Method for testing venous valves
First Claim
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1. A method for testing the function of venous valves, said method comprising:
- (a) holding a venous valve sample in a substantially fixed position;
(b) fluidly connecting an inflow conduit in relation to said venous valve to pass a flow of liquid through said venous valve;
(c) fluidly connecting an outflow conduit in relation to said venous valve such that liquid passing through said venous valve will then flow through said outflow conduit;
(d) pumping a pulsatile flow of liquid through said inflow conduit to mimic the effect of a physiological muscle pump on venous return in a human being;
(e) creating cyclic variations in pressure on liquid exiting said venous valve through said outflow conduit to mimic the effect of intrathoracic variations in pressure which occur in a human being during respiration.
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Abstract
A method and device for testing artificial or natural venous valves. The device comprises chamber (10) a sample for mounting a test valve (V) on a liquid flow path and a muscle pump component (16) and/or respiratory pump component (50) and/or capacitance reservoir (58) and/or vertical hydrostatic column component (102) fluidly connected to the flow path to mimic the muscle pump, respiratory pump, capacitance and hydrostatic impedance effects on venous circulation in the mammalian body. Included in the invention are methods of testing venous valves by mimicking known hemodynamic flow conditions within a mammalian body.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method for testing the function of venous valves, said method comprising:
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(a) holding a venous valve sample in a substantially fixed position; (b) fluidly connecting an inflow conduit in relation to said venous valve to pass a flow of liquid through said venous valve; (c) fluidly connecting an outflow conduit in relation to said venous valve such that liquid passing through said venous valve will then flow through said outflow conduit; (d) pumping a pulsatile flow of liquid through said inflow conduit to mimic the effect of a physiological muscle pump on venous return in a human being; (e) creating cyclic variations in pressure on liquid exiting said venous valve through said outflow conduit to mimic the effect of intrathoracic variations in pressure which occur in a human being during respiration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification