Methods and apparatus for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid
US7081092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/507
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid in a target region. Generally, an imaging agent is introduced into a target region through fluid flow. The imaging agent in the target region is then disrupted using appropriate methods such as the application of ultrasonic energy. As fluid flow brings undisrupted imaging agent into the target region, the rate of accumulation is monitored and quantified thereby providing the exchange rate and flow rate of the fluid in the target region. The disclosed invention is particularly useful for medical applications such as determining the flow rate of blood in an organ or tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.