Patent ID: 7640056
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method to monitor fluid in a region of interest of a subject, the method comprising: delivering a constant test voltage to create a first lead field in the subject, the first lead field having a first originating location and a first terminating location, the first originating location including a left pectoral region of a thorax of the subject and the first terminating location including a right ventricle of a heart of the subject; measuring a responsive voltage associated with a second lead field in the subject, the second lead field having a second originating location and a second terminating location, the second originating location including a left ventricle of the heart and the second terminating location including the right ventricle of the heart, wherein the first and second lead fields are arranged in a negative sensitivity configuration having substantially opposing field directions at the region of interest, the region of interest located substantially in a left lung region of the subject near the left ventricle and between the first originating location and the second originating location; and calculating a signal indicative of fluid status in the region of interest of the subject using at least the responsive voltage.