Abstract: An implantable, extractable probe for attachment to a vessel or organ. The probe is made up of an elongate probe body having front and rear ends, and top and bottom sides, the elongate probe body terminating in a flexible tube. The probe has at least one biological sensor attached to the bottom side of the probe body with at least one lead wire connected to the biological sensor, and the lead wire extends through the flexible tube. The probe includes a suture attachment wire for attaching at least one suture to secure the probe body to a predetermined sensor site, the suture attachment wire being releasably connected to the front of the elongate probe body and extending through the flexible tube, at least a portion of the suture attachment wire extending between the front of the elongate probe body and the flexible tube such that it is spaced a predetermined distance from the probe body.

Abstract: An implantable, extractable probe for attachment to a vessel or organ. The probe is made up of an elongate probe body having front and rear ends, and top and bottom sides, the elongate probe body terminating in a flexible tube. The probe has at least one biological sensor attached to the bottom side of the probe body with at least one lead wire connected to the biological sensor, and the lead wire extends through the flexible tube. The probe includes a suture attachment wire for attaching at least one suture to secure the probe body to a predetermined sensor site, the suture attachment wire being releasably connected to the front of the elongate probe body and extending through the flexible tube, at least a portion of the suture attachment wire extending between the front of the elongate probe body and the flexible tube such that it is spaced a predetermined distance from the probe body.

Abstract: Blood flow in the aorta and pulmonary artery of a mammal, most typically a human, is measured volumetrically by a non-invasive, ultrasound apparatus. The apparatus (10) includes a tracheal tube or probe with of flexible tubing (11) having a transducer assembly (21) mounted at one end the tube. The transducer assembly (21) is disposed to transmit ultrasound in selected directions. Electrical conductors (24) extend the length of the probe from the transducer assembly. Improved means is provided to positively locate the probe in the trachea and to urge the ultrasound transducer assembly (21) into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: Blood flow in the aorta and pulmonary artery of a mammal, most typically a human, is measured volumetrically by a non-invasive, ultrasound apparatus. A piezoelectric ultrasound transducer mounted on a probe and inserted into the trachea in great proximity to the aorta or pulmonary artery by passage through the oral nasal cavity past the epiglottis and into the trachea, or by passage through a surgical opening into the trachea in the case of patients who have had a tracheotomy. Ultrasound waves are transmitted toward the path of flow of blood in the artery. Reflected waves are received. The average Doppler frequency difference between transmitted and received waves is measured. The cross-sectional size of the artery is determined. Blood flow rate is determined from the measurements. The apparatus comprises a tracheal tube or probe with one or two transducers mounted at one end the tube. The transducer(s) is (are) disposed to transmit ultrasound in selected directions.

Abstract: Blood flow in the aorta and pulmonary artery of a mammal, most typically a human, is measured volumetrically by a non-invasive, ultrasound method and apparatus. The method comprises placing a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer in the trachea in great proximity to the aorta or pulmonary artery by passage through the oral or nasal cavity past the epiglottis and into the trachea or by passage through the surgical opening into the trachea in the case of patients who have had a tracheotomy. Ultrasound waves are transmitted toward the path of flow of blood in the artery. Reflected waves are received. The average Doppler frequency difference between transmitted and received waves is measured. The cross-sectional size of the artery is measured. Blood flow rate is determined from the measurements. The apparatus comprises a tracheal tube or probe with one or two transducers mounted at one end the tube. The transducer(s) is (are) disposed to transmit ultrasound in selected directions.