Implantation devices for monitoring and regulating blood flow
US6015387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2560/0219
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a blood flow measurement device for implantation either within or around a blood vessel. The invention blood flow measurement device comprises a hollow tubular body, such as a stent, having a sensor with a resonant circuit for establishing an electrical current flowing within the blood vessel. Once implanted and activated by an external power source, the flow of current in the circuit generates an electromagnetic signal indicative of the rate of blood flow in the associated vessel. The signal can be picked up by an external monitor to display blood flow information. Since blood flow information is obtained non-invasively once the device is implanted, the device can be used to monitor blood flow in a patient undergoing strenuous exercise, after having been given an appropriate drug, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.