Method and device for measuring tissue oedema
AssigneeThe University of Queensland
InventorsLeigh Ward, Bruce Herbert Cornish
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method of assessing tissue oedema, in particular lymphoedema, by measuring bioelectrical impedance at a single frequency. Comparison of a single frequency bioelectrical impedance measurement taken at an anatomical region affected by tissue oedema to that taken at an anatomical region unaffected by tissue oedema is a reliable indicator of the presence or possible presence of lymphoedema. The present invention further provides an apparatus for determining the presence of tissue oedema.
Claims25
A method of assessing tissue oedema comprising the steps of:
- performing a first measurement of bioelectrical impedance of a first anatomical region in a subject at a single low frequency alternating current
- performing a second measurement of bioelectrical impedance of a second anatomical region in the same subject at the same low frequency alternating current;
- and
- analysing the two measurements to obtain an indication of the presence of tissue oedema.
An apparatus for determining the presence of tissue oedema, including:
- current means for applying an alternating current to an anatomical region at a single frequency;
- monitoring means to monitor the bioelectrical impedance of said region and produce signals characteristic of bioimpedance;
- and analysis means to analyse the signals indicative of bioimpedance to provide an indication of tissue oedema.
An apparatus for determining the presence of tissue oedema substantially as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
An apparatus for determining the presence of tissue oedema substantially as described with reference to FIG. 5.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.