System for distributed blood flow measurement
US11553852B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0233
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical system for minimally-invasive measurement of blood flow in an artery (AT). An interventional device (IVD) with an optical fiber (FB) comprising a plurality of temperature-sensitive optical sensor segments, e.g. Fiber Bragg Gratings, spatially distributed along its longitudinal extension is configured for insertion into an artery (AT). A temperature changer (TC) is arranged in the WD to introduce a local change in temperature (ΔT) of a bolus of blood in the artery, to allow thermal tracking over time with the optical fiber (FB). A measurement unit (MU) with a laser light source (LS) delivers light to the optical fiber (FB) and receives light reflected from the optical fiber (FB) and generates a corresponding time varying output signal. A first algorithm (A1) translates this time varying output signal into a set of temperatures corresponding to temperatures at respective positions along the optical fiber (FB). A second algorithm (A2) calculates a measure of blood flow (BF) at respective positions along the optical fiber (FB) in accordance with a temporal behavior of said set of temperatures. Such system can be used to quickly scan an artery for diagnosing stenotic regions w…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.