Pressure sensor with increased sensitivity for use with an implantable medical device
US6171252A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/7242
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for obtaining pressure data using a body implantable pressure sensor includes a measurement capacitor which is responsive to pressure changes of a body fluid. Non-constant, multiple current source charging of the measurement capacitor provides for a significant increase in sensitivity to conditions of pressure of a body fluid. Pressure data is obtained by charging the measurement capacitor at a first charge rate during a first charge period of an integration cycle and, during a second charge period of the integration cycle, charging the measurement capacitor at a second charge rate. The first charge rate is preferably greater than the second charge rate. The duration of the first and second charge periods may be varied. A signal indicative of a pressure change of a body fluid imparted to the measurement capacitor is produced by the pressure sensor. The signal may be a signal indicative of a change in a time of integration. The signal, indicative of a time of integration, has a sensitivity to pressure changes which is greater than a mechanical capacitive sensitivity of the measurement capacitor to such pressure changes. The signal may alternatively be a signa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.