Biological vessel volume measurement method and apparatus utilizing micro accelerometer
First Claim
1. A method of measuring the volume of a biological cavity having an inner wall, comprising the steps of:
- moving a multi-axis accelerometer within the cavity such that it interacts with the inner wall at a plurality of points and outputs an acceleration signal indicative of such interactions; and
double integrating the output of the accelerometer to determine the three-dimensional volume of the cavity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Length and diameter measurements are conducted within an anatomical vessel or body by moving a micro/miniature accelerometer disposed at the distal end of a catheter. The measurements are made by marking an initial position, moving the catheter tip throughout the region, and tracking the position of the tip in real time. As the tip of the catheter moved within the vessel, its position is recorded from the initial (fudicial) position. The linear and/or spatial region within the vessel is then calculated from the accelerometer readings. A three-axis or two-axis approach may be used. The acceleration signals are then processed through double integration to determine the volume of interest, preferably as a computer visualization. The accelerometers used are preferably Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMs) type devices, positioned orthogonally. As the catheter is advanced then pulled back, it moves and strikes the walls of the vessel. The accelerations are recorded and integrated twice, to reveal the path taken by the tip, and subsequently the dimensions of the inside of the vessel volumetrically. The first integration advances from acceleration of velocity, and the next integration, from velocity to distance. The distance is then, in turn, used to determine the shape of the vessel volumetrically in three-space.
82 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of measuring the volume of a biological cavity having an inner wall, comprising the steps of:
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moving a multi-axis accelerometer within the cavity such that it interacts with the inner wall at a plurality of points and outputs an acceleration signal indicative of such interactions; and
double integrating the output of the accelerometer to determine the three-dimensional volume of the cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of measuring the volume of a blood vessel having an inner wall, comprising the steps of:
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placing a multi-axis accelerometer at the end of a catheter;
inserting the catheter into the blood vessel to be measured;
withdrawing the catheter in such a way that the accelerometer interacts with the inner wall at multiple points and outputs an acceleration signal indicative of such interactions; and
double integrating the output of the accelerometer to determine the three-dimensional volume of the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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15. A system for measuring the volume of a biological cavity having an inner wall, comprising:
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a multi-axis accelerometer operative to output a signal indicative of acceleration as a function of interactions with the inner wall; and
processing circuitry for performing the following functions;
a) receiving the signal output by the accelerometer, and b) double integrating the signal to determine the three-dimensional volume of the cavity.
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Specification