Automated ultrasound apparatus and methods to non-invasively monitor fluid responsiveness

US11701092B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Grant Kruger · Ann Arbor, US
• Torben Becker · Bielefeld, DE
• Nikhil Theyyunni · Ann Arbor, US
• Ross Eric Kessler · Philadelphia, US
• Bradley Plummer · Ann Arbor, US
• Matthew Tafoya · Oakland, US
• Chelsea Tafoya · Oakland, US
• Steven E. Harte · Livonia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 2018
• Grant date: Jul 18, 2023
• Expiry date: Feb 8, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2562/06
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fully automated ultrasound apparatus includes a sensor or probe which can be initially manually attached to a side of the neck of a patient, an ultrasound interface to control the sensor and periodically acquire raw ultrasound data, a signal and image processing system to autonomously convert the raw ultrasound data into a measurement that is useful to physicians, and a display to relay the current measurements and measurement history to provide data trends. The sensor can include one or more ultrasound transducers built into a housing. A disposable component can serve to secure the sensor to the neck of the patient and to provide a coupling medium between the sensor and the skin of the patient.