US 5,873,835 A · Intravascular pressure and flow sensor

Abstract

An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow is disclosed, which includes an elongate shaft having a pressure transducer and a flow transducer connected to its distal end. The pressure transducer may be a ferrofluid-type pressure transducer and the flow transducer may be an anemometer-type flow transducer. Measurement circuitry is also disclosed which provides a means for simultaneous measurement of both blood pressure and blood flow parameters. A sensor shield may be employed to isolate radial blood flow which is indicative of turbulent blood flow. An alternative blood flow measurement device is also disclosed which utilizes a thin metal film anemometer to measure flow in a vascular lumen.

Claims25

Dependent claims

An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow, comprising:

a. an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the elongate shaft adapted to be inserted into the vasculature of a patient;
b. a pressure transducer connected to the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the pressure transducer includes a column of ferrofluid which moves in response to changes in intravascular blood pressure;
and
c. a flow transducer connected to the distal end of the elongate shaft, the flow transducer sharing at least two electrically conductive leads with the pressure transducer.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Intravascular pressure and flow sensor

Life of this patent

Intravascular pressure and flow sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25