Abstract: A method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for acquiring and analyzing signals to generate medical data pertinent to one or more individuals and storing the data in a local machine, then collecting the medical data to a centralized system for further analysis and/or creation of invoices for billing. Some embodiments include a medical-data collection apparatus for processing an arterial blood pressure waveform to extract clinically useful information on the state of the cardiovascular system of an individual. After storing medical data for one or more individuals, the medical-data collection apparatus establishes communications with a centralized information-processing system, uploads its data, and is re-enabled to collect further data. The information-processing system optionally generates bills or invoices for the services based on usage of each of the medical-data collection apparatus, and optionally aggregates the data from a plurality of individuals for further analysis.

Abstract: A method and a sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is a method for positioning a sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A method and a pulse pressure sensor for sensing an arterial pulse pressure waveform. In one embodiment, the pulse pressure sensor includes a housing, a diaphragm, a piezoelectric device, and a self-contained amplifier. The skin-contact diaphragm is attached across a recess or opening in the housing. The piezoelectric device has a first portion mounted in a fixed relationship to the housing and a second portion displacementally coupled to the diaphragm. The solid-state amplifier has a signal input coupled to the piezoelectric device, wherein the piezoelectric device and amplifier together have a frequency response at least including a range from below approximately 0.1 hertz to above approximately 250 hertz. In one such embodiment, the housing and the skin-contact diaphragm of the sensor are stainless steel. In one such embodiment, the diaphragm has a skin-contact surface with a skin-contact dimension of between approximately 0.4 inch and 0.6 inch.

Abstract: A sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is for positioning the sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: A vascular impedance measurement instrument includes a transducer to obtain a digitized arterial blood pressure waveform. The digitized data is used to determine cardiac output, and to subsequently obtain measurements of impedance parameters using the modified Windkessel model of the arterial system. The instrument is used as an aid in diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with cardiovascular disease.