US6015387A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Implantation devices for monitoring and regulating blood flow
Assignee: Medivas LLC
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Filing: 1998-03-19
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Granted: 2000-01-18
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Expires: 2018-03-19
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S. Schwartz
- 👤 Robert A. VanTassel
- 👤 David R. Holmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:52
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6867; A61B5/6876; A61B5/0002; A61B5/0031; A61B5/02; A61B5/026; A61B5/0265; A61B5/027; A61B5/6847; A61B5/6862; A61B2560/00; A61B2560/02; A61B2560/0204; A61B2560/0214; A61B2560/0219
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 further including a power coil coupled to said sensor circuit for receiving electromagnetic energy and powering said sensor circuit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tubular body is a stent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 including a battery coupled to said sensor circuit for powering said sensor circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic signal is a time varying magnetic field.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic signal is a time varying electric field.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein said resonant circuit comprises an inductor and a capacitor coupled in parallel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 further including an electromagnetic generator for generating said electromagnetic signal indicative of blood flow.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic signal indicative of blood flow is a radio frequency signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 8, wherein said generator is an antenna.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The blood flow apparatus of claim 1 where said tubular body encircles said coil.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising means for applying therapeutic energy to the blood vessel.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of: 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.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of: 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.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said sensor circuit contains a coil.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said sensor circuit contains a coil and a capacitor in parallel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said electromagnetic signal is a time varying magnetic field.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said electromagnetic signal is a time varying electric field.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of: 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.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
69 words
A method of measuring blood flow within a blood vessel of a patient comprising the steps of: 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.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 18, wherein said sensor circuit includes a piezoelectric crystal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 18, wherein radio frequency waves energize said sensor circuit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 20, wherein said sensing of said acoustic signal is by a piezoelectric crystal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-17 | 2003-07-19 | 2004-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-17 | 2007-07-19 | 2008-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-17 | 2011-07-19 | 2012-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |