DE202005020487U1 - Device for permanently measuring parameters of the interior of the body, in particular the body temperature, and for the telemetric transmission of data - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for measuring and forwarding physiologically relevant parameters, in particular also from the inside of the body, in particular the internal body temperature, of living beings, in particular livestock
characterized,
that the device is designed as a biocompatible semi-implant, ie lying partially below the surface of the skin,
characterized,
the device has at least one sensor which has permanent contact with the interior of the body.
characterized,
that at least one sensor has a direct / material connection to a microcontroller together with a transmitting or preferably transmitting / receiving unit plus power supply.

Description

background

physiological Parameters are important for assessing the health status of an individual. A stress-free, continuous or frequent (at least hourly) Collection of various parameters allows evaluation and exploration physiological processes and rhythms such as of the sex cycle in mammals as well as in humans, as well as the early detection and the course of diseases. In contrast to the surface temperature is particular the body temperature suitable for this purpose. So far, however, even in illness cases hardly or rarely used, as the conventional rectal or vaginal measurement with effort (possibly catching, fixing, measuring, Clean) and in certain animals (such as aggressive or shy wild animals). and zoo animals) or husbandry forms is also risky. In addition, stress-related measurement fluctuations are described in the literature. Therefore, the elevation of the body's internal temperature frequently remains emergencies limited.

The Increasing animal husbandry in large stocks reinforces the Aspirations for the automated measurement and processing of these Values to facilitate herd management and reduce losses (described, for example, in US Pat. 3,534,728 and US Pat 3,297,020). In the further development of technology, these efforts are made Use inventions from other areas, such as RFID (US Pat 5,526,772) and RFID-like (US Pat. 5,682,149) owns transponders in order to meet all-encompassing 'universal claims' (for example US Pat Pat Appl 2003/0137431 A1).

problem

• 1. die Ohrmuschel oder den Gehörgang, zum Beispiel US Pat. 4,854,328,, US Pat. 4,510,495, US Pat 3.781.837, US 4,651,750 sowie einem subfaszialen Hohlraum hinter dem Ohr US Pat. 4,083,364 Nachteile sind: – Messungen an oder in der Ohrmuschel sind stark von der Umgebungstemperatur abhängig (beschrieben in US Pat. 4,387,742) und spiegeln nicht die Körperinnentemperatur wider – Sensoren werden im Gehörgang per Reflex schlecht geduldet und sie können das Trommelfell beschädigen; – die Verlustrate ist in der Praxis hoch – der subfasziale Hohlraum mit Zugang an der höchsten Stelle ist prädestiniert für Infektionen und damit ungeeignet
• 2. die Vagina (zum Beispiel US Pat. 4,387,724). Die reflektorische Ausstoßung des Sensors bzw. Transmitters soll mittels eines speziellen Ankers, der sich in die Schleimhaut vor dem Muttermund einkrallt, verhindert werden. Nachteile sind: – die Methode ist naturgemäß nicht bei männlichen und sehr jungen Individuen einsetzbar – das Gerät stört bei einer Besamung/Behandlung und muss zur Geburt entfernt werden – es treten Schleimhautreizungen auf. Möglicherweise empfiehlt der Autor deshalb nur einen Einsatz über maximal 50 Tage – die vorhandenen dicken Muskelschichten bedingen bei gleichem Sendeaufkommen stärkere Sendeleistungen mit erhöhtem Energieverbrauch oder, bei passiven Transpondern, größere Feldstärken, was entweder die Sendedauer oder die Reichweite – zum Teil entscheidend – verringert
• 3. einen Bolus im Pansen (zum Beispiel 6,012,415, US Pat. 5,697,384, US Pat. 5,634,432, US Pat Appl 2004/0155782 A1. US Pat. Appl 2005/0228223 A1 weitet dies auf den Menschen aus). Nachteile sind: – der Einsatz ist auf ruminierende Wiederkäuer beschränkt, also selbst für Kälber ungeeignet, da hier der Pansen noch nicht entwickelt ist – die Temperatur des Panseninhaltes wird von der jeweiligen Pansenflora (Bakterien und Infusorien) mitbestimmt und sinkt naturgemäß bei jeder Futter- und Wasseraufnahme – auch hier sind große Schichtdicken zu überbrücken mit dem oben erwähnten Problem hohen Energieaufwandes für Sendeleistung bzw. hohen Feldstärken.
• 4. die komplett subkutane Implantation einer aktiven Sensor/Transmitter-Einheit (ähnlich einem Herzschrittmacher), die relativ aufwändig ist und sich deshalb im Großen und Ganzen auf den Menschen beschränkt. Unter Praxisverhältnissen im Stall ist mit Infektionen zu rechnen. Zudem stellt die Operation einen Eingriff gemäß Tierschutzgesetz dar.
• 5. die subkutane Injektion von passiven Transpondern, die vor allem zur Identifizierung von Tieren weit verbreitet ist. Derartige Transponder können auch mit Sensoren ausgerüstet werden Nachteile sind: – der nötige geringe Abstand zum Lesegerät, das heißt die Daten können nur ausgelesen werden, wenn ein Lesegerät direkt über den Transponder gehalten wird oder das Individuum zum Beispiel durch ein schmales Antennenportal geht. Da dies nur in größeren und/oder unregelmäßigen zeitlichen Abständen erfolgt, ist vor allem eine Erkennung des Östrus bei weiblichen Tieren nicht möglich – es ist bekannt, dass ein nicht unbeträchtlicher Anteil der injizierten Transponder „wandert" wobei unter Umständen wenige Zentimeter es unmöglich machen, Daten zu lesen. In der Praxis sind viele Transponder nicht mehr auffindbar ist, was insbesondere bei Fleisch liefernden Tieren Probleme mit sich bringt.

The largest uneconomically solved problem to date is the design / incorporation of the sensor (US Pat. 5,105,763). The previous solutions relate to:

• 1. the pinna or the ear canal, for example US Pat. 4,854,328, US Pat. 4,510,495, US Pat. 3,781,837, US Pat. US 4,651,750 and a subfascial cavity behind the ear US Pat. 4,083,364 Disadvantages are: - Measurements on or in the pinna are highly dependent on the ambient temperature (described in US Pat. 4,387,742) and do not reflect the body temperature - sensors are poorly tolerated in the ear canal by reflex and they can damage the eardrum; - The loss rate is high in practice - The subfascial cavity with access at the highest point is predestined for infections and thus unsuitable
• 2. the vagina (for example US Pat. 4,387,724). The reflective ejection of the sensor or transmitter should be prevented by means of a special anchor, which claws into the mucous membrane in front of the cervix. Disadvantages are: - the method is naturally not used in males and very young individuals - the device interferes with an insemination / treatment and must be removed for childbirth - there are mucous membrane irritation. The author may therefore only recommend a use for a maximum of 50 days - the existing thick muscle layers require the same transmission power stronger transmission power with increased energy consumption or, in passive transponders, larger field strengths, which either the transmission duration or the range - sometimes crucial - reduced
• 3. a bolus in the rumen (e.g., 6,012,415, US Pat. 5,697,384, US Pat. 5,634,432, US Pat Appl. 2004/0155782 A1, US Pat. Appl 2005/0228223 A1) extends this to humans. Disadvantages are: - The use is limited to ruminating ruminants, so even for calves unsuitable because the rumen is not developed here - the temperature of the rumen content is determined by the respective rumen flora (bacteria and infusoria) and naturally decreases in each feed and Water absorption - here too, large layer thicknesses are to be bridged with the above-mentioned problem of high expenditure of energy for transmission power or high field strengths.
• 4. The complete subcutaneous implantation of an active sensor / transmitter unit (similar to a pacemaker), which is relatively complex and therefore largely limited to humans. Under conditions in the stable, infections can be expected. In addition, the operation constitutes an intervention in accordance with the Animal Protection Act.
• 5. the subcutaneous injection of passive transponders, which is widely used for the identification of animals. Such transponders can also be equipped with sensors Disadvantages are: - the necessary small distance to the reader, that is, the data can only be read when a reader is held directly over the transponder or the individual goes through a narrow antenna portal, for example. Since this takes place only in larger and / or irregular time intervals, above all, a recognition of oestrus in female animals is not possible It is known that a not inconsiderable proportion of the transponders injected "migrate", with a few centimeters possibly making it impossible to read data In practice, many transponders can no longer be found, which is particularly problematic for meat-supplying animals brings.

Further not sufficiently solved Problems like that enough frequent Reading the data about relevant Routes as well as their fast availability, the power supply etc. arise largely from these unsatisfactory application methods.

Next the above none of the above cited patents, respectively Patent applications, a basis for a automatic telemetric transmission of measured values under practical conditions in the stable (at least 100 m). They reach a maximum range 1 meter (US Pat 5,526,772) with cables (US Pat. Appl. 2004/0155782 A1, US Pat Pat. 5,322,034) downloaded to the animal (US Pat Appl 2003/0137431 A1), or need a male animal to detect the female estrus (US Pat. Appl. 2003/0137431 A1).

Object of the invention:

core problem is the practical, permanent introduction of sensor / s in the inside of the body, with simultaneous data transmission preferably from the body surface.

in the Center is therefore the attachment / attachment of a device for (historical) measurement of reliable physiological data the inside of the body of individuals - in particular Livestock and their forwarding. These are in particular around the body temperature, as required, but also to other parameters - even outside to be measured - such. Pulse, movement, ambient temperature, humidity etc.

The (Sterilizable) device should possible without much effort and risk of infection, even in non-sterile environment uncomplicated permanent to be attached, to be compatible with the body and do not hike.

The Device must allow a distinctive individual identifier Removal or damage solves if necessary a (remote) alarm.

The data transfer should preferably automatically and at least hourly, preferably (in addition) also on request, in real time and from practice-relevant distance (at least 100m), to allow timely progress measurements.

The energy given off / transferred during the data transfer should as well as Data losses or collisions should be minimal.

The Device should be robust, have a low loss rate and possibly over 6 to 8 years maintenance-free stay.

These Tasks are accomplished by an apparatus of claim 1.

Description of the solution:

The newly developed device is designed as a biocompatible semi-implant (ie one part is sunk in the tissue, the other remains visible, preferably on the outer skin) for permanent / permanent whereabouts -comparably a piercing in humans or eg a nose ring in animals - ie the attachment sets Perforations) of the outer and / or mucosa ( 1 ) ahead.

The device contains one or more sensors ( 2 ) for determining physiologically relevant information of an individual from the inside of his body, in particular the body temperature and / or also from the body surface ( 3 ). Due to the nature of the implantation, the sensor (s) inside the body are in contact with the necessary tissue, for example for subcutaneous tissue or muscle tissue in a variation but also, for example, in the oral or nasal cavity.

As known from piercing, healing - at Compliance with certain hygiene standards - double perforations suitable sites relatively quickly, as a simple secretion drain possible is. That in contact with wounds upcoming material is biocompatible: either smooth and inert or also rough and stimulating to wax.

The sensor or sensors preferably have a direct connection ( 4 . 5 ) with the radio unit ( 6 ), consisting of a microcontroller ( 7 ), a transmitting or rather a transmitting / receiving unit ( 8th ) and energy supply ( 9 ) and, if necessary, transducers ( 10 ) ( 1 ). The key advantage here is that in this way no reader is needed, associated high energy consumption and high field strengths can be avoided and a maintenance-free life of 6-10 years is realistic.

The radio unit is preferably located in the extracorporeal housing part ( 11 ), this is with minimal energy transmission or reception ( 12 ) over at least 100m to a receiver (base station, 13 ) possible, with transmission via GPRS everywhere.

interfaces for further Applications are available.

In In a variation, the device is (also) one if necessary integrated reader for reading a nearby implanted, equipped with sensors Provided transponders.

The Device provides the technical basis of an economic telemetric forwarding of measured values from the inside of the body.

The device has a unique individual identifier, a correspondingly shaped closure ( 14 ) is at the same time fixation and protection against tearing of the device. If the device is lost or removed, the data transmission stops and an alarm sounds on the base station ( 13 ) or the server ( 15 ) automatically.

These Combination is the technical basis for the largely fraud-proof Labeling and monitoring of living things.

The Drawings are only examples of possible designs.

A more possible Training for the permanent / temporary (Hours to days) Use: The device quasi as a mandrin one commercial IV catheter and fastened with appropriate closure (preferably Luer-Lock), the connected radio unit comes to lie outside.

Claims (8)

Apparatus for measuring and forwarding physiologically relevant parameters, in particular also from the inside of the body, in particular the body temperature, of living beings, in particular livestock, characterized in that the device as a biocompatible semi-implant, that is partially below the skin surface, formed, characterized in that the device has at least one sensor that has permanent contact with the interior of the body. characterized in that at least one sensor has a direct / material connection to a microcontroller together with a transmitting or preferably transmitting / receiving unit together with power supply. Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized, that at least one hourly Measurement and transmission possible in real time is characterized, that the measurement intervals after Needs are changeable, thereby in that the data transfer over at least 100m to a Receiver possible is characterized, that the device with a distinctive identifier can be provided Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the closure is designed as an adjustable single closure (seal) is Device according to one of the preceding claims in that there are more interfaces Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that one or more sensors for measurements on the skin and / or the environment (e.g., humidity, ambient temperature, Movement, conductivity etc.) are integrated Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the energy supply by battery, solar cell, "energy-harvesting" (e.g. Temperature gradient) Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized that on the case a preferably visual alarm device is integrated Device according to claim 1, characterized that the material that perforates the skin is either biocompatible-inert is or encourages growth