Patent ID: 7763009
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: providing a hollow length of material comprising an inner wall that is reflective to at least one wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum, wherein said length of material comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said distal end comprises a taper; optically coupling light comprising said at least one wavelength into said proximal end; inserting a portion of said taper into a vein having a fluid pressure; and transmitting the light through the distal end of the hollow length of material into the vein, wherein the light reflects off an interior wall of the vein and returns to the proximal end of the hollow length of material; and measuring a change in intensity of the light returning to the proximal end and determining a change in fluid pressure in the vein just beyond the distal end of the hollow length of material.