Patent ID: 8602999
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implantable flat blood pressure sensing cuff structure comprising: a first portion that comprises a sidewall that extends from a surface and contains a pressure sensor; a second portion that is configured to overlie and be removable relative to the first portion, the first and second portions being configured to provide an aperture extending transversely through the cuff structure for receiving a blood vessel therein generally sandwiched between the first portion and the second portion when the second portion is positioned on the first portion such that the pressure sensor is operative to detect vessel expansion and contraction, wherein a layer of rigid material is disposed within the second portion and in overlying relation relative to the pressure sensor to isolate environmental variation from being coupled to the pressure sensor; and a flexible membrane that retains a fluid within the sidewall of the first portion, the flexible membrane being positioned to interface with the blood vessel to respond to expansion and contraction of said blood vessel that provides blood pressure information, the flexible membrane being configured to conform to the shape of the blood vessel without flattening the blood vessel when interfaced with the blood vessel, the expansion and contraction of the blood vessel being detected by the pressure sensor through coupling of the fluid within the sidewall of the first portion so that a down-scaled version of the blood pressure in the blood vessel is measured by the pressure sensor.