Abstract:
An oesophageal probe (1) for measuring anaesthesia comprises means (4), for example a water-filled balloon, for sensing pressure in the oesophagus, and means (5), for example an air filled balloon, for stimulating the oesophagus to cause contractions therein.
Abstract:
An improved monitoring device for externally monitoring labour contractions preceding childbirth which does not require the use of a belt is disclosed consisting of a transducer assembly (42) removably fixed to a base (12) adhesively attached to the abdomen of the woman.
Abstract:
The invention describes the detection or measurement of physiopathological parameters, for example intracranial pressure, by magnetic means. The surgical implantation is described of a device having means for generating a magnetic field having an orientation influenced by changes in a physiopathological parameter. A detection apparatus comprises a detection element with means for detecting the orientation of a magnetic field so generated.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the intracranial pressure of a patient. The apparatus includes an implantable sensor (12) implanted in the skull (24) of a patient. The implantable sensor (12) senses pressure (34) and outputs a signal indicative of the pressure in the patient's skull. The apparatus further includes a probe (14) receiving the signal output by the implantable sensor when the probe is positioned near the implantable sensor. The probe outputs a signal indicative of the pressure sensed by the implanatable sensor. An interrogation circuit (16) is provided for receiving the signal output by the probe and automatically outputting a digital signal proportional to the pressure sensed by the implantable sensor.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a method and device for measuring the intracranial pressure in the skull of a test subject, at least two electrodes (1, 2) being fastened on the skull such that they are in electrical contact therewith. The time lapse of an electrical resistance and/or a capacitance between the two electrodes (1, 2) is/are produced as an electrical signal (p(t)) via a measuring arrangement (10). An extreme value of the electrical signal, which value follows a blood pressure maximum corresponding to a systole with a substantially constant delay, is determined as the first amplitude value. A second amplitude value is produced from the electrical signal (p(t)). This value is taken at the point where the electrical signal has either a maximum or a point of inflection the first time after the first amplitude value. A third amplitude value is produced from the electrical signal after the second amplitude value. A standardized pressure measured value is produced from the amplitude values for further use. This type of measurement enables the intracranial pressure of a test subject to be determined in a simple, rapid and economical manner and permits observation for a relatively long period of time without thereby causing stress to the test subject.
Abstract:
Apparatus (10) for measuring the anorectal angle comprises an outer rubber-like sheath (12), which may be a suitably modified catheter, within which is disposed an elongate angular deflection detector (14) which provides on display (16) a read-out of the angular deflection of the apparatus. The sheath (12) may include pressure ports with associated pressure lines back to the proximal end of the sheath to allow the pressure to be read at different points along the anal canal.
Abstract:
A low profile parenchymal bolt having a cap, a body, and a base with two rods located through the cap and the base. Levers are located at the cap and are interconnected with the rods. Moving the levers outwardly pulls the rods and base towards the cap compressing the body and causing its outer diameter to increase into contact with an opening in the skull of a patient to form a fluid-tight seal and fixing the bolt in position. A lumen permits mounting an instrument through the bolt and when the body is compressed, the lumen reduces in size thus clamping the instrument in place in the bolt and forming a fluid-tight seal. Through use of non-ferric materials, artifacts in MRI are reduced.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for measuring vital parameters of the foetus during parturition. The flood pressure in the arterial system of the foetus (2) is discontinuously measured by the occlusion process implemented by means of the ring-shaped uterine tissue (1), the leading part of the foetus, a pressure sensor (8) and a sensor for monitoring the blood flow (4) characteristics.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly (20) for measuring a fluid pressure in a body cavity includes pulse modulator (39) responsive to an electrical power source (33) for energizing a light-emitting diode (45) which has drift characteristics which vary in response to temperature. An optical sensor (22) is adapted to receive the light from the light-emitting diode (45) and to provide a measurement signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the cavity. This measurement signal has undesirable characteristics related to the thermal drift characteristics of the diode. A detection circuit (58, 60) detects the measurement signal and provides an output signal indicative of fluid pressure in the cavity. A special filter (63) is included in this detection circuit which has optical characteristics that substantially offset the undesirable characteristics of the measurement signal, so that the output signal is substantially independent of the temperature of the diode. A power conversion circuit (36) enables the assembly to be energized by an excitation voltage which is provided in several different forms by various monitors.