Patent ID: 8702613
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for determining fractional flow reserve within a luminal organ, the method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning a device comprising at least two sensors within a luminal organ at or near a stenosis, wherein the at least two sensors are separated a predetermined distance from one another; (b) operating the device to determine flow velocity of a second fluid introduced into the luminal organ to temporarily displace a first fluid present within the luminal organ; (c) operating the device to obtain at least one cross-sectional area at or near the stenosis, the at least one cross-sectional area determined from impedance data obtained using (i) the at least two sensors, (ii) at least one additional sensor of the device, or (iii) at least one of the at least two sensors and the at least one additional sensor; and (d) determining fractional flow reserve with a data acquisition and processing system at or near the stenosis using the flow velocity, a pressure measurement indicative of the luminal organ, and the at least one cross-sectional area at or near the stenosis;