Apparatus and method for determining a mechanical property of an organ or body cavity by impedance determination
US6360123B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36521
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for determining a mechanical property of an organ or a body part. The method includes positioning an impedance sensor within a blood vessel. The impedance sensor has at least two electrodes disposed within the blood vessel, which is mechanically coupled to the organ or body part. The method further includes determining the electrical impedance between the two electrodes to obtain an impedance signal correlated with the mechanical property of the organ or body part. The organ may be the heart, lungs, uterus, urinary bladder, part of the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The impedance sensor includes at least two spaced apart electrodes capable of being disposed within a blood vessel. The sensor is operatively connected to an impedance determining unit which determines the impedance between the electrodes. The impedance sensor may be a part of an insertable or implantable lead or catheter like device. Alternatively, the impedance sensor may bea small device adapted to be permanently implanted in a blood vessel and to wirelessly communicate with an external device for transmitting impedance data thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.