Arterial endothelial function measurement method and apparatus
US8666472B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/488
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A “relaxoscope” (100) detects the degree of arterial endothelial function. Impairment of arterial endothelial function is an early event in atherosclerosis and correlates with the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. An artery (115), such as the brachial artery (BA) is measured for diameter before and after several minutes of either vasoconstriction or vasorelaxation. The change in arterial diameter is a measure of flow-mediated vasomodification (FMVM). The relaxoscope induces an artificial pulse (128) at a superficial radial artery (115) via a linear actuator (120). An ultrasonic Doppler stethoscope (130) detects this pulse 10-20 cm proximal to the point of pulse induction (125). The delay between pulse application and detection provides the pulse transit time (PTT). By measuring PTT before (160) and after arterial diameter change (170), FMVM may be measured based on the changes in PTT caused by changes in vessel caliber, smooth muscle tone and wall thickness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.