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Ultrasonic sensors for monitoring the condition of a vascular graft

  • US 5,967,989 A
  • Filed: 05/15/1998
  • Issued: 10/19/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for monitoring a parameter indicative of a condition of a vessel relating to its ability to convey a fluid, said system comprising:

  • (a) a carrier band that is adapted to couple about the vessel so that the carrier band is in close proximity to at least one side of the vessel;

    (b) a first transducer having a plurality of conformal elements disposed in a spaced-apart array on the carrier band, said plurality of conformal elements being sufficiently flexible and shaped so that they are adapted to curve about the vessel, conforming to its shape, said first transducer being adapted to couple to a telemetry radio frequency signal and producing ultrasonic waves when excited by the telemetry radio frequency signal that are emitted from the plurality of conformal elements and are directed into an interior of the vessel; and

    (c) a receiver disposed to receive the ultrasonic waves after they have propagated at least partially through the vessel, said receiver producing a signal indicative of an effect on the ultrasonic waves due to the fluid in the vessel and thus, indicative of a parameter relating to a flow of the fluid through the vessel.

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