Abstract: A method of determining cardiac volume including the steps of positioning a catheter in a blood-filled chamber of a patient's heart. The catheter comprises an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of spaced electrodes arrayed on the outer surface of the catheter and spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other to define a distal electrode, a proximal electrode and a plurality of pairs of adjacent electrodes between the distal and proximal electrodes to define volume segments within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of determining cardiac volume including the steps of positioning a catheter output including the steps of positioning a catheter in a blood-filled chamber of a patient's heart. The catheter comprises an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of spaced apart electrodes arrayed on the outer surface of the catheter. The electrodes are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other to define a distal electrode, a proximal electrode and a plurality of pairs of adjacent electrodes between the distal and proximal electrodes to define volume segments within the chamber.

Abstract: An in vivo apparatus for determining the absolute conductivity of a liquid such as human blood, including the steps of determining a location in a ventricle of a patient's heart at which blood conductivity may be measured effectively, positioning a catheter having a plurality of spaced electrodes in the ventricle such that at least a pair of adjacent electrodes are positioned at the location, applying a current of known magnitude to the adjacent electrodes, measuring the voltage between the adjacent electrodes, and determining the conductivity of the patient's blood from the known current and measured voltage.

Abstract: An in vivo method of determining the conductivity of a liquid such as human blood, including the steps of determining a location in a ventricle of a patient's heart at which blood conductivity may be measured effectively, positioning a catheter having a plurality of spaced electrodes in the ventricle such that at least a pair of adjacent electrodes are positioned at the location, applying a current of known magnitude to the adjacent electrodes, measuring the voltage between the adjacent electrodes, and determining the conductivity of the patient's blood from the known current and measured voltage.

Abstract: A diagnostic catheter for use in measuring cardiac output in the right ventricular chamber of a heart includes a catheter body having an outer periphery and a distal section terminating in a distal end and a proximal section terminating in a proximal end. A plurality of spaced electrodes are secured to the body outer periphery along the body distal section. A plurality of electrical leads extend in the catheter body from a respective one of the electrodes to the proximal end of the catheter body. An elongated rigid member is provided for stiffening a portion of the catheter body. One end of the rigid member is located adjacent a proximal most one of a plurality of electrodes. The rigid member so locates the plurality of electrodes as to space them away from endocardial tissue. The catheter is used with a cardiac output monitoring system. Signals from the catheter are acquired by a signal conditioning and catheter control unit and, are thereafter fed to a microcomputer.

Abstract: A diagnostic catheter for use in measuring cardiac output in the right ventricular chamber of a heart includes a catheter body having an outer periphery and a distal section terminating in a distal end and a proximal section terminating in a proximal end. A plurality of spaced electrodes are secured to the body outer periphery along the body distal section. A plurality of electrical leads extend in the catheter body from a respective one of the electrodes to the proximal end of the catheter body. An elongated rigid member is provided for stiffening a portion of the catheter body. One end of the rigid member is located adjacent a proximal most one of a plurality of electrodes. The rigid member so locates the plurality of electrodes as to space them away from endocardial tissue. The catheter is used with a cardiac output monitoring system. Signals from the catheter are acquired by a signal conditioning and catheter control unit and, are thereafter fed to a microcomputer.

Abstract: A selectively transportable equipment support system is provided for operative association with an invalid transport vehicle such as a hospital bed. The system includes a transport bracket for selective secured association with a hospital bed or a service column. Various patient care items are secured to the transport bracket. Such items preferably comprise infusion pumps with associated fluid bags that are typically transported with the patients and employed in surgical rooms or intensive care units. The transport bracket includes a pivot post for reception in a service column latching assembly which allows pivotable movement of the transport bracket when it is secured to a service column support arm. The service columns are pneumatically powered for powered lifting and positioning of the transport bracket.

Abstract: A diagnostic catheter for use in measuring cardiac output in the right ventricular chamber of a heart includes a catheter body having an outer periphery and a distal section terminating in a distal end and a proximal section terminating in a proximal end. A plurality of spaced electrodes are secured to the body outer periphery along the body distal section. A plurality of electrical leads extend in the catheter body from a respective one of the electrodes to the proximal end of the catheter body. An elongated rigid member is provided for stiffening a portion of the catheter body. One end of the rigid member is located adjacent a proximal most one of a plurality of electrodes. The rigid member so locates the plurality of electrodes as to space them away from endocardial tissue. The catheter is used with a cardiac output monitoring system. Signals from the catheter are acquired by a signal conditioning and catheter control unit and, are thereafter fed to a microcomputer.

Abstract: A method for selectively transportable equipment support system is provided for operative association with an invalid transport vehicle such as a hospital bed. The system includes a transport bracket for selective secured association with a hospital bed or a service column. Various patient care items are secured to the transport bracket. Such items preferably comprise infusion pumps with associated fluid bags that are typically transported with the patients and employed in surgical rooms or intensive care units. The transport bracket includes a pivot post for reception in a service column latching assembly which allows pivotable movement of the transport bracket when it is secured to a service column support arm. The service columns are pneumatically powered for powered lifting and positioning of the transport bracket.

Abstract: A selectively transportable equipment support system is provided for operative association with an invalid transport vehicle such as a hospital bed. The system includes a transport bracket for selective secured association with a hospital bed or a service column. Various patient care items are secured to the transport bracket. Such items preferably comprise infusion pumps with associated fluid bags that are typically transported with the patients and employed in surgical rooms or intensive care units. The transport bracket includes a pivot post for reception in a service column latching assembly which allows pivotable movement of the transport bracket when it is secured to a service column support arm. The service columns are pneumatically powered for powered lifting and positioning of the transport bracket.

Abstract: A sterile intra-circulatory monitoring system utilizing an indwelling catheter with fluid under pressure being forced through a fluid line to the catheter. The system includes a normally stagnant pressure chamber to which a transducer is connected. The contents of the chamber are periodically flushed back into the fluid line by utilizing a flush valve and a venturi unit. The venturi unit may be an integral part of the flush valve or separate component. With the present invention a closed loop system is utilized which does not compromise the sterility of the system or the environment.

Abstract: A closed loop medication introduction system controls the rate at which medication is introduced into a patient in response to a monitored physiological condition. The system includes a monitor for monitoring the level or magnitude of the physiological condition and an infusion pump for introducing medication for controlling the selected physiological condition into the patient at a variably controllable rate. A controller controls the infusion pump in response to monitored changes in the physiological condition of the patient. A display means displays various information about the monitored physiological condition and the introduction of medication into the patient. The controller produces a rate control signal for controlling the infusion pump in response to signals from the monitor. After an increase in the medication introduction rate, the controller blocks subsequent increases until a sufficient time has passed for the patient to respond to the increase in the amount of medication.