Implantation devices for monitoring and regulating blood flow
First Claim
1. A blood flow measurement apparatus comprising:
- a hollow tubular body adapted for implantation within or around a blood vessel of a patient;
a sensor circuit coupled to said tubular body, said sensor circuit including a resonant circuit and serving as a conduit for electrical current flowing in a circuit within the blood vessel;
whereby said flow of current generates an electromagnetic signal indicative of blood flow.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a blood flow measurement device for implantation either within or around a blood vessel. The invention blood flow measurement device comprises a hollow tubular body, such as a stent, having a sensor with a resonant circuit for establishing an electrical current flowing within the blood vessel. Once implanted and activated by an external power source, the flow of current in the circuit generates an electromagnetic signal indicative of the rate of blood flow in the associated vessel. The signal can be picked up by an external monitor to display blood flow information. Since blood flow information is obtained non-invasively once the device is implanted, the device can be used to monitor blood flow in a patient undergoing strenuous exercise, after having been given an appropriate drug, and the like.
284 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A blood flow measurement apparatus comprising:
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a hollow tubular body adapted for implantation within or around a blood vessel of a patient; a sensor circuit coupled to said tubular body, said sensor circuit including a resonant circuit and serving as a conduit for electrical current flowing in a circuit within the blood vessel; whereby said flow of current generates an electromagnetic signal indicative of blood flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of:
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a. inserting a hollow tubular stent containing a sensor circuit into said blood vessel; b. energizing said sensor circuit and causing said circuit to generate an electromagnetic signal indicative of blood flow in said blood vessel; c. non-invasively sensing said electromagnetic signal; and d. reporting said blood flow measurement corresponding to said electromagnetic signal. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of:
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a. inserting a hollow tube containing a sensor circuit into said blood vessel; b. energizing said sensor circuit and causing said circuit to generate an acoustic signal indicative of blood flow in said blood vessel; c. non-invasively sensing said acoustic signal; d. reporting said blood flow measurement corresponding to said acoustic signal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification