Abstract:
An apparatus and method for analyzing physiological conditions in an organ of a living body is disclosed. The pressure within the organ is measured over a period of time and converted to digital electrical signals via a pressure transducer and a digital to analog converter. The digital electrical signals are mathematically analyzed with Fourier transforms and centroid analysis to obtain information concerning changes in physiological conditions in the organ.

Description:
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for analyzing physiological conditions within an organ of a living body and, more particularly, to the analysis of changes in waveforms generated by pressure variations within an organ of the body. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus and method of the invention will be described with reference to the problem of acquiring information concerning the physiological status of the brain by measuring and analyzing variations of pressure within the brain. The invention may also be used to acquire information concerning the physiological status of other types of body organs. 
     Each time the heart beats, it forces blood out into the arteries of the body. A portion of this blood enters the skull to supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The pumping of the blood by the heart creates a pulsation of the blood through the arteries. This pulsation of the blood in the arteries of the brain contributes to the fluid pressure levels in the brain. The fluid pressure in the brain is generally referred to as the &#34;intracranial pressure&#34; or &#34;ICP&#34;. The intracranial pressure is dependent upon several factors including the elastic characteristics of the brain, the volume of cerebro-spinal fluid in the brain and the rate of flow of the blood in the brain. 
     The flow of blood to the brain is automatically regulated by the body to avoid increases in intracranial pressure that might damage the brain. In addition, other regulatory processes in the body operate to keep the level of the intracranial pressure within safe limits. Some of these other regulatory processes include the formation and absorption of cerebro-spinal fluid, maintenance of carbon dioxide levels in the blood, etc. When the brain is subjected to head trauma, internal bleeding, brain tumors or other abnormal conditions, the intracranial pressure may rise to dangerous levels. If the body&#39;s regulatory processes are not able to control the increased intracranial pressure, then death may result. 
     In the treatment of such abnormal brain conditions it is desirable to know the magnitude of the mean value of the intracranial pressure. If the mean intracranial pressure is increasing with time, a worsening of the patient&#39;s condition is indicated and remedial steps may be taken. Techniques currently in use for monitoring changes in intracranial pressure involve the placement of a pressure monitoring device into the skull of the patent to directly measure the actual pressure inside the patient&#39;s head. As the blood pulses through the brain, an intracranial pressure waveform is produced. The mean value of the intracranial pressure waveform is taken to be the mean value of the intracranial pressure. 
     The mean value of the intracranial pressure, however, defines only one parameter in a complex systems of forces operating within the brain. As mentioned above, increases in the intracranial pressure may also be compensated for by changes in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, rate of blood flow, cerebro-spinal fluid formation and absorption and other factors. Because of the interrelationship between these factors, the mean value of the intracranial pressure often shows changes only after the compensating mechanisms have failed. For this reason there have been many attempts made to develop techniques for measuring and monitoring both the cerebral blood flow and the elastic properties of the brain. 
     The elastic capacity of the brain is referred to as the &#34;cerebral compliance&#34;. Compliance is defined as the change in pressure per unit volume of added fluid. One technique currently in use for the measurement of the compliance of the brain involves the injection of fluid into the patient&#39;s intracranial cavity and the direct measurement of the resulting changes in the intracranial pressure. This technique can provide valuable information concerning the degree of severity of a brain injury. However, the technique has severe limitations due to the fact that injections of fluid into the brain may produce dangerous increases in intracranial pressure. Risks of infection are also present. In addition, the injection of fluid may only be done a very few times (often only once every day or two) with the risk of infection and other complications increasing with every injection. For these reasons this technique has not been widely practiced. There currently exists no known prior art system for acquiring information concerning cerebral compliance on a continuous on-line real time basis. 
     In addition, no known prior art technique exists for measuring the changes in the regulation of cerebral blood flow on a continuous on-line real time basis. Complex techniques exist for performing a one time measurement of cerebral blood flow using either injectable tracers or absorbable gases. These techniques, however, are not useful for the continuous monitoring of cerebral blood flow changes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus and method of the invention provides means for measuring changes in cerebral compliance and changes in cerebral blood flow in a patient on a continuous on-line real time basis and means for simultaneously recording the intracranial pressure. 
     The basic principle upon which the apparatus and method of the invention operates is that the brain resonates at a given frequency each time the heart beats. This resonance is due to arterial blood being forced under pressure through the blood vessels of the brain in a pulsatile fashion. The characteristics of this resonance are affected by at least two major parameters. These parameters are (1) the stiffness of the brain which is related to the cerebral compliance and (2) the characteristics of the flow of blood through the brain, i.e., the cerebral blood flow. 
     The apparatus and method of the invention continuously measure and records the intracranial pressure waveform (the &#34;ICP waveform&#34;), analyzes the frequency distribution of the ICP waveform to obtain information from the ICP waveform concerning changes in the brain stiffness parameter and changes in the blood flow parameter. The measured values of these two parameters may be correlated to known values of cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow from single point determinations from noncontinuous off-line techniques to yield the actual quantified values of cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow for the patient being monitored. In addition, the information obtained may be useful in determining volumetric changes in the cerebro-spinal fluid. 
     More particularly, the invention provides means for converting the analog ICP waveform into digital signals and then analyzing the digital signals using fast Fourier transforms and centroid analysis to obtain the vibrational characteristics of the brain. For example, as the brain becomes stiffer it resonates or vibrates at a higher frequency within a characteristic range of frequencies. As the brain becomes softer, it resonates at a lower frequency. Measurement of this change in frequency yields an estimate of cerebral compliance. Similarly, cerebral blood flow has a representative component within the ICP waveform. As the body regulates cerebral blood flow within the brain, the shape of the ICP waveform changes in a definite manner. The changes in the ICP waveform correspond to measurable frequency changes that provide an estimate of the cerebral blood flow in the brain. 
     The invention permits the acquisition and on-line real time computer analysis of information concerning cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow and the simultaneous correlation of that information with the patient&#39;s intracranial pressure. Changes in the patient&#39;s condition may be detected at a very early stage well before any change may be detected in the patient&#39;s mean intracranial pressure. Often by the time the patient&#39;s mean ICP reading begins to change, it is too late to take any remedial action and the patient may suffer neurologic damage or die. With the &#34;early warning&#34; provided by the monitoring system of the invention, the attending physician may detect the beginning of a change in the patient&#39;s condition before the intracranial pressure rises to dangerous levels. The additional information provided by the monitoring system of the invention concerning cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow may be used by the attending physician in evaluating and determining the appropriate therapeutic response in a given case. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for analyzing physiological conditions within an organ of a living body. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for analyzing changes in the waveforms generated by variations of the intracranial pressure in the brain of a patient on a continuous on-line real time basis. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for measuring changes in the cerebral compliance of the brain of a patient and for measuring changes in the cerebral blood flow of the brain of a patient on a continuous on-line real time basis. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide means for measuring and recording the intracranial pressure waveform, analyzing the frequency distribution of the intracranial pressure waveform to obtain information concerning the changes of cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow in the brain of a patient. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide means for converting an analog intracranial pressure waveform into digital signals and analyzing the digital signals using fast Fourier transforms and centroid analysis to obtain information concerning the intracranial pressure, the cerebral compliance and the cerebral blood flow of the brain. 
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the interconnection of the components of the apparatus. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram showing the operation of the respirator gating means. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a typical intracranial pressure waveform and its corresponding frequency distribution. 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of how information concerning the mean intracranial pressure, the cerebral blood flow and the cerebral compliance may be graphically displayed. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of data indicating a physiological state in the brain in which the cerebral blood flow is becoming dangerously low. 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of data indicating a physiological state in the brain in which the cerebral blood flow is becoming dangerously high. 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of data indicating a physiological state in the brain in which the cerebral blood flow has become unregulated. 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of data indicating a physiological state in the brain in which the cerebral blood flow and the cerebral compliance are reasonably well regulated. 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of data indicating a physiological state in the brain in which abrupt changes in the cerebral blood flow, cerebral compliance and intracranial pressure indicate the sudden development of a severe problem. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the patient 10 must undergo an operation in which a small plastic sensor tube 12 is placed into the ventricle of the patient&#39;s brain. The sensor tube 12, referred to as a ventriculostomy, is formed having a small axial passageway through it. The intracranial fluid of the patient&#39;s brain fills the axial passageway of sensor tube 12 and transmits the intracranial pressure within the patient&#39;s brain to an intracranial pressure transducer 14 at the end of sensor tube 12. The intracranial pressure transducer 14 generates an analog voltage signal that is proportional to the intracranial pressure within the brain that is being detected by sensor tube 12. The analog voltage signal representing the intracranial pressure varies over time thereby forming the intracranial pressure waveform. Other forms of intracranial pressure sensors may also provide information suitable for analysis. Alternatively, extracranially positioned pressure sensors may also be used to detect signals that contain information concerning the changes in intracranial pressure. 
     The intracranial pressure (&#34;ICP&#34;) waveform signal is transmitted to a signal monitor 16 for visually monitoring the ICP waveform of the patient. A number of different types of signal monitors 16 may be used for the purpose of monitoring the ICP waveform signal. However, because many commercially available signal monitors do not record signals having very high frequencies, it may be necessary to electronically modify the circuitry of a signal monitor 16 so that it may detect and record signals having frequencies in the range of zero (0.0) cycles per second to thirty five (35.0) cycles per second. Such modifications is within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
     A standard electrocardiograph 18 connected to the patient generates an analog voltage signal that provides information concerning the patient&#39;s heartbeat. This electrocardiograph (&#34;EKG&#34;) signal varies over time thereby forming the EKG waveform. The EKG waveform is transmitted to the signal monitor 16 as shown in FIG. 1. The EKG waveform possesses information that permits the determination of the time relationship between the patient&#39;s heartbeat and the resulting cerebral blood flow. 
     A standard respirator 20 is connected to the patient and a respirator pressure switch 22 is placed into the exhalation valve (not shown) of the respirator 20 in order to obtain information concerning the respiratory cycle of the patient. The respirator pressure switch 22 is a low volume alarm switch capable of determining the timing of each exhalation of the patient&#39;s breath. As will be explained more fully below, the respirator pressure switch 22 actuates the respirator gating means 24 to gate the EKG signal. 
     The ICP and EKG analog waveform signals are transmitted to an analog to digital converter 26 (generally referred to as the &#34;ADC unit&#34;). The ADC unit 26 converts the analog waveform signals of the ICP and EKG into digital signals representing the respective values of the ICP and the EKG analog signals. The digital signals of the ICP and EKG are transmitted from the ADC unit 26 via data bus 28 to the central processing unit 30 (generally referred to as the &#34;CPU&#34;). The CPU 30 is connected to standard computer peripherals including a video display 32 such as a cathode ray tube, a keyboard 34 for input of operator control signals, a printer 36 for recording the information stored and processed in the CPU 30 and a disc memory 37 for on-line storage of data. The CPU 30 is also connected via data bus 38 to a parallel interface unit 40. As will be described more fully below, parallel interface unit 40 receives information via signal lines 42 and 44 concerning the status of certain switches in the respirator gating means 24. The CPU 30 can electronically monitor the status of the switches via the parallel interface unit 40 and data bus 38. 
     The following types of equipment were used to reduce the invention to practice. The types of equipment listed below are illustrative only and other equivalent types of equipment may be used. A Hewlett Packard quartz pressure transducer was used for pressure transducer 14 and a Cordis ventriculostomy tube was used for sensor tube 12. A Hewlett Packard Patient Monitoring System was used for signal monitor 16. Electrocardiograph 18 was incorporated within and a part of the Hewlett Packard Patient Monitoring System. Respirator 20 was a standard volume ventilator. A Tecmar PC-Mate Lab Master board contained the analog to digital converter and associated timing circuitry. The central processing unit was an IBM PC-XT with 512 K of memory and with an 8087 math co-processor for increasing the speed with which the mathematical computations were performed. The video display 32, keyboard 34, printer 36 and disc memory 37 were all standard IBM compatible computer peripherals. 
     It has been empirically determined by the inventor that the brain exhibits different values of cerebral compliance and cerebral blood flow depending upon whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling. This is due to the fact that the normal process of breathing causes changes in thoracic pressure which affects the venous flow of blood from the brain. Therefore, in order to obtain a more regular and correct correlation of the EKG signal with the ICP waveform it is desirable to record the EKG signal only during one half of the respiratory cycle. This information may also be therapeutically useful for determining the acceptable limits of ventilation for a particular patient. 
     The specially constructed respirator gating means 24 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. Respirator gating means 24 permits the EKG signal to be gated to an additional input port in the ADC unit 26 either only during the inspiration half of the respiratory cycle or only during the expiration half of the respiratory cycle. As shown in FIG. 2, the EKG signal is continually transmitted to the ADC unit 26 at the input port labelled &#34;1&#34;. The gated EKG signal is transmitted to the ADC unit 26 at the input port labelled &#34;2&#34; during the selected half of the respiratory cycle. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, a manually operated dual switch 46 controls whether the respiratory gating of the EKG signal will be enabled. When switch 46 is in the &#34;up&#34; position as shown, then the EKG signal present on signal line 48 can reach the number &#34;2&#34; input port of the ADC unit 26 when the other switches are also appropriately set. When switch 46 is in the &#34;up&#34; position, then signal line 42 is connected to a voltage source which provides a signal to CPU 30 via the parallel interface unit 40 and data bus 38 that indicates that the respiratory gating mode has been selected. When switch 46 is in the &#34;down&#34; position, then the EKG signal reaching the number &#34;2&#34; input port of the ADC unit 26 is the ungated EKG signal present on signal line 50. When switch 46 is in the &#34;down&#34; position, then signal line 42 is connected to ground and no signal is present on signal line 42. CPU 30 interprets the absence of a signal on signal line 42 as an indication that the respiratory gating mode has not been selected. 
     Automatically operated switch 52 is operated in response to the output of respirator pressure switch 22. When the patient is breathing in, then respirator pressure switch 22 causes switch 52 to move to the &#34;up&#34; position within signal line 48 as shown in FIG. 2. When the patient is breathing out, then respirator pressure switch 22 causes switch 52 to move to the &#34;down&#34; position within signal line 48. 
     A manually operated dual switch 54 determines whether the inspiration half or the expiration half of the respiratory cycle will be selected. When switch 54 is in the &#34;up&#34; position as shown, then the EKG signal present on signal line 48 can reach the number &#34;2&#34; input port of the ADC unit 26 only when the patient is breathing in (and switch 46 is in the &#34;up&#34; position to enable respiratory gating). When switch 52 is in the &#34;up&#34; position, then signal line 44 is connected to a voltage source which provides a signal to CPU 30 via the parallel interface unit 40 and data bus 38 that indicates that the inspiration half of the respiratory cycle has been selected. When switch 54 is in the &#34;down&#34; position, then the EKG signal present on signal line 48 can reach the number &#34;2&#34; input port of the ADC unit 26 only when the patient is breathing out (and switch 46 is in the &#34;up&#34; position to enable respiratory gating). When switch 52 is in the &#34;down&#34; position, then signal line 44 is connected to ground and no signal is present on signal line 44. CPU 30 interprets the absence of a signal on signal line 44 as an indication that the expiration half of the respiratory cycle has been selected. 
     The ICP analog waveform signal and the gated EKG analog waveform signal are transmitted to the ADC unit 26 where the analog waveform signals are converted into digital values. The digital values are transmitted via data bus 28 to the CPU 30 where they serve as input to the computer program for mathematically analyzing the waveform signals. 
     The computer program employs a fast Fourier transform algorithm of a type well known in the art to calculate the frequency distribution of the ICP waveform. The Fourier transform yields the spectrum of the ICP waveform in the form of the power density as a function of frequency. A typical ICP waveform and its corresponding frequency distribution are shown in FIG. 3. The majority of the frequency contribution is seen to be due to the lower frequencies. Because the decibel vertical co-ordinate for the frequency distribution is on a logarithmic scale, it is seen that the higher frequencies have a much smaller contribution than the lower frequencies. 
     In addition to the fast Fourier transform algorithm, the computer program comprises a number of specially written subroutines for preparing the input data, calculating the centroid of a range of frequencies, rejecting data due to artifacts in the data acquisition process, trending and plotting the data, and similar functions. The detailed mathematical calculations involved in the algorithms and subroutines are set forth in the listing of the computer program in the Appendix. 
     The frequency distribution of the ICP waveform comprises the range of frequencies created by the vibration of the brain. It has been empirically determined that the brain resonates or &#34;rings&#34; at a frequency of approximately eight (8.0) cycles per second. Of course, this &#34;resonant&#34; frequency of the brain is merely the predominant frequency of a range of frequencies present in the frequency distribution of the measured ICP waveform. The measured ICP waveform may have components of frequency with frequencies up to twenty-five (25.0) cycles per second. Beyond this limit there is little contribution to the ICP waveform due to the fact that the brain does not resonate at high frequencies. 
     It has been empirically observed that the cerebral compliance of the brain is correlated with the value of the centroid of a range of frequencies around approximately eight (8.0) cycles per second. The centroid is a center of balance of the range or &#34;window&#34; of frequencies that represents the point where the frequency distribution is mainly concentrated. The cerebral compliance centroid (Centroid 2 in the computer program) is calculated from a window of frequencies chosen with the lower limit of four (4.0) cycles per second and with the upper limit of fifteen (15.0) cycles per second. Of course, other ranges of frequency would be chosen for other types of organs depending upon the resonance characteristics of the particular organ being monitored. As the cerebral compliance increases, so does the value of the cerebral compliance centroid. In physical terms this means that as the brain becomes &#34;stiffer&#34; it resonates or &#34;rings&#34; at a higher frequency. As the cerebral compliance decreases, so does the value of the cerebral compliance centroid. In physical terms this means that as the brain becomes &#34;softer&#34; it resonates or &#34;rings&#34; at a lower frequency. By monitoring the value of the cerebral compliance centroid over time it is possible to obtain information concerning the status of the patient&#39;s cerebral compliance on a continuous on-line real time basis. 
     Similarly, it has been empirically determined that the cerebral blood flow of the brain is correlated with the value of the centroid of a range of frequencies around approximately one and one half (1.5) cycles per second. The cerebral blood flow centroid (Centroid 1 in the computer program) is calculated from a window of frequencies chosen with the lower limit of two tenths (0.2) cycles per second and with the upper limit of three (3.0) cycles per second. As the cerebral blood flow increases, so does the value of the cerebral blood flow centroid. In physical terms this means that as the blood flows more quickly through the brain, the brain resonates or &#34;rings&#34; at a higher frequency. As the cerebral blood flow decreases, so does the value of the cerebral blood flow centroid. In physical terms this means that as the blood flows more slowly through the brain, the brain resonates or &#34;rings&#34; at a lower frequency. By monitoring the value of the cerebral blood flow centroid over time it is possible to obtain information concerning the status of the patient&#39;s cerebral blood flow on a continuous on-line real time basis. 
     At very low levels of cerebral blood flow anomalous condition has been empirically observed. When the rate of cerebral blood flow drops to twenty five (25.0) to twenty (20.0) milliliters of blood per one hundred (100.0) grams of brain per minute, then the value of the cerebral blood flow centroid goes up instead of down as one would normally expect. At such low levels of cerebral blood flow, the value of the cerebral compliance centroid goes down as one would normally expect. These results are due to the fact that at such low levels of cerebral blood flow there is no longer enough blood flow to generate the resonant frequency in the brain. 
     The listing of the computer program set forth in the Appendix discloses in detail the techniques used to mathematically analyze the ICP waveform signals. The computer program comprises one master program called &#34;ICP&#34; and a number of subroutines. The master program calls the subroutines to perform specific tasks. One subroutine initializes the analog to digital converter 26 to receive the analog ICP and EKG waveform signals. The trigger subroutine initiates data acquisition in response to the timing signals derived from the EKG waveform signal. The acquisition subroutine acquires the desired channels of information and stores them in an array within the memory of the central processing unit 30. The windowing subroutine selects exactly one complete cycle of data. The fast Fourier transform subroutine calculates the frequency distribution of the ICP waveform. The centroid subroutine calculates the cerebral compliance centroid and the cerebral blood flow centroid. The plotting subroutine graphically presents the data of the ICP waveform and the calculated values of the centroids. Similarly, the printing subroutine prints out the relevant data. 
     In summary form, the actual calculations occur in the following order. The central processing unit 30 waits for the QRS complex component of the EKG waveform which signals the beginning of a cardiac cycle. The central processing unit 30 then collects data at one hundred (100) samples per second per channel for two hundred fifty six (256) points of data. Then, the data is windowed to obtain exactly one full cycle with the ending pressure equal to the beginning pressure. The remainder of the array in which the data is placed is filled with zeros. Next the Fourier transform is calculated and the results of that calculation are used to calculate the centroids. As previously explained, the cerebral compliance centroid is presently calculated from a window of frequencies from four (4.0) cycles per second to fifteen (15.0) cycles per second and the cerebral blood flow centroid is calculated from a window of frequencies from two tenths (0.2) cycle per second to three (3.0) cycles per second. These values are under operator control and may be changed through the computer program. The values of the two centroids may then be printed or plotted on the video display 32 or the printer 36. In addition, either the original ICP and EKG waveforms or the transform of the ICP waveform may be graphically displayed on video display 32. The data may also be stored in the disc memory 37 for later retrieval and off-line analysis. 
     FIG. 4 depicts an example of how the data and the results of the analysis may be graphically displayed on video display 32 or on printer 36. The time scale on the graph shows five time segments of twelve minutes each for each hour of time. The time segments are staggered vertically for ease of recognition. The mean intracranial pressure is plotted in units of millimeters of mercury (&#34;mmHg&#34;) versus time. The cerebral blood flow is plotted in units of milliliters per minute (&#34;ml/min&#34;) versus time. The cerebral compliance is plotted in units of cycles per second (&#34;cps&#34;) versus time. A graph of signal abberations due to artifacts in the recording process is displayed with the data to aid in the detection of erroneous readings. 
     The on-line real time simultaneous trending of the cerebral blood flow information and the cerebral compliance information together with the simultaneous presentation of the mean intracranial pressure in the form described above provides a valuable diagnostic tool for use in a variety of clinical situations. The value of the diagnostic technique may be seen by considering a few examples. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, one sees a situation in which the cerebral blood flow is decreasing with time. When a decrease in cerebral blood flow is followed by a sudden rise in the means intracranial pressure it provides an early warning of dangerously low cerebral blood flow which could lead to ischemia and stroke. The observed drop in the value of cerebral compliance is due to the decreased volume of blood in the brain. 
     A second situation is depicted in the graphs shown in FIG. 6. Here the value of the cerebral blood flow is very high and a condition known as &#34;hyperemia&#34; exists. The high levels of cerebral blood flow increases the &#34;stiffness&#34; of the brain causing the observed values of cerebral compliance to also he high. The intracranial pressure shows variations due to the fact that at high levels of cerebral blood flow it is difficult for the body to properly regulate the intracranial pressure. It is important to detect this condition and distinguish it from the low cerebral blood flow condition in order to apply the appropriate therapy. The therapy for increased levels of cerebral blood flow would attempt to lower the patient&#39;s blood pressure in general and the patient&#39;s cerebral perfusion pressure in particular. 
     FIG. 7 depicts another physiological state in the patient&#39;s brain. In this case the patient has lost the capacity to control the cerebral blood flow. The cerebral blood flow is alternately increasing and decreasing with time. This condition may occur in cases of severe brain injury. The intracranial pressure is also fluctuating with time out of phase with the cerebral blood flow. That is, when the intracranial pressure is up, the cerebral blood flow is down, and vice versa. The cerebral blood flow in this condition decreases to dangerously low levels each time the intracranial pressure increases. This is a very bad prognostic sign. Therapy would be directed at stabilizing the fluctuations in the intracranial pressure. 
     The physiological state of the brain depicted in FIG. 8 is one in which the cerebral blood flow is relatively stable as is the cerebral compliance. Although there are some fluctuations in the intracranial pressure, the brain is reasonably well stabilized. This pattern indicated a well compensated injury and a good prognosis for recovery. 
     FIG. 9 depicts a physiological state in which there is an acute change of cerebral blood flow and cerebral compliance from previous values. The cerebral blood flow has decreased rather abruptly and the cerebral compliance has increased rather abruptly. The changes in the cerebral blood flow and the cerebral compliance precede the change in the intracranial pressure due to the fact that the increase in the intracranial pressure does not occur until after the body&#39;s compensating mechanisms have failed. This pattern indicates the development of a severe problem such as a hematoma postoperative. Early detection of this condition is essential for life preserving measures to be successful. 
     The examples discussed above illustrate the clinical utility of a continuous on-line real time measurement of the cerebral compliance, cerebral blood flow and the mean intracranial pressure in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with brain disorders or injuries. The invention provides means for obtaining a more accurate diagnosis, means for detecting problems at an early stage of development, means for evaluating the effects of treatment and means for obtaining valuable information for prognostic determinations. 
     Other forms of pressure sensors may be used to acquire the waveform information for analysis. For example, recordings may be taken from waveform variations in the veins that drain from the brain into the neck. Alternatively, it may be possible to take recordings from waveform variations in the surface of the eye as the eye pulsates in response to fluctuations in pressure within the brain. Techniques such as these would permit a less invasive and more clinically useful monitoring method in that surgery would not be necessary to acquire the intracranial pressure waveform. 
     Similarly, the methods embodied in the invention may be applied to analyze waveforms from other parts of the body to gain similar types of information. Organs which may be adaptable to the analysis techniques of the invention include the heart, the kidney, the lungs and other organs. For example, the compliance of the heart wall may be determined in a fashion similar to that used to determine the cerebral compliance. 
     Therefore, it is clear that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 
     10 patient 
     12 sensor 
     14 pressure transducer 
     16 signal monitor 
     18 electrocardiograph 
     20 respirator 
     22 respirator pressure switch 
     24 respirator gating means 
     26 analog to digital converter 
     28 data bus 
     30 central processing unit 
     32 video display 
     34 keyboard 
     36 printer 
     37 disc memory 
     38 data bus 
     40 parallel interface unit 
     42 signal line 
     44 signal line 
     46 manual dual switch 
     48 signal line 
     50 signal line 
     52 automatic switch 
     54 manual dual switch ##SPC1##