Miniature disposable blood flow monitor
US5443072A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/021
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A small, lightweight, disposable blood flow monitor adhered directly to the skin of a patient above the vessel being monitored, such as an artery. A transducer generates an electric signal representative of a deflection of a vessel wall due to pulsatile pressure, which deflection is enhanced by a thin conductive substrate providing a mechanical advantage for the detected deflection. Control circuitry periodically stores a peak value of a deflection caused by a systolic pulse. A reference value is obtained by pressing a calibrate switch to store a value representing a systolic pulse encountered during a calibration interval. Peak values of systolic pulses are stored at predetermined intervals and compared with the reference value. A simplified display, preferably comprised of LEDs of different colors respectively represent a normal, slightly abnormal and significantly more abnormal conditions. The monitor, once turned on, remains on throughout its useful operating life. The reference value may be selected or reselected at any given time. The monitor may be comprised of custom circuitry or may utilize a microprocessor having a stored operating program.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.