Pressure Transducer Structure Patents (Class 600/488)
  • Patent number: 9464955
    Abstract: A structure comprising: a base; a diaphragm; a peripheral wall member of which one end surface is attached to a circumferential edge part of the diaphragm and the other end surface is attached on the top surface of the base to form an internal space together with the base and the diaphragm; a protruding part that protrudes from the top surface of the base; and a communicatively connecting path that extends from a bottom surface side of the base toward the diaphragm, and communicatively connects the internal space and the outside to each other to flow fluid, wherein on an outer lateral surface of the protruding part, an opening is formed in a part intersecting with an inner lateral surface of the communicatively connecting path, and a part of a fore end inner surface of the communicatively connecting path is formed in the protruding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Yada, Sotaro Kishida, Takehisa Hataita
  • Patent number: 9435706
    Abstract: A membrane for a pressure dome is configured to cooperate with a pressure sensor, and includes a resilient circular wall and a circular rim. The resilient circular wall is configured to close one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside. The circular rim is configured to be housed in a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is configured such that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Massimo Fini, Reinhold Reiter, Luca Donarini
  • Patent number: 9430680
    Abstract: A deformable tamper sensor and tamper resistant electronic system is operable to detect opening of an enclosure and perform actions responsive to the detection. Movable elements within the tamper sensor are held in position when the sensor is compressed and define a multi-bit sensor value. Transitioning the sensor from a compressed to a non-compressed state non-destructively provides a new sensor value through movement of one or more elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Dmitry Obukhov
  • Patent number: 9395261
    Abstract: A multi-range on-site full-automatic pressure and electric signal calibration instrument includes a housing, a power switch, a plurality of interfaces, a display, a keyboard, a gas pressure generation unit, a power supply unit, a pressure detection unit, a gas pressure control unit and an electric signal detection unit. A pressure output port of the pressure control unit is in parallel connection with pressure connectors used for installation of a plurality of pressure standard devices with different ranges and a calibrated gauge. The pressure control unit is in signal connection with the pressure standard device. The electric signal detection unit is in signal connection with the pressure control unit and the calibrated gauge; and the power supply unit can supply power by batteries. The calibration instrument does not need to be externally connected with a gas cylinder or an alternating current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BEIJING CONST INSTRUMENT TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Weili Jiang
  • Patent number: 9394895
    Abstract: A multi-range on-site full-automatic pressure calibration instrument includes a housing, a power switch, a plurality of interfaces, a display, a keyboard, a gas pressure generation unit, a power supply unit, a pressure detection unit and a gas pressure control unit. The gas pressure generation unit is a gas pressurizing pump communicated with atmosphere. A pressure output port of the pressure control unit is in parallel connection with pressure connectors used for installation of a plurality of pressure standard devices with different ranges and a calibrated gauge. The pressure control unit is in signal connection with the pressure standard device. The power supply unit can supply power by batteries. The calibration instrument does not need to be externally connected with a gas cylinder or an alternating current power supply and can automatically generate a gas pressure and generate an accurate standard pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BEIJING CONST INSTRUMENT TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Weili Jiang
  • Patent number: 9375180
    Abstract: A pressure transducer mounting device may include a support member and a pressure transducer holder. In use, the support member may attach to a support surface, such as a housing of a power injection device, while the pressure transducer holder is moveably connected to the support member. The pressure transducer holder may expand open to receive one of a plurality of different sized pressure transducers and bias closed to hold a received one of the plurality of different sized pressure transducers. In addition, the pressure transducer holder may move relative to the support member to one of a plurality of different vertically elevated positions. The pressure transducer mounting device may accommodate different pressure transducers, providing a universal mounting device that can adapt to different medical provider preferences and different pressure transducer sourcing options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Russell, William J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9322678
    Abstract: A wireless pressure sensor comprising a protective covering positionable over the sensor's antenna portion is described. The protective covering comprises a body having an annular sidewall that extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is composed of a fluoroelastomer material. A cavity resides within the body extending through the proximal end to a distal end sidewall positioned perpendicular to the annular sidewall. The protective covering further comprises at least one annular recess intermediate at least two annular ridges that reside along an interior surface at the proximal end of the covering. These series of annular ridges and recesses form a removably tight seal around the exterior surface of the sensor that minimizes the migration of corrosive gases and fluids to the exterior surface of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Electrochem Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Stawitzky, Jorge Marin, George Cintra
  • Patent number: 9247909
    Abstract: A guidewire is disclosed that is constructed using tubular members that create a hollow lumen that runs from the proximal end of the guidewire to a window towards the distal end of the wire. This internal lumen is filled with a fluid that allows pressure exerted at the window to exert pressure at the proximal end of the guide wire proportional to the pressure exerted at the window. This pressure exerted at the proximal end of the guidewire is measured using a pressure transducer external of the guidewire. The pressure transducer converts the measured pressure into an electrical signal that is proportional to the pressure at the window. The electrical signal is manipulated to correct for errors that are due to the pressure signal traveling though the inner lumen of the guidewire to ensure the electrical signal matches the pressure exerted at the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Volcano Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas E. Meyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9241641
    Abstract: Methods and sensor delivery devices for monitoring a fluid pressure within a vascular structure, the devices including an elongated sheath sized for sliding along a guidewire, a sensor assembly including a fiber optic sensor, a housing surrounding the sensor, a first cavity between the distal end of the sensor and a distal aperture of the housing, a filler extending from at least the distal end of the housing distally and tapering inward toward the outer surface of the sheath, a second cavity in the filler with an opening at the outer surface of the filler and adjoining the distal aperture of the housing, and an optical fiber. The sensor delivery device may also include an outer layer that partially covers the second cavity with an aperture over the opening of the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason F. Hiltner, Simon Furnish, James Lamar Gray, II, William K. Dierking, Alan Evans
  • Patent number: 9227008
    Abstract: A fluid container for a medical fluid dispensing device, comprises a rigid body (3) for delimiting with the inside part of its wall a volume of the medical fluid, and a membrane (5) that covers at least an opening of the rigid body thereby creating a fluid tight lid, the opening corresponding to a measurement area, and the membrane further covers a portion of an outside part of the rigid body's wall. The membrane comprises a flexible measurement part (11) corresponding to the opening of the rigid body, an attachment part (13) that is fixed to the rigid body, and a second part (12) that connects the flexible measurement part to the attachment part, and which comprises a rigid part (14), an upper part of which is connected to the flexible measurement part, and the rigid part further comprising a sealing surface (18), and a deformable part (15) which connects the rigid part to the attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: DEBIOTECH S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Magnenat, Reto Cueni
  • Patent number: 9226667
    Abstract: A blood pressure monitor, particularly of the type having an inflatable cuff communicating with a pressure sensor and suitable for home use, may be calibrated by applying a sealed canister containing gas at a known pressure to a port so as to apply the known pressure to the pressure sensor, and comparing a pressure signal from the pressure sensor with the known pressure so as to determine a calibration error of the sensor and/or adjust the calibration of the sensor, e.g. by electronically adjusting the sensor. Several canisters may be used to calibrate the sensor across a range of pressures, each canister having a different known pressure. Each canister is preferably ruptured when attached to the port and is not re-usable, and may comprise an identifier such as an electronically readable identifier which is stored in a memory in association with the value of the known pressure within the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Yury Grotov
  • Patent number: 9173636
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe including: an ultrasound transmission/reception portion; a cable; a housing; a hole portion of the housing; an insulation pipe having a proximal end side exposed outside the housing; an insulation tube covering an outer circumference of an exposed region of the insulation pipe and an outer circumference of the cable; an adhesive located between the outer circumference of the exposed region and a distal end side region of the insulation tube and configured to adhere the insulation pipe and the insulation tube to each other; and a sticky member disposed between the exposed region and the distal end side region together with the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kei Irie
  • Patent number: 9072435
    Abstract: Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single, patient-worn cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: WELCH ALLYN, INC.
    Inventors: Thaddeus J. Wawro, Raymond A. Lia
  • Patent number: 9050417
    Abstract: A membrane for a pressure dome is configured to cooperate with a pressure sensor, and includes a resilient circular wall and a circular rim. The resilient circular wall is configured to close one side of the pressure dome so as to define a partition between the inside of the pressure dome and the outside. The circular rim is configured to be housed in a main body of the pressure dome. The membrane is configured such that the resilient circular wall, when there is no difference between the pressures acting respectively on the inner surface and on the outer surface, has an outwardly convex form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Massimo Fini, Reinhold Reiter, Luca Donarini
  • Publication number: 20150141854
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an apparatus including an elongated assembly, at least a portion of which is sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to be inserted into a human body to measure a physiological parameter at an internal location within the body. The elongated assembly includes an elongated member having a first length and an outer surface, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the elongated member, the coil having a second length, and at least one stand-off member positioned between the outer surface of the elongated member and the coil, where the at least one member is configured to prevent the coil from contacting an optical fiber positioned between the elongated member and the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Diana Margaret Tasker, Howard Neil Rourke, David J. Spamer
  • Publication number: 20150105674
    Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a pressurizing device for delivering a pressurized injection fluid, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism adapted for fluid communication with the pressurizing device and low pressure fluid delivery system. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a housing defining an inlet port, an isolation port, and an internal cavity. The housing defines a seal seat in the internal cavity between the inlet port and isolation port. A valve member is disposed in the internal cavity. The valve member is free floating in the internal cavity and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The valve member has an open position permitting fluid communication between the inlet port and isolation port, and is fluid flow responsive to fluid flow in the inlet port to engage the seal seat and attain a closed position preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and isolation port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, John A. Haury
  • Patent number: 8974398
    Abstract: A transmitter unit with an attachable energy source is provided for a sensor guidewire. The transmitter unit is adapted to be connected to a proximal end of a sensor guidewire provided, at its distal end, with a sensor to measure a physiological parameter inside a patient. In some embodiments, the transmitter unit is adapted to wirelessly communicate by a communication signal with a communication unit, arranged in connection with an external device, in order to transfer measured physiological data to the external device. The attachable energy source can be a battery pack or battery holder provided with connecting electrical connecting surfaces. Preferably, the connection is protected from penetrating fluids by a protective seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical Coordination Center BVBA
    Inventor: Leif Smith
  • Publication number: 20150032007
    Abstract: System for indicating a possibility a cardiac tamponade occurring in a patient, comprising: —a right atrium pressure sensor, configured for measuring a right atrium pressure in a right atrium of the patient; —an intra pericardial pressure sensor, configured for measuring an intra pericardial pressure in a portion of an intra-pericardial space of the patient; —a processing device that is operatively connected to the pressure sensors, is provided with a predetermined statistical distribution of pressure versus tamponade probabilities, and is configured for: —determining a trans-mural pressure difference between the right atrium pressure and the intra pericardial pressure; —comparing the trans-mural pressure difference with the statistical distribution, and —indicating the possibility of cardiac tamponade occurrence, based on the trans-mural pressure difference comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Egbert Jan Constant Ottevanger, Rienk Rienks, Wouter Matthijs Muijs Van De Moer
  • Patent number: 8862204
    Abstract: A medical device configured for diagnosis or treatment of tissues within a body is provided. The device includes an elongate, deformable member configured to be received within a lumen in the body and having proximal and distal ends. A position sensor is disposed at the distal end. In one embodiment, a conductor is wound about the member. The conductor is connected to the position sensor and has a first winding pitch over a first portion of the deformable member and a second winding pitch, different from the first winding pitch, over a second portion of the deformable member. In another embodiment, the member defines a neutral longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. A conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends is connected to the position sensor at a connection node on the neutral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: MediGuide Ltd.
    Inventors: Lior Sobe, Ran Sela
  • Patent number: 8857264
    Abstract: A catheter die is provided and includes an elongate body having first and second opposing end portions and an end face at the first one of the first and second opposing end portions. The elongate body defines a cavity within the first end portion with an interior facing surface of the cavity disposed to extend alongside at least a portion of the first end face. At least one or more piezoresistive pressure sensors are operably disposed proximate to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Amphenol Thermometrics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sisira Kankanam Gamage
  • Patent number: 8840541
    Abstract: An implantable device monitors a pressure of fluid within an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device comprises a tube defining a lumen, and a pressure sensor positioned within at least one of the lumen or the tube. The pressure sensor is configured to sense the pressure of the fluid within the inflatable portion of the gastric band. The pressure sensor is also configured to transmit a pressure signal based on the pressure to a microcontroller, which transmits the pressure signal to a remote control device. The pressure sensor confers strain relief upon at least a portion of the tube, and the pressure sensor shields at least a portion of the tube from puncture by a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Snow, Janel Birk
  • Patent number: 8830037
    Abstract: An in vivo RFID chip implanted in a patient's body, comprising an integrated antenna formed on the chip, and a CMOS-compatible circuitry adapted for biosensing and transmitting information out of the patient's body. In preferred embodiments, the CMOS-compatible circuitry is adapted to sense a chemical and/or physical quantity from a local environment in the patient's body and to control drug release from the drug reservoirs based on the quantity sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Peter J. Burke, Christopher M. Rutherglen
  • Publication number: 20140213916
    Abstract: Systems for monitoring left atrial pressure using implantable cardiac monitoring devices and, more specifically, to a left atrial pressure sensor implanted through a septal wall are presented herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Phong D. Doan, Apratim Dixit
  • Patent number: 8777863
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for powering and/or recharging medical devices implanted within the body are described. An illustrative power generation module disposable within the interior space of an implantable medical device includes a module body that defines an interior cavity as well as a flexible diaphragm that spans the interior cavity. The flexible diaphragm includes a first electrical conductor, a piezoelectric layer disposed adjacent to the first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor disposed adjacent to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is configured to displace within the interior cavity and generate a voltage differential between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Piaget, Bin Mi, Lance E. Juffer, Keith R. Maile, Abhijeet V. Chavan, Cheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8764677
    Abstract: A surface or bulk acoustic wave device can be implanted in or worn on a human or animal body to monitor various parameters thereof. The device comprises a pair of interdigitated transducers spaced apart over the surface of a piezo-electric substrate that is exposed to the parameter to be monitored. The device is interrogated by a radio-frequency signal being supplied to one of the transducers and detected after reflection by the other transducer. The parameter is measured by comparison of the supplied and received signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Imperial College Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Toumazou, Christopher Neil McLeod, Glenn Noel Robert Vandevoorde
  • Patent number: 8764624
    Abstract: A power management system provides wireless power to operate components of a remotely adjustable gastric banding system. The power management system comprises an external power component transmitting power, and an implantable power management component receiving power and converting the power for use in powering one or more components of the remotely adjustable gastric banding system, such as a pump. The internal power management component and the external power component may be tunable. By utilizing the power management system, implantable batteries may be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Snow, Janel A. Birk, Robert Stone
  • Patent number: 8764668
    Abstract: A medical blood pressure transducer that provides an identifier to a monitor that conveys characteristics of the transducer. The monitor can use the information to decide whether to function, or in calibration of the system. The transducer may be part of a disposable blood pressure monitoring system, and may include two transducers closely-spaced to provide two separate but identical outputs. In this way, the transducer may be connected to both a patient monitor and a cardiac output monitor at the same time measurements from a single line can be simultaneously supplied to two separate monitoring devices (for example a patient monitor and a cardiac output monitor). The identifier for the transducer may be circuitry, specifically a resistance/capacitance (RC) combination that possesses a characteristic time constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Luchy Roteliuk, Weldon Dean West, Douglas Meyer, Jr., Luong N. Phan
  • Publication number: 20140180031
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices that include multiple sensors for measuring different characteristics inside a vessel. For example, devices of the invention may have sensors for imaging the interior of a vessel while also detecting both pressure and/or detecting flow inside the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140180142
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Volcano Corporation
    Inventors: Bret C. Millett, David H. Burkett, Paul Douglas Corl
  • Publication number: 20140180143
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one pressure sensing component within a distal portion of the device. In that regard, one or more electrical, electronic, optical, and/or electro-optical pressure-sensing components is secured to an elongated substrate such that the pressure-sensing component is mounted perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the device. In some implementations, the elongated substrate has a cylindrical profile. Methods of making, assembling, and/or using such intravascular devices and associated systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Vulcano Corporation
    Inventors: Bret C. Millett, David H. Burkett, Paul Douglas Corl
  • Patent number: 8708927
    Abstract: A measuring device for medical applications in at least one example embodiment includes a first part provided with measuring means for measuring data of a patient, and a second part provided with communication means for sending the data. In at least one example embodiment, the second part is releasably connected to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Laborie Medical Technologies Canada ULC
    Inventor: Gerrat Dijkman
  • Patent number: 8702620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring system and method for use with a body of a subject. The system comprises a medical device, having a portion thereof configured to be placed inside the subject's body, said portion of the medical device being configured to be propelled by fluid pressure through a body lumen; at least two pressure sensors accommodated remotely from the subject's body at two different spaced-apart positions outside the subject's body and configured and operable to detect pressure at the two spaced-apart remote positions; said at least two pressure sensors being in fluid communication with at least one site inside the subject's body, a relation between the pressure at said at least one site and the pressures at said two spaced-apart remote positions being thereby indicative of the fluid pressure at said at least one site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: G.I. View Ltd.
    Inventors: Ra'anan Gefen, Tal Sheps, Reuven Eshel, Ran Mendelewicz, Noam Kinrot
  • Patent number: 8690785
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for non-interfering blood pressure measurements, relates to an apparatus for continuously monitoring blood pressure for patients at home or at work. The apparatus includes an extra-corporal sensor for blood pressure determination with a flexible housing adapted to be attached to the body of a living being proximate to an artery, and an electronic circuit for wireless coupling to a remote transceiver in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, the remote transceiver adapted for wireless coupling to the sensor for generation of a pressure signal in accordance with the blood pressure in the artery, and a processor connected to the remote transceiver for reception of the pressure signal and adapted to estimate systolic and diastolic pressure based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sense A/S
    Inventor: Lars Lading
  • Publication number: 20140081158
    Abstract: An anchored implantable pressure monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: VITAL SENSORS HOLDING COMPANY,INC.
    Inventor: VITAL SENSORS HOLDING COMPANY,INC.
  • Patent number: 8676299
    Abstract: An OCT system and method with integrated pressure measurement. In one embodiment, the system includes an interferometer; a wavelength swept laser; a source arm in communication with the wavelength swept laser; a reference arm in communication with a reference reflector; a first photoreceiver having a signal output; a detector arm in communication with the first photoreceiver, a probe interface; a sample arm in communication with a first optical connector of the probe interface; an acquisition and display system comprising: an A/D converter having a signal input in communication with the first photoreceiver signal output and a signal output; a processor system in communication with the A/D converter signal output; and a display in communication with the processor system; and a probe comprising a pressure sensor and configured for connection to the first optical connector of the probe interface, wherein the pressure transducer comprises an optical pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lightlab Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Schmitt, Christopher Petroff
  • Publication number: 20140039325
    Abstract: The present document describes a pressure guidewire comprising: a shaft tube with a proximal section; a middle section extending from the proximal section of the shaft tube, the middle section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; an inner hypotube installed substantially within the middle section for optimal mechanical properties; a pressure sensor with a communication means routed through the middle section and the proximal section; and a sensor housing for receiving the pressure sensor. There are also described methods for joining the inner hypotube to the shaft tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Opsens Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Belleville
  • Publication number: 20140024956
    Abstract: A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Phillip Douglas Purdy, Ronald Bruce Jennings
  • Publication number: 20140005536
    Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: David H. Burkett
  • Patent number: 8579825
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring device, insertable into a living body. The device includes an elongated flexible member in the form of a thick-walled hollow tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The tube defines a central lumen with an inner wall. The lumen may contain a core and an insulating material provided between the core and the inner wall. The core may be made of an electrically conductive material and may be of essentially constant diameter over its entire length. Alternatively, the lumen may contain at least two electrical leads. An electrical sensor is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Radi Medical Systems AB
    Inventors: Lars Tenerz, Pär von Malmborg
  • Publication number: 20130296722
    Abstract: A guide wire has a distal end incorporating a coil and a capacitive element that form a resonance circuit with a resonance frequency that is responsive to the pressure of blood external to the guide wire. The resonance frequency can be detected wirelessly, or through two contacts at the proximal wire end, or through one brush contact located inside an insertion sheath and a ground electrode. Wireless detection can be implemented via a second resonance circuit, and electronics for determining the frequency when the first and second circuits are in resonance with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Guided Interventions, LLC
    Inventors: Reinhard J. Warnking, Matthew J. Pollman
  • Publication number: 20130296721
    Abstract: Disclosed are hypertension systems and related methods that include a blood pressure sensor located or implanted under the skin of a patient, and electronics, which may have the size and shape of a wrist watch, for example, that monitors the blood pressure of the patient by communicating with the implanted sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Jay Yadav, Michael G. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20130296661
    Abstract: An implantable physiologic sensor assembly is configured to be implanted within a patient. The assembly includes a module that houses an internal operative chamber, and a flexible pressure-detecting member connected to the module. The module and the pressure-detecting member are separated before implantation into the patient. At least a first end of the pressure-detecting member is configured to be inserted into an artery of the patient and a second end of the pressure-detecting member is connected to the module. The module is configured to be subcutaneously positioned within the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Zoltan Somogyi
  • Publication number: 20130274619
    Abstract: A measuring system includes an elongated sleeve having a compact diameter configured to be delivered over a standard guide wire and able to be flexibly threaded into a tortuous or diseased vascular pathway of a human. Sensor(s), located at a distal end of the sleeve, measure physiological parameter(s) inside the human. The sleeve measuring system has an outer diameter of approximately 20 mils or less and is capable of accommodating the standard guide wire, typically 14 mils in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Robert T. Stone, Jeffrey J. Christian, Darius Adam Przygoda, Tat-Jin Teo
  • Patent number: 8540631
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide intrabody communication using acoustic telemetry. The system includes a first or control implant including a first acoustic transducer, and a second implant including a switch and a second acoustic transducer coupled to the switch. The second acoustic transducer receives acoustic signals from the first acoustic transducer for closing the switch to activate the second implant. The second implant may include a sensor for measuring a physiological parameter that is transmitted using acoustic signals including the physiological data to the first implant. For example, the second implant may measure pressure in the patient's heart that may be used by the first implant to control a pacemaker. Alternatively, the second implant may blood sugar concentration that may be used by the first implant to control an insulin pump. Alternatively, the first implant may store and transfer the data to an external device for monitoring the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Avi Penner, Eyal Doron
  • Publication number: 20130237864
    Abstract: A high performance guide wire with a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure, may utilize a single electrical lead connected to the guide wire. An integrated circuit, powered by the single electrical connection on the guide wire, may interface with the pressure sensor, and may convert pressure information to an encoded signal. The encoded signal may be detectable in the electrical circuit, and can be used to display a pressure waveform as detected by the pressure sensor. For example, when utilized for percutaneous coronary interventions, such a guide wire can provide high quality blood pressure measurements (e.g., for fractional flow reserve), while also possessing excellent steerability and handling characteristics for navigating tortuous anatomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Scott T. Mazar, Peter T. Keith, Jeffrey J. Peters, Scott R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8503834
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributed pressure sensing. The apparatus comprises a series of Bragg gratings, a light guide incorporating the series of Bragg gratings and a plurality of moveable wall portions. The moveable wall portions are coupled to respective Bragg gratings so that the movement of one of the moveable wall portion causes a force on the respective Bragg grating resulting in a change in strain of the respective Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises at least one rigid member that is attached at attachment regions between which a sensing region of at least one Bragg grating is defined. The rigid member is arranged so that a strain in the sensing region is not directly influenced by a change in strain of the light guide outside the sensing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: John William Arkwright, Simon Nicholas Doe, Vinay Kumar Tyagi, Edward William Preston
  • Publication number: 20130109980
    Abstract: A vascular measuring system includes an elongated sleeve configured to be delivered over a standard guide wire configured to be threaded into a vascular pathway of the human, and includes sensor(s) coupled to the sleeve. The sensor(s) measure physiological parameter(s) of the human. Alternatively, the sensor(s) may be located at the end a guide wire without a sleeve. The system may include a connector coupled to the sleeve or guide wire, and receives the measured parameter(s) from the sensor(s), and display the result of processed parameter(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Tat-Jin Teo
  • Publication number: 20130109939
    Abstract: The disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus providing detection mechanism for lead-related conditions, including transient behaviors, on a conductive pathway of a medical electrical lead. In one example, a sense path arbitration module identifies a lead-related condition associated with a conductive pathway based on signal processing to identify transients emerging from a propagated signal. The sense path arbitration module may evaluate a plurality of conductive pathways of the medical electrical lead and arbitrates propagation of a sensed signal that is transmitted through the plurality of lead conductors based on the evaluation. Therapy delivery functions utilizing the medical electrical lead may also be controlled in response to the signal processing and identification of the lead-related condition on a conductive pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: MEDTRONIC, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130102858
    Abstract: The implantable medical device for measuring pressure is disclosed. The implantable medical device is connectable to a medical lead and comprises an outer sheath and a helically shaped needle arranged at the outer sheath. A pressure sensing body having a distal part is movably arranged in the outer sheath. The pressure sensing body is arranged such that the distal part is located within the outer sheath in an initial state of the pressure sensing body, wherein the pressure sensing body is arranged to be advanced from the initial state to protrude from the outer sheath and such that it is at least partially surrounded by the helically shaped needle; and a pressure sensor arranged at or adjacent to the distal part of the pressure sensing body for sensing pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: ST. JUDE MEDICAL AB
    Inventors: Rolf Hill, Torbjorn Persson, Olof Stegfeldt
  • Patent number: 8382677
    Abstract: An anchored implantable pressure monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vital Sensors Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker Bodecker, Max Georg Ostermeier, Stefan Meyer, Axel Niemeyer