Impedance devices and methods of using the same in connection with a mammalian vasculature

Abstract

Impedance devices and methods of using the same in connection with a mammalian vasculature. In an embodiment of a method for determining vessel compliance, the method comprises the steps of introducing at least part of an impedance device into a site within a vessel, the impedance device comprising an elongated body having a distal body end, and a first electrode located along the elongated body at or near the distal body end, providing electrical current to the first electrode and a first external electrode not coupled to the elongated body to generate the electric field, the first external electrode positioned upon or within a mammalian body having the vessel therein, operating the impedance device to obtain two or more conductance values within the electric field, and calculating vessel compliance based upon the relationship between a change in vessel parameter and a change in pressure during a cardiac cycle.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]The present patent application is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 800,407, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this disclosure.BACKGROUND[0002]The disclosure of the present application relates generally to medical diagnostics and treatment equipment, and in particular, to devices, systems, and methods for measuring luminal cross-sectional area of blood vessels, heart valves and other hollow visceral organs.Coronary Heart Disease[0003]Coronary heart disease is caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the coronary arteries. It is likely to produce angina pectoris, heart attack or both. Coronary heart disease caused 466,101 deaths in USA in 1997 and is the single leading cause of death in America today. Approximately, 12 million people alive today have a history of heart attack, angina pectoris or both. The break down for males and females is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0087]In at least one embodiment of a method for removing contrast from a luminal organ of the present disclosure, the method is performed to reduce or eliminate a risk of contrast-induced nephropathy. In another embodiment, ...

Problems solved by technology

It is likely to produce angina pectoris, heart attack or both.

However, using intravascular ultrasound as mentioned above requires a first step of advancement of an ultrasound catheter and then withdrawal of the ultrasound catheter before coronary angioplasty thereby adding additional time to the stent procedure.

Furthermore, it requires an ultrasound machine.

This adds significant cost and time and more risk to the procedure.

Although it appears that progression of AS can be more rapid in patients with degenerative calcific disease than in those with congenital or rheumatic disease, it is not possible to predict the rate of progression in an individual patient.

Problems with Current Aortic Valve Area Measurements

Such patients can be difficult to distinguish from those with low cardiac output and only m...

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