Apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring cardiac output
US6648832B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A50/20
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient using partial re-breathing techniques. The apparatus includes a substantially instantaneously adjustable deadspace volume for accommodating differences in sizes or breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive elements, including one or more two-way valves, which render the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be employed as a disposable product. The method of the invention includes estimating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient based on partial pressure of alveolar CO2, rather than on the partial pressure of end tidal CO2, as previously practiced. A computer program for calculating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.