Abstract: A method and a device for determining a cardiac function parameter, the device including a sonic sensor for determining timing data of a closure of a mitral valve and an aortic valve, a pressure cuff and a sensing unit coupled to the pressure cuff for sensing. The sensing unit is configured to sense, for each cardiac cycle, blood breakthrough pressure data and corresponding time data from a closing of the mitral valve and data relating to a velocity of propagation of a pressure wave as it travels along at least a portion of the pressure cuff. The device also includes a processing unit for determining a value of at least one cardiac function parameter based on the data.

Abstract: Quantitatively determining an amount of reperfusion in an artery after angioplasty and quantitatively assessing an effectiveness of thrombolysis by non-invasively sensing from outside the subject mechanical vibrations from a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to simultaneously measure (a) IVCT (time duration of an isovolumetric contraction portion of a systole phase) and (b) a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) during the IVCT. PEA is measured before and after opening the artery (or before and after thrombolysis) and in some embodiments one calculates a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. A determination unit compares the first and second PEA (or the first and second MCI), and then determines an amount of reperfusion based on the comparison. The amount of reperfusion is proportionate to a viable myocardium and, in the case of thrombolysis, the amount of reperfusion quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of thrombolysis.

Abstract: Quantitatively diagnosing ischemia by non-invasively sensing mechanical vibrations from mechanical contraction of a ventricle to measure a time duration of an isovolumetric contraction and a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) of the heart during the IVCT and calculating a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. Comparing the MCI of the subject during the sensing period to a baseline MCI which is defined as the baseline MCI of the subject or a representative value of the baseline MCI of a population of subjects less a predetermined value, and then determining by a processor whether the MCI of the subject declined during the sensing period by at least a predetermined amount relative to the baseline MCI. Also allows determination of an amount of viable myocardium, existence of total occlusion of a coronary artery, myocardial infarction and whether thrombolysis has been effective so as to be discontinued.

Abstract: Quantitatively determining an amount of reperfusion in an artery after angioplasty and quantitatively assessing an effectiveness of thrombolysis by non-invasively sensing from outside the subject mechanical vibrations from a mechanical contraction of at least one ventricle to simultaneously measure (a) IVCT (time duration of an isovolumetric contraction portion of a systole phase) and (b) a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) during the IVCT. PEA is measured before and after opening the artery (or before and after thrombolysis) and in some embodiments one calculates a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. A determination unit compares the first and second PEA (or the first and second MCI), and then determines an amount of reperfusion based on the comparison. The amount of reperfusion is proportionate to a viable myocardium and, in the case of thrombolysis, the amount of reperfusion quantitatively assesses the effectiveness of thrombolysis.

Abstract: Quantitatively diagnosing ischemia by non-invasively sensing mechanical vibrations from mechanical contraction of a ventricle to measure a time duration of an isovolumetric contraction and a peak endocardial acceleration (PEA) of the heart during the IVCT and calculating a myocardial contractility index (MCI) of the subject, for example MCI=PEA/IVCT. Comparing the MCI of the subject during the sensing period to a baseline MCI which is defined as the baseline MCI of the subject or a representative value of the baseline MCI of a population of subjects less a predetermined value, and then determining by a processor whether the MCI of the subject declined during the sensing period by at least a predetermined amount relative to the baseline MCI. Also allows determination of an amount of viable myocardium, existence of total occlusion of a coronary artery, myocardial infarction and whether thrombolysis has been effective so as to be discontinued.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a cardiac function parameter, the device including a sonic sensor for determining timing data of a closure of a mitral valve and an aortic valve, a pressure cuff and a sensing unit coupled to the pressure cuff for sensing. The sensing unit is configured to sense, for each cardiac cycle, blood breakthrough pressure data and corresponding time data from a closing of the mitral valve and data relating to a velocity of propagation of a pressure wave as it travels along at least a portion of the pressure cuff. The device also includes a processing unit for determining a value of at least one cardiac function parameter based on the data.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a cardiac function parameter, the device including a sonic sensor for determining timing data of a closure of a mitral valve and an aortic valve, a pressure cuff and a sensing unit coupled to the pressure cuff for sensing. The sensing unit is configured to sense, for each cardiac cycle, blood breakthrough pressure data and corresponding time data from a closing of the mitral valve and data relating to a velocity of propagation of a pressure wave as it travels along at least a portion of the pressure cuff. The device also includes a processing unit for determining a value of at least one cardiac function parameter based on the data.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for measuring cardiac mechanical performance of a patient, the apparatus comprising a pressure applying element (301) mountable on a limb of the patient for applying pressure high enough to make a segment of an artery within the limb achieve a collapsed state and empty it from blood at least momentarily; at least one of a plurality of sensors coupled to the pressure applying element, sensing mechanical changes corresponding to volumetric changes in the artery as the artery progressively recuperates from its collapsed state; processing unit (303) communicating with the sensors for receiving output corresponding to the mechanical changes from the sensors and computing factors correlated with blood flow and calculate parameters indicating heart performance.

Abstract: A non-invasive and portable apparatus is provided in order to monitor parameters indicative of heart performance, such as blood flow, and comprises at least one sensor adapted to continuously sense factors correlated with blood flow and collect data related to the flow of blood, the sensor is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a peripheral blood vessel and worn preferably on a wrist. The apparatus further comprises a processor adapted to receive the collected data from the sensor and calculate the parameters indicating heart performance and a monitor on which the parameters indicating heart performance are displayed.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for measuring cardiac mechanical performance of a patient, the apparatus comprising a pressure applying element mountable on a limb of the patient for applying pressure high enough to make a segment of an artery within the limb achieve a collapsed state and empty it from blood at least momentarily; at least one of a plurality of sensors coupled to said pressure applying element, sensing mechanical changes corresponding to volumetric changes in the artery as the artery progressively recuperates from its collapsed state; processing unit communicating with said at least one of a plurality of sensors for receiving output corresponding to the mechanical changes from said at least one of a plurality of sensors and computing factors correlated with blood flow and calculate parameters indicating heart performance.