Patent ID: 6193669
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
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 following 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 tubular conduit system, said characteristics of said tubular conduit system being derived from changes in said probe signal; andrecognize and assign a value of said characteristic of said tubular conduit system.