected to the standard biological impedance analysis position on each left side of experiment body and right wrist and the ankle; The current-return electrode that is of a size of 20mmx20mm is connected to the standard biological impedance analysis position, the back side of each left side of experiment body and right crus of diaphragm.And the electric current injecting electrode that provides (the aluminium foil adhesive gel electrode of diameter 8mm) connects (visiting thorn in this instance) different wells cave to an experiment body left side and the right hand.The paired electric stimulation electrode of the conductive rubber silicon electrode form of diameter 28mm uses with the electric conductance electrolyte gel is collaborative, and the acupuncture point ST 36 (the about 2cm in ridge side under the tibia stem) of light button experiment body left side lower limb and this acupuncture point be 80mm place, below directly.

In case electrode is in place, carry out prediction well meridians biological impedance step, wherein, right side whole health meridians biological impedance carries out through the You Jing cave that order is visited needle-holding hand, according to following order in the four measuring circulation: LU, LI PC, TE, HT SI; Be SI, HT, TE, PC, LI, LU then; Be LU, LI PC, TE, HT, SI then; Be SI, HT, TE, PC, LI, LU then.Through visiting the Zuo Jing cave of needle-holding hand, carry out the meridians biological impedance of the whole health in left side then, according to the similar spy thorn order that is applied to the right side.

Utilize the inner bio-impedance equipment of making to carry out biological impedance, said equipment is configured to transmission of electric signals when frequency 100kHz, has the constant current value of 100 μ A.Visit the thorn position according to each and read four bio-impedance readings, the meansigma methods of read off obtains the result.

According to preparatory stimulation measuring process, carry out electrical stimulation procedures, wherein electricity irritation was directly bestowed ST 36 acupuncture points 10 minutes with the low-intensity of 1.4Hz.Later, close on electrical stimulation apparatus and the plumbous slave unit and break off.

Accomplishing after the electricity irritation, carry out the back and stimulate meridians biological impedance step, wherein carry out whole health hand channel network biological impedance once more, at first begin at experiment body left side of body specifically, is the right side then.Carry out quadruplet according to identical order in the preparatory stimulating organism impedance measurement process and measure circulation (that is, LU, LI, PC, TE, HT, SI; Be SI, HT, TE etc. then).

Embodiment 1-result and discussion

Figure 13 a shows with left relevant with the right hand meridians definition fragment impedance of whole body region and phase angle figure respectively with 13b.Each point is in four different measuring orders, and each point that obtains is gone up the meansigma methods of four measuring.Dotted line representes ± 1 significant difference.

Table 3 explained according to left body and right side, the statistical significance assessment of the difference of measured average impedance and phase angle and this difference of detecting based on the non-coupling of student t at each acupuncture point.

Table 3

With reference to the impedance diagram of figure 13a, can find out that the impedance of left side of body on average is about 5Ohms, be higher than the right side.Think that this is to have reflected to relate to the experiment body to get used to the trickle geometry of the right hand asymmetric.

With reference to the phase angle chart of figure 13b, can find out that a left side/right difference that relates to TE and SI is respectively very significant with extremely on statistical significance.It is worthy of note that also significant differences is present in the phase angle of health homonymy meridians definitional part (like LI and SI on the right side, between left side PC and the SI).These differences are indications of the segmental different electronic states of meridians definition health separately.

Meridians type biological impedance in each well cave has reacted special electronic effect; This influence comes from meridians definition fragment separately; This can be stimulated by the selective electronic at far-end acupuncture point with meridians biological impedance subsequently explains, stimulates in the meridians biological impedance step in electricity irritation and back and measures.

Figure 14 a show to 14d hands a left side and right meridians stimulate the comparison of whole body impedance of meridians base and phase angle chart in advance with the back.Reference table 4, in the instance of left side of body, significance,statistical and highly significant sexually revise respectively and in the phase angle of meridians definition fragment LI and TE, observe.Yet the change of the statistics difference in any meridians definition fragment in the phase angle is not observed at the right-hand side of health.Consider that in the lump the electricity irritation on the ST 36 of these results and left lower limb is consistent, define at meridians and cause selectivity or nonuniformity change at least in the segmental characteristic electron.

Refer again to Figure 14 a and 14b, can find out after average impedance across meridians has increased left side of body generally stimulates 7Ohms, but has reduced 11Ohms on the right side.

Table 4

Claims (according to the modification of the 19th of treaty)

1. the method for bio-impedance in the definite health, said method comprises:

Connect one or more electric current injecting electrodes to primary hands of health or foot; With

Connect current-return electrode to deputy hands of health or foot, or be connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands of health or foot;

Spaced-apart position at health connects first and second voltage induced electrodes, and each is in from said electric current injecting electrode with from the said current-return electrode position of 5cm at least like the said first and second voltage induced electrodes;

Applying electronic signal between one of them at least at electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode;

Use the voltage induced electrode, measure across the voltage drop of part health electronic signal at least between electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode; With

Utilize measured voltage to fall and confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

2. method according to claim 1, one of them is connected to one or more acupuncture points wherein said a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes.

3. method according to claim 2, wherein said current-return electrode is free of attachment to the acupuncture point.

4. method according to claim 3, wherein said current-return electrode are connected to arm or the lower limb position away from elbow or knee.

5. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said one or more acupuncture points are well caves.

6. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said one or more acupuncture points are source points.

7. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said acupuncture point comprises the one or more arbitrarily of following acupuncture point: LU11; LI 1; PC 9; TE 1; HT 9; SI 1; SP 1; LR 1; ST 45; GB 44; KI 1a; BL67 and KI 1.

8. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, confirm that wherein said bio-impedance comprises definite phase angle.

9. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said primary hands or foot and deputy hands or foot are at the health homonymy.

10. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim; Comprise the said first voltage induced electrode is connected to primary hands or foot; Or be connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with primary hands or foot; With the said second voltage induced electrode is connected to deputy hands or foot, or be connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands or foot.

11. method according to claim 9; Comprise and connect the first voltage induced electrode to tertiary hands of health or foot; Or being connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with tertiary hands or foot, wherein said primary hands or foot and first are para-positions with deputy hands or foot.

12. method according to claim 11; Comprise and connect hands or the foot of the second voltage induced electrode to the 4th of health; Or be connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with the 4th hands or foot; Wherein said the 4th hands or foot and tertiary hands or foot be at the health homonymy, with first be offside with deputy hands or foot.

13. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, comprise connect in order said one or more electric current injecting electrodes of first to a plurality of acupuncture points and, when the said first electric current injecting electrode is connected to each acupuncture point:

Applying electronic signal between said first electric current injecting electrode and said current-return electrode;

Utilize the voltage induced electrode, measure between the first electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode at least voltage drop across the electronic signal of part health; With

14. method according to claim 13, wherein the form of the first electric current injecting electrode is the electron probe form.

15. according to the arbitrary described method of claim 1 to 12, comprise connecting the Different Acupoint of a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes to primary hands of health or foot, unceasingly, for each electric current injecting electrode:

Applying electronic signal between said electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode;

Utilize the voltage induced electrode, measure between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode at least voltage drop across the electronic signal of part health; With

16., comprise the bio-impedance of confirming to define whole body part across a plurality of meridians according to the arbitrary described method of claim 13 to 15.

17., comprise the bio-impedance of confirming across a plurality of meridians definition body segments according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim.

18. method according to claim 17, wherein said a plurality of meridians definition body segments comprise lower limb, trunk and/or arm.

19. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said diameter that is connected to the one or more electrodes on one or more acupuncture points or width are between 0.1mm and 15mm.

20. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said diameter that is connected to the one or more electrodes on one or more acupuncture points or width are between 2mm and 10mm.

21. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said electronic signal has the frequency between 1kHz and the 100MHz.

22. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, wherein said electronic signal has the frequency between 20kHz and the 300kHz.

23. method according to claim 1, wherein

A plurality of electric current injecting electrodes are connected to the acupuncture point of the primary hands of health;

Said current-return electrode is connected to the deputy foot of health,

A plurality of other electric current injecting electrodes are connected to the acupuncture point of the deputy foot of health,

Other electric current injecting electrode is connected to the primary hands of health;

The said first voltage induced electrode is connected to the wrist of the primary hands of health; With

The said second voltage induced electrode is connected to the ankle of second foot of health.

24. the method for the interior bio-impedance of definite body, said method comprises:

First outer electrode is connected to primary hands of health or foot;

Second outer electrode is connected to deputy hands of health or foot, or is connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands of health or foot,

Wherein first outer electrode and/or second outer electrode are connected to one or more acupuncture points;

First and second internal electrodes are connected to the spaced-apart position of health, and in the inside of first and second outer electrodes, each is in from said first outer electrode with from said second outer electrode position of 5cm at least like said first and second internal electrodes;

Applying electronic signal successively between all 6 combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode;

Measurement is in response to applying electronic signal separately, across the voltage of each combination of electrodes;

25. method according to claim 24, wherein first outer electrode is connected to the acupuncture point.

26. method according to claim 25, wherein said second outer electrode is not connected to the acupuncture point.

27. be used for confirming the equipment of bio-impedance in the body, said equipment comprises:

A drive circuit comprises:

One or more electric current injecting electrodes are set to be connected to primary hands of health or foot; Be set to be connected to deputy hands of health or foot with current-return electrode; Or being connected to arm or the lower limb that directly links to each other with deputy hands of health or foot, wherein one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points;

A sensor circuit comprises:

Be set to be connected to the health first voltage induced electrode with

Be arranged on and be spaced apart in the first voltage induced electrode position, be connected to the health second voltage induced electrode, each is in from said electric current injecting electrode with from the said current-return electrode position of 5cm at least like the said first and second voltage induced electrodes; With

A processor; Said processor be set to connect the voltage induced electrode and measure the electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position between at least across the voltage drop of the electronic signal of part health; Depend on the application of electric current injecting electrode and circuit refurn electrode electronic signal between one of them and utilize voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

28. equipment according to claim 27, one of them is set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points wherein said a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes.

29. according to claim 27 or 28 described equipment, wherein said current-return electrode is set to be connected to arm or the lower limb position away from elbow or knee respectively.

30. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 29, wherein one or more acupuncture points are well caves.

31. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 30, wherein one or more acupuncture points are source points.

32. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 31, wherein said acupuncture point comprises the one or more arbitrarily of following acupuncture point: LU11; LI 1; PC 9; TE 1; HT 9; SI 1; SP 1; LR 1; ST 45; GB 44; KI 1a; BL67 and KI 1.

33. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 32, wherein said primary hands or foot and deputy hands or foot are at the health homonymy.

34. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 33, wherein first said one or more electric current injecting electrodes be set to be connected in order a plurality of acupuncture points and

Said equipment is set to; When the first electric current injecting electrode is connected to each acupuncture point; Electronic signal is applied between the first electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode; And said processor is confirmed between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position at least across the voltage drop of the electronic signal of part health and is utilized voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

35. equipment according to claim 34, the wherein said first electric current injecting electrode is an electron probe.

36., comprising according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 33:

A plurality of electric current injecting electrodes, each said electric current injecting electrode is set to be connected to the Different Acupoint of primary hands of health or foot,

Wherein said equipment is set to; When the electric current injecting electrode is connected to Different Acupoint; Electronic signal is applied between each electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode successively; With relate to each current signal, and said processor is confirmed between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position separately at least across the voltage drop of the electronic signal of part health and utilize voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

37. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 35 to 37, wherein said processor is set to confirm to define across a plurality of meridians the bio-impedance of whole body part.

38. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 37, wherein said processor is set to confirm the bio-impedance across a plurality of meridians definition body segments.

39. according to the described equipment of claim 38, wherein said a plurality of meridians definition body segments comprise lower limb, trunk and/or arm.

40. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 39, wherein said diameter that is connected to the one or more electrodes on one or more acupuncture points or width are between 0.1mm and 15mm.

41. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 40, wherein said one or more diameters that are connected to the electrode on one or more acupuncture points or width are between 2mm and 10mm.

42. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 41, wherein said electronic signal has the frequency between 1kHz and the 100MHz.

43. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 42, wherein said electronic signal has the frequency between 20kHz and the 300kHz.

44. equipment according to claim 27 comprises:

Be connected to a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes at the acupuncture point of first hands of health;

Wherein said current-return electrode is set to be connected to the deputy foot of health, and the said first voltage induced electrode is set to be connected to the wrist of first hands of health; Be set to be connected to the ankle of second foot of health with the said second voltage induced electrode, said equipment further comprises:

Be connected on the acupuncture point of second foot of health a plurality of other electric current injecting electrodes and

Be connected to other electric current injecting electrode of first hands of health.

45. according to the described equipment of claim 44, the wherein said electrode package that is connected to first hands of health is contained in the glove equipment.

46. according to claim 44 or 45 described equipment, the wherein said electrode package that is connected to second hands of health is contained in the socks equipment.

47. be used for confirming the equipment of bio-impedance in the body, said equipment comprises:

Be connected to first outer electrode of primary hands of health or foot;

Be connected to second outer electrode of second hands of health or foot, or be directly connected to the arm or the lower limb of deputy hands of health or foot, wherein said first outer electrode and/or second outer electrode are set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points;

First and second internal electrodes are set to be connected to the position that health is spaced apart; In the inside of first and second outer electrodes, each is in from said first outer electrode with from said second outer electrode position of 5cm at least like said first and second internal electrodes; With

Bioimpedance measurement means; Be set to measure; In response to successively across the applying electronic signal of all 6 combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode; Across the voltage of each combination of electrodes be set to utilize voltage data to confirm the impedance between each combination of electrodes, and calculate between the internal electrode link position bio-impedance of body core part.

Claims

1. the method for bio-impedance in the definite health, said method comprises:

Spaced-apart position at health connects first and second voltage induced electrodes;

Between said first electric current injecting electrode and said current-return electrode, use the signal of telecommunication;

Utilize the voltage induced electrode, measure between the first electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode at least voltage drop across the signal of telecommunication of part health; With

Between said electric current injecting electrode and current-return electrode, use the signal of telecommunication;

Utilize the voltage induced electrode, measure between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode at least voltage drop across the signal of telecommunication of part health; With

17., comprise and confirming across the segmental bio-impedance of a plurality of meridians definition healths according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim.

18. method according to claim 17, wherein said a plurality of meridians definition health fragments comprise lower limb, trunk and/or arm.

21. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, the wherein said signal of telecommunication has the frequency between 1kHz and the 100MHz.

22. according to the arbitrary described method of aforementioned claim, the wherein said signal of telecommunication has the frequency between 20kHz and the 300kHz.

23. method according to claim 1, wherein

Said current-return electrode is connected to the deputy foot of health,

First outer electrode is connected to primary hands of health or foot;

First and second internal electrodes are connected to the spaced-apart position of health, in the inside of first and second outer electrodes;

Between all 6 combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode, use the signal of telecommunication successively;

25. method according to claim 24, one of wherein a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes are connected to one or more acupuncture points.

26. method according to claim 25, wherein said current-return electrode is not connected to the acupuncture point.

A drive circuit comprises:

A sensor circuit comprises:

The first voltage induced electrode that is set to be connected to health with

Be arranged on and be spaced apart, be connected to the second voltage induced electrode of health in the first voltage induced electrode position; With

A processor; Said processor be set to connect the voltage induced electrode and measure the electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position between at least across the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication of part health; Depend on the application of electric current injecting electrode and the circuit refurn electrode signal of telecommunication between one of them and utilize voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

32. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 31, wherein said acupuncture point comprises the one or more arbitrarily of following acupuncture point: LU11; LI 1; PC 9; TE 1; HT 9; SI 1; SP1; LR 1; ST 45; GB 44; KI 1a; BL67 and KI 1.

Said equipment is set to; When the first electric current injecting electrode is connected to each acupuncture point; The signal of telecommunication is applied between the first electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode; And said processor is confirmed between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position at least across the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication of part health and is utilized voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

Wherein said equipment is set to; When the electric current injecting electrode is connected to Different Acupoint; The signal of telecommunication is applied between each electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode successively; With relate to each current signal, and said processor is confirmed between electric current injecting electrode and the current-return electrode link position separately at least across the voltage drop of the signal of telecommunication of part health and utilize voltage drop to confirm the bio-impedance of part health at least.

38. according to the arbitrary described equipment of claim 27 to 37, wherein said processor is set to confirm across the segmental bio-impedance of a plurality of meridians definition healths.

39. according to the described equipment of claim 38, wherein said a plurality of meridians definition health fragments comprise lower limb, trunk and/or arm.

42. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 41, the wherein said signal of telecommunication has the frequency between 1kHz and the 100MHz.

43. according to the described equipment of claim 27 to 42, the wherein said signal of telecommunication has the frequency between 20kHz and the 300kHz.

44. equipment according to claim 1 comprises:

Be connected to first outer electrode of primary hands of health or foot;

Be connected to second outer electrode of second hands of health or foot, or be directly connected to the arm or the lower limb of deputy hands of health or foot, wherein said one or more electric current injecting electrodes and/or current-return electrode are set to be connected to one or more acupuncture points;

Bioimpedance measurement means; Be set to measure; In response to successively across the application signal of telecommunication of all 6 combinations of first and second outsides and internal electrode; Across the voltage of each combination of electrodes be set to utilize voltage data to confirm the impedance between each combination of electrodes, and calculate between the internal electrode link position bio-impedance of body core part.

48. according to the described equipment of claim 47, one of them is set to connect one or more acupuncture points wherein a plurality of electric current injecting electrodes.