Method and apparatus for non-invasive evaluation of diaphragmatic function
US5448995A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/52033
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for non-invasive evaluation of diaphragmatic function in humans measures the thickness of the diaphragm in real time with an ultrasonic device, and displays the variations of diaphragm thickness versus time. Formulae are given for calculating a quantitative value for the reserve fatigue capacity of a patient's diaphragm from data obtained by measuring the time limits for maintaining a constant breathing pattern on the display at two different pressure differentials in series with the patient's airways. An apparatus for displaying the diaphragm thickness in real time is also described. The method can be used both on healthy patients and on patients with so severe breathing dysfunctions that they require breathing support from respirators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.