Patent ID: 7447543
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of measuring impedance for pathology assessment in a living being, the method comprising: injecting a current between first and second electrodes implanted in a body of a living being, the first and second electrodes defining a first electric lead field in the body, the first electric lead field oriented between the first and second electrodes; measuring a potential difference between third and fourth electrodes implanted in the body, the potential difference resulting from the current injected between the first and second electrodes, the third and fourth electrodes defining a second electric lead field in the body, the second electric lead field oriented between the third and fourth electrodes, wherein the first and second electric lead fields converge near an assessment site within the body, but are substantially separated otherwise; and calculating an impedance value based on the potential difference and the current injection, and using the impedance value to assess a pathology near the assessment site.