Apparatus and methods for non-invasively measuring hemodynamic parameters

Apparatus adapted to measure at least one hemodynamic parameter of a living subject, comprising:

• alignment apparatus adapted to substantially conform to the anatomy of said subject;
• and
• a elliptically-shaped sensing apparatus flexibly coupled to said alignment apparatus via a flexible and a resilient suspension element and configured to be at least initially aligned into position over an artery of said living subject;
• wherein said sensing apparatus is configured to translate relative to the surface of said anatomy of said subject for subsequent alignment of said sensing apparatus upon connection thereof to an actuator, said subsequent alignment enabling accurate measurement of said at least one hemodynamic parameter.

Apparatus useful for non-invasively measuring at least one hemodynamic parameter from the blood vessel of a living subject, comprising:

• a sensor assembly comprising:
• a pressure transducer for measuring said at least one hemodynamic parameter from said blood vessel;
• and
• an elastically compliant contact material surrounding said pressure transducer and adapted to interface between an active surface of said transducer and a surface via which said at least one hemodynamic parameter can be measured;
• and
• a substantially flexible frame element adapted to conform to the anatomy of said subject proximate said blood vessel;
• wherein said sensor assembly is connected to said frame element via at least one flexible coupling, the coupling enabling movement of said sensor with respect to said frame element.

Apparatus for measuring at least one hemodynamic parameter of a living subject, said apparatus comprising:

• an alignment assembly, said alignment assembly comprising:
• a frame adapted to substantially conform to the anatomy of said subject;
• and
• a sensing assembly comprising:
• a sensor element;
• a first coupling element adapted to be removably coupled to an actuator;
• a second coupling element adapted to couple said alignment assembly and said sensor element;
• and
• a bias element, said bias element being encased in a silicone-based encapsulation material;
• wherein at least a portion of said bias element is used to transmit forces to said sensor element for measurement of said at least one hemodynamic parameter.

Apparatus useful for non-invasively measuring at least one hemodynamic parameter from the blood vessel of a living subject, comprising:

• a sensor assembly comprising a pressure transducer having a layer of silicone-based polymer encasing at least an active surface of said transducer and adapted to transmit pressure pulses of said subject to said transducer;
• and
• an alignment apparatus adapted to conform to the anatomy of said subject proximate said blood vessel, a portion of said alignment apparatus configured to adhere to said anatomy of said subject;
• wherein said alignment apparatus is configured to couple to an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly configured to couple to said sensor assembly, and to enable movement of said sensor assembly relative to said subject and relative to said alignment apparatus.