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Apparatus and method for continuous cardiac output monitoring

  • US 5,682,899 A
  • Filed: 02/23/1993
  • Issued: 11/04/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/16/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for placement within a body lumen having flowing fluid, said apparatus comprising:

  • a support member having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer wall;

    a temperature monitor;

    a first temperature sensor configured to sense a first temperature of the fluid within said body lumen, said first temperature sensor positioned along an outer surface of said outer wall and in communication with said temperature monitor;

    a second temperature sensor positioned along said support member and in communication with said temperature monitor;

    a heat transfer device radially disposed about substantially the entire periphery of a segment of said outer wall, said heat transfer device further disposed apart from said first temperature sensor and juxtaposed said second temperature sensor, said heat transfer device comprising;

    a power source;

    an electrically insulated heating device in communication with said power source and positioned between a heat conducting layer and an insulating layer, said insulating layer forming an outer layer of said heating device such that said insulating layer is in contact with said fluid and said heating device is in thermal communication with said fluid when said apparatus is positioned within said body lumen, said heat conducting layer being positioned to the inside of said heating device and sensor so as to be in thermal contact with said heating device and said second temperature sensor, said heating device configured to respond to a power signal from said power source to increase a temperature of the heat transfer device to a second temperature above said first temperature.

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