×

Endocardial measurement method

  • US 5,553,611 A
  • Filed: 01/20/1995
  • Issued: 09/10/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/06/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of measuring distance within the heart using a programmable data processing system, comprising data input means, display means, and data storage means, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) defining a blood exclusion volume within said heart;

    (b) positioning a first excitation electrode and a second excitation electrode within said heart, proximate said blood exclusion volume such that said blood exclusion volume is between said first excitation electrode and said second excitation electrode;

    (c) placing a first measurement set of electrodes within said heart proximate said blood exclusion volume, said first measurement set having at least a first electrode and a second electrode forming an index set of electrodes;

    (d) placing a second measurement set of electrodes within said heart proximate said blood exclusion volume, said second measurement set having at least a third electrode and a fourth electrode, said first measurement set being opposed from said second measurement set;

    (d) using the data input means to provide the programmable data processing system with data signals gathered from the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes;

    (e) storing the data signals gathered from the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes in the data storage means; and

    (f) using the programmable data processing system to perform the steps of;

    (1) measuring the impedance between said first and second electrodes forming a first resistance measurement (R1);

    (2) measuring the impedance between said third and fourth electrodes forming a second resistance measurement (R2);

    (3) applying a first empirically derived coefficient to said first resistance measurement, forming a first measure term;

    (4) applying a second empirically derived coefficient to said second resistance measurement, forming a second measure term;

    (5) combining said first measure term and said second measure term to determine the distance (D) to said wall from said index electrode set;

    (6) displaying on the display means a value representing the distance (D) to said wall from said index electrode set.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×