Ultrasonic sensors for monitoring the condition of flow through a cardiac valve
US6398734B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2560/0219
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A parameter indicative of the condition of a cardiac valve is determined by monitoring blood flow and/or velocity in a vessel that is coupled to the cardiac valve or in a chamber adjacent to an artificial cardiac valve. One or more ultrasonic transducers are provided either in a wall or a cuff disposed about a cardiac vessel to monitor the parameter in regard to a natural or artificial cardiac valve, or in a support sewing ring of an artificial cardiac valve. A conformal array transducer or a tilted element is used to monitor fluid flow or velocity based on the effect of the blood on ultrasonic waves produced by the transducers. The conformal array transducer comprises a plurality of elements that are excited with an input signal provided by an implantable electronics circuit, producing ultrasonic waves. Transit time or Doppler measurements are made using an appropriate number of these transducers to determine either blood volumetric flow or velocity. Various implantable electronic circuits are disclosed that enable a transducer to be driven and to receive an ultrasonic signal indicative of the status of blood flow and thus, the condition of the cardiac valve. A radio frequency (RF…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.