Apparatus and method for assessing vascular health
First Claim
1. A method of determining a vascular condition of an individual, comprising:
- performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity of the individual at a first elevation;
elevating the extremity of the individual to a second elevation;
performing a second conductivity measurement of the extremity at the second elevation;
comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement of the extremity responsive to the elevation change of the extremity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for utilizing conductivity measurements to assess vascular health or to diagnose vascular conditions are disclosed. An exemplary method includes performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity at a first elevation; elevating the extremity to a second elevation; performing a second conductivity measurement at the second elevation; and comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement Δσ. Another exemplary method includes maintaining a conductivity sensor adjacent to an individual for a period of time; performing a series of conductivity measurements; using the series of conductivity measurements to determine the transient behavior of the conductivity over the period of time; and using the transient behavior of the conductivity to assess the vascular health of the individual. A conductivity sensor and platform unit for performing conductivity measurements are also disclosed.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of determining a vascular condition of an individual, comprising:
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performing a first conductivity measurement of an extremity of the individual at a first elevation; elevating the extremity of the individual to a second elevation; performing a second conductivity measurement of the extremity at the second elevation; comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement of the extremity responsive to the elevation change of the extremity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20)
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15. A method of assessing the health of a vascular system of an individual, the method comprising:
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performing a first conductivity measurement of the individual; subjecting the vascular system to a stimulus by subjecting the individual to vigorous exercise; subsequent to subjecting the vascular system to a stimulus, performing a second conductivity measurement of the individual; and comparing the first conductivity measurement and the second conductivity measurement to determine a conductivity displacement responsive to the stimulus. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of assessing vascular health of an individual, comprising:
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maintaining a conductivity sensor adjacent to the individual for a period of time; performing a series of conductivity measurements of the individual, the series of conductivity measurements comprising a plurality of conductivity measurements taken over the period of time; using the series of conductivity measurements to determine the transient behavior of the conductivity of the individual over the period of time; and using the transient behavior of the conductivity to assess the vascular health of the individual; wherein the conductivity measurements are performed with a conductivity sensor comprising an induction coil, the induction coil comprising a first conductive element that spirals outward to an external perimeter, and a second conductive element operably connected to the first conductive element, the second conductive element spiraling inward from the external perimeter staggered relative to the first conductive element. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification