Patent ID: 6221025
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for measuring skin blood flow comprising:means for applying a predetermined temperature gradient to a portion of skin, thereby to change the temperature thereat from a first temperature to a second temperature;a single temperature sensing element for measuring a temperature at a selected location near to the portion of skin;control means for operating said means for applying a predetermined temperature gradient and, further, for operating said temperature sensing element in first and second operative modes, in said first mode said temperature sensing element measuring a first, reference temperature at said selected location, and in said second mode said temperature sensing element being operable to measure a second temperature at said selected location, wherein, in said second mode, said control means operates said means for applying a predetermined temperature gradient so as to maintain said predetermined gradient between said first and second temperatures; andprocessing means, associated with said temperature sensing element, for evaluating a skin blood flow corresponding to the measured first and second temperatures and the electrical steady-state power required to maintain said predetermined temperature gradient.