Patent ID: 6354999
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting, locating and characterizing changes in a tubular conduit system within a living body for transferring fluids, said apparatus comprising:a signal generator configured to transmit into said tubular conduit a probe signal that changes in response to encountering changes in said tubular conduit system; a signal sensor operative to receive said probe signal follow transmission into said tubular conduit system; a processor unit operatively connected to said signal sensor; a program for controlling the processor unit; said processor unit operative with said program to receive said probe signal following transmission through said tubular conduit system identify changes in said probe signal; detect characteristics of said tabular conduit system, said characteristics of said tubular conduit system being derived form changes in said probe signal; and recognize and assign a value of said characteristic of said tubular conduit system.