Patent ID: 6219567
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
A system for monitoring the ammoniacal concentration in blood, such blood exhibiting a pH value and being within a vascular system directing a bloodstream extending to peripheral regions of a body remotely disposed from the heart, comprising:a blood by-passing assembly including:a blood transport conduit extending from a proximal end to a distal tip, said distal tip being positionable in blood exchange relationship within said bloodstream at one of said peripheral regions,a blood sampling chamber coupled in blood exchange communication with said blood transport conduit proximal end, anda pump coupled with said sampling chamber and actuable to urge the transport of blood from said bloodstream into said sampling chamber;an ammoniacal component sensor assembly having an ammoniacal component forward assembly located within said sampling chamber and contactable with blood within said sampling chamber, said sensor assembly being controllable to provide an ammoniacal sensor output; anda controller, controllable to control said ammoniacal component sensor assembly, and responsive to said ammoniacal sensor output for deriving a sequence of ammoniacal component parameters under said control, responsive to said ammoniacal component parameters to derive total ammoniacal concentration values and display signals corresponding therewith; anda display assembly responsive to said display signals to provide visibly perceptible information outputs corresponding therewith.