System and method for measuring cardiac output via thermal dilution using an implantable medical device with an external ultrasound power delivery system
US7632235B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2005 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/3655
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The implantable device is capable of performing thermal dilution analysis of the cardiac output of a patient using power delivered from an external source. By using power from an external source, the implantable device conserves its power resources for other purposes, such as for pacing or defibrillation therapy. In one example, an external programmer or bedside monitor provides power through a hand-held power delivery wand via electromagnetic induction, with the power routed from a subcutaneous coil to a heating element implanted in the right atrium, which heats blood as it passes through the right atrium. In another example, the heating element is formed of a material that generates heat in response to a beam of ultrasound provided by the wand. In either case, a downstream blood temperature profile is detected using a thermistor implanted in the pulmonary artery and cardiac output is then estimated by analyzing the temperature profile.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.