Medical apparatus for the diagnosis of cartilage degeneration via spatial mapping of compression-induced electrical potentials
US5779651A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a medical apparatus for the early detection and the diagnosis of cartilage degeneration and a method for using such apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least two point electrodes, a signal processor located in proximity of the electrodes, a defined abutment in recess of the electrodes for allowing compression of the cartilage against the electrodes until the cartilage abuts against the abutment surface and a computer program for analyzing and interpreting the data received from the electrodes. The medical apparatus may be used in research to identify effects of new compounds or drugs on the cartilage or may be used in clinics to monitor the degradation of cartilage of a patient over an extended period of time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.