Abstract: A calibrator oval for the internal gauging of the lumen of a stenotic segment of artery is provided with an elongated carrier having a controllable variable flexibility.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe to be implanted in human body tissue for physiologic studies involving measurement and monitoring of the partial pressure of gaseous oxygen in the blood stream, which is coursing through a particular blood vessel in the body. The use of the probe is based on the principle of dye fluorescence oxygen quenching. Structurally the probe comprises two 150-micrometer strands of plastic optical fiber ending in a section of porous polymer tubing serving as a jacket or envelope for the fibers. The tubing is packed with a suitable fluorescent light-excitable dye placed on a porous adsorptive particulate polymeric support. The tubing or jacket is usually made of a hydrophobic, gas-permeable commercial material, known as Celgard, but other suitable hydrophobic gas-permeable material could be used for such structure.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring blood flow through a blood vessel within human or animal bodies. It utilizes the principle of energy conversion to heat by myocardial activity, organ metabolism, and laminar frictional flow in blood vessels and measures the heat dissipation through the vessel wall with obstruction to flow. When the device of the invention is placed next to the vessel wall, the output signal correlates blood flow with temperature. With an obstruction to flow, the temperature drops. The device is placed in series proximal and distal to the repaired vessel to be studied. The leads are brought through the skin and attached to a temperature monitor.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor which includes a sensor which is applied to the main artery of a patient for detecting the heart beat and blood pressure and producing electrical pulses in waveform. A computer is connected to the sensor for receiving the waveform pulses, converting the waveform pulses into digital signals and calculating the heart rate, blood pressures and rate-pressure product. A visual display screen is connected to and controlled by the computer for displaying the heart rate, blood pressure and rate-pressure product in digital form.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for testing the physical condition of a person and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a portable heart monitor for attachment to a person and a plurality of circular paths positioned for sequential use by the person in order of increasing size. Marked on the circles are means indicating a given fractional part of the circle which is to be covered in a measured number of seconds. Means are provided to indicate the elapsing of the measured number of seconds. Additionally provided are means timing the elapse of a set period of time for the person to sequentially walk over each circle.