Mobile rheometer device and method for medical diagnostics of human, animal or plant samples

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile rheometer device (1) for the medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples. Such a mobile rheometer device (1) comprises a rheological measuring device (2), an associated evaluation unit (4) with evaluation program (5), and an associated output unit (6). The evaluation unit (4) with evaluation program (5) is designed to classify the measured rheological parameters of a human, animal, or plant sample with regard to at least one medical diagnosis or into relevant parameter groups for a medical diagnosis, so that a differentiated view of the sample can be provided to a user of the mobile rheometer device (1) by means of the output unit (6). A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile rheometer device and a method for the medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To make more detailed statements about human, animal, or plant samples, these are often subjected to complex laboratory analysis after being taken from the organism. Alternatively, it is also known to examine a fluid associated with the tissue or organism being investigated.

[0003] For example, samples are taken from a person during a biopsy or surgery by medical professionals and then sent to pathology. In pathology, a histological examination is often performed, typically involving tissue staining and subsequent pathological diagnosis. Tissue samples can also be prepared by sectioning them, allowing for further analysis of each individual section.

[0004] Instead of histological examination with staining and microscopic instruments, rheological techniques can also be used for medical diagnostics. These techniques can include, for example, rotational rheometers or capillary rheometers. Falling ball viscometers or microfluidic devices can also be used. Pathological tissue differs from the physiological state, for example, in its viscous, viscoelastic, or elastic properties.

[0005] For example, stenoses or similar conditions can be examined more closely in this way. Body fluids, such as saliva, blood, etc., also differ in their viscous, viscoelastic, or elastic properties when changes occur. This is known, for example, in connection with sickle cell anemia. Therefore, knowledge of the rheological properties of physiological or pathological substances can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0006] This method allows for the measurement of one or more rheological quantities, such as (shear) viscosity, extensional viscosity, shear stress, viscoelastic properties, storage modulus, and loss modulus. Such measurements can include absolute or relative values. Typically, a sample is set into oscillation or vibration for this purpose. Alternatively, rotation or flow can be used. The inherent properties of samples can also induce forms of oscillation, vibration, rotation, or flow, making this a factor that can be utilized in rheological methods.

[0007] The outlined procedures and techniques involve a certain amount of time. Furthermore, a specific logistical infrastructure is required for transporting the samples to prevent damage to the often sensitive specimens during this time. In this context, despite all precautions, changes to the samples are likely and cannot be completely ruled out. Biological sample material generally changes rapidly over time, complicating subsequent investigations and analyses. Additionally, there is a risk of unintentional infection during sample collection or transport, particularly with biological samples, if contact with these samples occurs during the aforementioned activities.

[0008] For the aforementioned cases of biopsy and tissue sampling during surgery, the necessary medical infrastructure is often only available at tertiary care hospitals. Providing care and diagnostics in remote areas, such as high mountains or at sea, can therefore prove difficult, as the necessary medical infrastructure is either hard to obtain or simply unavailable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a mobile rheometer device and a method which at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] This problem is solved by a mobile rheometer device with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 10.

[0011] Accordingly, a mobile rheometer device is provided for the medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples. Such a mobile rheometer device comprises a rheological measuring instrument, an associated evaluation unit with evaluation software, and an associated output unit. The evaluation unit with its evaluation software is designed to classify the measured rheological parameters of a human, animal, or plant sample with regard to at least one medical diagnosis or into relevant parameter groups for a medical diagnosis, so that a differentiated view of the sample can be provided to the user of the mobile rheometer device via the output unit.

[0012] Furthermore, a method for the medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples is provided. Such a method comprises the following steps: providing and activating a mobile rheometer device according to the invention; measuring a human, animal, or plant sample using the mobile rheometer device; classifying the results of the rheological measurements with regard to at least one medical diagnosis using the mobile rheometer device; outputting the classified results using the mobile rheometer device, so that a differentiated view of the sample is available to a user of the mobile rheometer device.

[0013] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to provide a mobile technical solution that can be used directly on-site, allowing immediate access to the measurement results of samples to be analyzed. The presented mobile rheometer device offers the advantage of being easily moved to the respective location of use, while the specially designed evaluation unit enables the classification of measured values ​​directly on-site. This eliminates the need for costly transport and lengthy testing methods. In particular, samples that change rapidly over time and thus sometimes become unusable for the desired analysis can be analyzed more effectively and consistently.

[0014] By eliminating the need for the complex infrastructure of a large, specialized care facility, pathological and medical diagnostics in general can be made accessible to a larger number of people. Individuals whose disease progression needs to be tracked can do so at home and, if necessary, receive remote care, thus reducing the frequency of contact with medical professionals or limiting it to specific situations. The presented mobile rheometer device is also advantageously suited for widespread use in the context of early diagnosis, thereby improving the prospects for recovery and prevention.

[0015] Therefore, the mobile rheometer device and the corresponding procedure are advantageously suited as part of the equipment in operating rooms and doctors' offices, as well as for use in mobile medical care facilities or units. Individual use by laypersons, such as patients themselves, is also conceivable, whereby the mobile rheometer device can be used like a personal everyday item as a mobile solution for medical diagnostic activities or the like.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, the evaluation unit with evaluation program is designed to be connectable to at least one database for the medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples based on rheological parameters for the purposes of classification, or at least to include such a database.

[0017] In this way, a particularly fast and comprehensive classification can be carried out. Depending on the database used, the application area of ​​the presented mobile rheometer device can also be expanded. Furthermore, this increases the likelihood that the use of the mobile rheometer device according to the invention will be sufficient for consistent analysis when used in more remote areas.

[0018] The rheological properties can be compared with a database (or multiple databases) containing information on physiological or pathological rheological properties. This comparison allows the rheometer to provide one or more diagnostic indicators (or indicators for professional medical users) regarding the sample's condition. General indicators, such as parameters, can also be derived, which are easily understandable and accessible even to non-medical professionals.

[0019] Using the presented mobile rheometer device and the corresponding method, it is therefore possible to perform rheological investigations related to medical diagnostics on human, animal, or plant samples in close spatial and temporal proximity. These rheological investigations allow for measurements under conditions as close to physiological as possible, for example, regarding pH value, specific temperature, ion concentration, the presence of enzymes, or other parameters of body fluids.

[0020] According to a further development of the mobile rheometer device, it is provided that the evaluation program can be adapted by means of at least one user-defined input, so that individualized use of the respective database is possible.

[0021] This allows for a more specialized evaluation routine to be performed directly on-site. The evaluation program is easily customizable with simple inputs, enabling even better utilization of the connected databases using the presented mobile rheometer device. For example, the influence of factors on rheological measurements can be corrected, factors that are not necessarily or solely related to a diagnosed disease, thus facilitating a subsequent comparison with information from the database(s). In this context, conventional algorithms based on artificial intelligence or machine learning programs are also conceivable as optional components of the evaluation program.In particular, it may be provided that the evaluation program is designed to process a wealth of inputs in such a way that a clear assignment in the sense of the present invention, i.e., the most unambiguous classification possible with regard to a diagnosis or the parameters relevant for a diagnosis, can be ensured.

[0022] According to a further development of the mobile rheometer device, it is provided that at least one user-defined input is selected from: gender-sensitive input, nutritional information about a human or animal subject, medication intake of a human or animal subject, fertilizer application to a plant subject, pesticide application to a plant subject, at least one piece of information about correlating effects of medications and pathological changes in at least one organism, suspected diagnoses, at least one piece of information from a patient registry from at least one country, at least one piece of information about a pre-existing condition of the organism to be examined.

[0023] These inputs can thus be used to further improve classifications and the comparisons with the database(s). In particular, gender-sensitive inputs can be advantageously used to create more targeted statements or classifications, as the consideration of gender-specific differences can then be directly integrated into the evaluation process.

[0024] The least possible information about the correlation between medications and pathological changes in at least one organism can be found, for example, in the case of the discovery in India between the use of diclofenac in livestock and the vulture die-off. Due to the administration of diclofenac to livestock, the drug entered the bodies of the local vulture population via ingestion of carrion, resulting in a vulture die-off, as this drug is toxic to vultures.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, the rheological measuring device is designed to measure rheological parameters of human, animal or plant samples separately or on the organism.

[0026] This results in a particularly flexible mobile rheometer device. The device can be used directly on the organism being sampled without significantly affecting it. This offers the advantage that the sample, i.e., the area of ​​the organism being examined, does not need to be destroyed, but remains essentially in the same state after the examination. This is particularly desirable in the case of tumor-like changes in tissue sections of the human or animal body, in order to avoid unintentionally introducing altered cell tissue into the circulatory systems of the rest of the organism. In other words, the presented mobile rheometer device can also be used in or on tissue, for example, before the actual removal of the tissue or material sample in general.Thus, the tissue remains intact and is only surgically removed if medical diagnosis makes this necessary. Similarly, in the case of a plant organism, this method can determine which parts and to what extent they need to be removed, for example, due to a fungal or pest infestation.

[0027] Alternatively, the device can be placed in close proximity to the organism being sampled, allowing for immediate examination of the samples. This could include, for example, a tissue sample from a human or animal body taken during a biopsy or surgery, or a sample taken from a plant body or organism.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, the mobile rheometer device includes an energy system designed to supply the mobile rheometer device with electrical energy autonomously or via an external power supply network.

[0029] The power system can include rechargeable battery systems or similar devices, enabling both battery-powered and mains-powered operation. This allows for even greater flexibility in the use of the mobile rheometer device.

[0030] According to a further development of the mobile rheometer device, it is provided that the mobile rheometer device essentially comprises external materials, in particular stainless steel or titanium, which are suitable for a sterilization process, in particular gamma radiation sterilization, so that the mobile rheometer device can be used in an operating room after passing through a sterilization process or already during the manufacture or at a service provider for the sterilization of medical devices.

[0031] Therefore, the mobile rheometer device can be hygienically designed and thus advantageously used in strictly sterile environments, such as an operating room or similar. In this context, external materials are primarily those materials and areas of the device that essentially shield or at least partially enclose the main internal components from the outside world. Complete enclosure is also possible.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, the mobile rheometer device is designed to measure and classify a large number of samples simultaneously.

[0033] In this way, the mobile rheometer device can be used even more efficiently, thus reducing costs per sample.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the mobile rheometer device, it is designed to be controlled by at least one external device that can be coupled to the mobile rheometer device. Such an external device could be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a similar mobile device.

[0035] For these purposes, the evaluation program can be extended to include a feature that can be installed on the external device as an application or similar. In other words, the evaluation program can be designed to provide this application and transfer it to the external device via download or similar means, allowing the mobile rheometer device to be controlled by the connected external device. It is also conceivable that the evaluation program could be designed to provide this functionality in conjunction with or via a suitable cloud-based approach. Furthermore, the external device could be designed, at least partially, as a cloud-based technical solution.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the method, the following further process steps are provided: connecting the evaluation unit with evaluation program of the mobile rheometer device with at least one database for the medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples based on rheological parameters; adapting the evaluation program by means of at least one user-defined input, so that individualized use of the connected external database is possible.

[0037] The aforementioned advantages also apply, insofar as they are transferable, to this variant of the method according to the invention. In particular, the presented method can be advantageously used to enable gender-sensitive evaluation in principle, thus supporting medical research that takes gender-specific differences into account. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a user scenario of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another application scenario of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 a schematic flowchart for a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of another application scenario of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of another application scenario of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of another application scenario of a mobile rheometer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, this is a mobile rheometer device 1 for the medical diagnosis of human, animal, or plant samples. The samples can be, for example, human tissue samples.

[0041] The mobile rheometer device 1 is shown in a highly simplified form with a rheological measuring device 2, which, relative to the plane of the image, is located below a main body 3 of the mobile rheometer device 1. In embodiments of the mobile rheometer device 1 according to the invention, which are not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the rheological measuring device 2 is arranged at least partially or even completely within the main body 3. Partially lateral arrangements or a completely lateral arrangement are also conceivable. It is also conceivable that the rheological measuring device 2 is provided separately and is coupled to the main body 3 and the components located therein by means of a wired or wireless connection.In a further embodiment, it is therefore also conceivable that the evaluation unit 4 with the evaluation program 5 is additionally (in the case of the presence of wireless connection technologies or the like) or generally provided in a mobile terminal device or installed there or arranged there or generally provided there or arranged there by means of a technical addition, virtually or even physically as a separate subunit of the mobile rheometer device 1.

[0042] The main body 3 of the mobile rheometer device 1 contains an evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5. This evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5 is connected to the rheological measuring device 2 via connecting means not shown in detail, so that the respective measured values ​​measured by means of the rheological measuring device 2 can be transferred to the evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5.

[0043] The evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5 is designed to classify the measured rheological parameters of a human, animal or plant sample with regard to at least one medical diagnosis, so that a differentiated view of the sample can be provided to a user of the mobile rheometer device 1 by means of an output unit 6 displayed and connected to the evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5.

[0044] The output unit 6 shown is essentially in the form of a monitor with a display area 7 suitable for displaying classified results. This display area 7 can be designed to provide colored images in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional view, which is the case here in Fig. 1 is schematically illustrated with a ¾ circle symbol and a rectangle.

[0045] The ¾ circle symbol can be seen as representing healthy tissue, and the rectangle as representing abnormal tissue, based on the classification. The output unit 6 is connected via a first connecting line 8 to the main body 3 of the mobile rheometer device 1 and thus to the evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5, so that a differentiated view of the sample can be provided to a user of the mobile rheometer device 1 by means of the output unit 6.

[0046] Optionally, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be designed to be used for a large number of samples to be evaluated simultaneously, for example to improve the statistical significance of the investigation.

[0047] The at least one database (not shown in detail) can be connected to the mobile rheometer device 1 by any means, for example, via cable or wireless technology. It is also conceivable that the at least one database (not shown in detail) is at least partially a part of the mobile rheometer device 1. For example, the at least one database (not shown in detail) could thus be at least partially a sub-area of ​​the evaluation unit 4 with evaluation program 5. It is also conceivable that the at least one database (not shown in detail) is a separate unit of the mobile rheometer device 1, in which it is arranged and connected to the other components of the mobile rheometer device 1.

[0048] The at least one database, which is not shown in detail, can therefore either be an integral part of the mobile rheometer device 1 or be linked to it via interfaces of the mobile rheometer device 1. In both cases, the at least one database can thus enable medical professionals to evaluate the rheological parameters and make a related diagnosis directly during or after the rheological measurement.

[0049] As mentioned previously, at least one database can be enriched with further input, i.e., additional data, such as information about the patient's diet or medication. This allows for correlations and corrections, enabling an individualized version of the database. In this way, for example, the influence of factors not necessarily or solely related to the diagnosed disease can be corrected. Furthermore, the mobile rheometer device 1 can perform gender-sensitive evaluations, thus supporting medical research that considers gender-specific differences.

[0050] Specially designed geometries of the mobile rheometer device 1, which may be disposable geometries, for example, can be provided so that a standardized sample application to the mobile rheometer device 1 is possible.

[0051] The mobile rheometer device 1 can, in an embodiment not shown in detail, have a mechanism, for example in the form of software or the like in the form of an application, which standardizes the procedure of sampling, sample application, measurement and evaluation, in particular classification, to such an extent that interpersonal differences due to the operating personnel or operator can be minimized.

[0052] As previously mentioned, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be designed for portability. It can be powered by mains electricity or batteries, enabling both stationary and mobile use. For example, this allows the mobile rheometer device 1 to operate autonomously in remote areas. Therefore, the mobile rheometer device 1 is a portable medical device that can be used for largely autonomous operation even in remote areas without extensive infrastructure.

[0053] The mobile rheometer device 1 can be used on the body, allowing sampling to be performed without intervention in the human, animal, or plant body, and thus also by non-medical personnel. The focus of such a procedure or application can be on intrapersonal trends, and only indicators can be communicated; that is, no diagnoses, which would be reserved for medical professionals.

[0054] The mobile rheometer device 1 can be designed as a handheld instrument, particularly with regard to its dimensions. Therefore, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be a smaller device that can be comfortably held in one hand by the user without significant effort. A further advantage is that the presented mobile rheometer device 1 is designed to be lightweight, thus enabling both mobile and stationary use.

[0055] Furthermore, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be designed in an embodiment not shown in detail to be controlled by a smartphone, tablet or similar mobile device or from a cloud.

[0056] The mobile rheometer device 1 can be regarded or described as a special rheometer designed for immediate analysis by medical professionals and laypersons in conjunction with a pathological database.

[0057] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a user scenario for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can, for example, be a mobile rheometer device 1 according to Fig. 1. Act.

[0058] The mobile rheometer device 1 is shown in direct contact with a patient 9. It is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is at least partially positioned directly inside the body of the patient 9 or only on the body of the patient 9. In other words, the diagnostic procedure can be performed either directly inside or on the body, with the mobile rheometer device 1 and its corresponding components being designed for both scenarios.

[0059] In one variant, for example, it may be provided that the mobile rheometer device 1 is positioned on the body of the patient 9 before a tissue sample is taken, so that this sample can then be directly diagnosed by the mobile rheometer device 1 once it has been taken.

[0060] On the right side of the image plane is a user 10 of the mobile rheometer device 1. This could be, for example, medical personnel, such as a surgeon.

[0061] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another application scenario for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can, for example, be a mobile rheometer device 1 according to Fig. 1. Act.

[0062] The mobile rheometer device 1 is not shown in direct contact with a patient 9, but rather placed in close proximity to the patient 9. For example, the mobile rheometer device 1 is intended to be in the same operating room as the patient 9, so that the mobile rheometer device 1 is intended to be in close proximity to the patient 9's body being examined during the operation.

[0063] Therefore, the mobile rheometer device 1 can be located in close proximity so that it can be used immediately after a sample, for example a tissue sample, has been taken.

[0064] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart for a method M for the medical diagnosis of human, animal or plant samples according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In a first process step M1, a mobile rheometer device according to the invention is provided and activated. In a second process step M2, human, animal, or plant samples are measured using the mobile rheometer device according to the invention.

[0066] In a third process step M3, the results of the rheological measurements are classified with regard to at least one medical diagnosis using the mobile rheometer device according to the invention. In a fourth process step M4, the classified results are output using the mobile rheometer device according to the invention, so that a differentiated view of the sample is available to a user of the mobile rheometer device.

[0067] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another application scenario for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can, for example, be a mobile rheometer device 1 according to Fig. 1. Act.

[0068] The mobile rheometer device 1 is shown in direct contact with a patient 9. It is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is at least partially positioned directly inside the body of the patient 9 or only on the body of the patient 9. In other words, the diagnostic procedure can be performed either directly inside or on the body, with the mobile rheometer device 1 and its corresponding components being designed for both scenarios.

[0069] In contrast to the representation in Fig. Figure 2 shows an open area 11 of the patient's body at the level of the abdomen. In other words, the patient's body is opened here, and the sample is then characterized or measured at the open area 11. This can be done, for example, by mechanically contacting a solid-like tissue, fluid, or digestive intermediate or end product, or the like.

[0070] On the right side of the image plane is a user 10 of the mobile rheometer device 1. This could be, for example, medical personnel, such as a surgeon.

[0071] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of another application scenario for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can, for example, be a mobile rheometer device 1 according to Fig. 1. Act.

[0072] The mobile rheometer device 1 is shown in direct contact with a patient 9. It is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is at least partially positioned directly inside the body of the patient 9 or only on the body of the patient 9. In other words, the diagnostic procedure can be performed either directly inside or on the body, with the mobile rheometer device 1 and its corresponding components being designed for both scenarios.

[0073] In contrast to the representation in Fig. Figure 5 shows no open area of ​​the patient's body at the level of the abdomen.

[0074] The mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is applied superficially to the body of patient 9. This can be done, for example, with a small normal force. In other words, the mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is held in place with a small normal force. Subsequently, an oscillatory measurement of, for example, skin tissue can be performed.

[0075] On the right side of the image plane is a user 10 of the mobile rheometer device 1. This could be, for example, medical personnel, such as a surgeon.

[0076] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of another application scenario for a mobile rheometer device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It can, for example, be a mobile rheometer device 1 according to Fig. 1. Act.

[0077] The mobile rheometer device 1 is shown in direct contact with a patient 9. It is conceivable that the mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is at least partially positioned directly inside the body of the patient 9 or only on the body of the patient 9. In other words, the diagnostic procedure can be performed either directly inside or on the body, with the mobile rheometer device 1 and its corresponding components being designed for both scenarios.

[0078] In contrast to the representation in Fig. Figure 5 shows no open area of ​​the patient's body at abdominal level. The mobile rheometer device 1, or the associated rheological measuring device 2, is applied only superficially to the patient's body.

[0079] Before the actual rheological measurements, a tissue sample or fluid from the patient in this area is stained with a contrast agent. Using tomographic methods or similar techniques, at least one result is then obtained, for example, regarding flow behavior or viscoelastic behavior. In the case of flow behavior, a flow profile can be determined. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this using a schematically roughly sketched blood vessel 12, in which appropriately colored blood flows.

[0080] Therefore, it is conceivable that a flow profile of blood in blood vessels 12 can be determined using the mobile rheometer device 1 or the associated rheological measuring device 2. Viscoelastic behavior of samples can be determined using the mobile rheometer device 1 or the associated rheological measuring device 2 by, for example, setting tissue structures or, more generally, structures of the sample in motion by means of an applied, in particular a temporarily applied, electromagnetic field, so that a corresponding rheological characteristic can then be determined.

[0081] On the right side of the image plane is a user 10 of the mobile rheometer device 1. This could be, for example, medical personnel, such as a surgeon.

[0082] In one embodiment, not shown in detail, it is conceivable that the patient's sample 9, for example synovial fluid, blood, pericardial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid, is taken from the body for examination and subsequently returned to the body. The mobile rheometer device 1 or the associated rheological measuring device 2 can be specifically designed for this purpose.

[0083] For example, the mobile rheometer device 1 or the associated rheological measuring device 2 can include means for receiving an incoming tube containing the essentially liquid sample, passing it through the mobile rheometer device 1 or the associated rheological measuring device 2, and then returning it to the patient's body 9 via another tube. Instead of a tube, other transport devices can also be used, whereby a tube made essentially of a plastic or the like is advantageous because it can be flexibly bent in space for the aforementioned actions, resulting in a convenient device 1.

[0084] In this context, it is also conceivable that the extracted fluid or the essentially liquid sample is not subsequently reintroduced into the body, but is disposed of in accordance with the applicable regulations. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 mobile rheometer device 2 rheological measuring device 3 main bodies 4 evaluation units 5 Evaluation program 6 output units 7 Display area 8 first connecting line 9 patients 10 users 11 open positions 12 Blood vessel M procedure M1 first process step M2 second process step M3 third process step M4 fourth process step

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