Patent · US Expired

Access flow monitoring using reversal of normal blood flow

US6189388A · kind A · utility

50Cited by
46References
39Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 12, 1997
Grant dateFeb 20, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 12, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M1/16
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus in which the blood flow in a fistula is determined by comparing the property of blood entering the fistula to the property of blood being withdrawn from the fistula as the blood in the fistula flows in the direction which is the reverse of the predominant flow. A property marker fluid is injected into the blood entering the fistula in order to alter the property of the blood. Aseptic conditions are maintained during the reversal of the blood flow by maintaining a closed blood loop exterior to the patient. The blood loop closure is maintained by reversing the action of the pump which induces blood flow in the closed blood loop.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.