Abstract: A method of blood flow monitoring for a patient, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a first signal indicative of the real time cardiac output for the patient; b) processing the continuous wave Doppler signal to provide an estimate of blood flow velocity as a function of time; c) receiving a pressure measurement indicative of the blood flow resistance through the patient; and d) calculating an Inotropy measure indicative of the potential and kinetic energy of the cardiac output of the patient.

Abstract: A method of determining flow parameters of a streaming gas in a conduit for medical applications. Longitudinal waves are generated in a transmitter connected from outside to a conduit. These waves are transmitted along two diagonal paths through the streaming medium in an upstream and a downstream direction, and received by two receivers which are located in a diagonal upstream and downstream position and on an opposite side relative to the transmitter, also connected to the conduit. A transit time value of the waves between the transmitter and each of the receivers is determined. A difference value on the basis of the determined transit time values is generated and the flow parameters are determined on the basis of the difference value. This measuring method is highly independent of the propagation velocity of the wave in the medium streaming in the conduit therefore also independent of the temperature and humidity of a gaseous medium.

Abstract: A method of monitoring blood flows through the body includes performing a substantially continuous blood pressure monitoring of a vessel at a first predetermined location to obtain a substantially continuous blood pressure signal; performing blood flow monitoring of a vessel at a first predetermined location to obtain a substantially continuous blood flow signal; providing an updated cardiac measure of said patient by continuously processing the flow signal and the pressure signal.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for determining the cardiac output of a patient. One such method includes measuring the patient's height and the velocity time integral or stroke distance of blood flowing from the heart of the patient, and subsequently utilising these measurements to determine the cardiac output of the patient based on a valve cross sectional area estimate.

Abstract: A method of tuning a cardiac prosthetic pacing device includes (a) monitoring the flow output from the heart, and (b) adjusting the timing of pacing events by the cardiac prosthetic pacing device so as to optimise the flow from the heart under operational conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining cardiac time intervals using the pre-systolic diastolic filling period and the proceeding systolic period. The diastolic period can begin at the end of the T wave and terminate at the onset of the proceeding Q wave as defined in electrocardiograph signals. The systolic period can begin at onset of the Q peak and terminate at the end of the T wave as defined in electrocardiograph signals.

Abstract: A method of determining the cardiac output of an infant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the infant's weight; (b) measuring the velocity time integral and stroke distance of blood flowing from the heart of the patient; and (c) utilizing the two measurement in step (a) and step (b) to determine the cardiac output of the infant.

Abstract: A method of determining the cardiac output of an infant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the infant's weight; (b) measuring the velocity time integral and stroke distance of blood flowing from the heart of the patient; and (c) utilising the two measurement in step (a) and step (b) to determine the cardiac output of the infant.

Abstract: A method of determining the cardiac output of a patient, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the patients height; (b) measuring the velocity time integral or stroke distance of blood flowing from the heart of the patient, (c) utilising the two measurements in step (a) and (b) to determine the cardiac output of the patient.