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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a medical method for at least partially automatic
diagnosis and, optionally, treatment. This invention also relates to a
system for implementing such a method. More specifically, this invention
relates to a method and an associated system for automatically diagnosing
condition based on the sizes and dimensions of an internal organ of a
patient and, optionally, for treating the condition to alleviate possible
results thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When the spleen suffers a blunt trauma, a subcapsular hematoma frequently
results. The hematoma may resolve itself naturally in the course of time.
However, in some cases, the spleen ruptures and hemorrhaging occurs. The
hemorrhaging may be fatal to the patient.
Because of the possible fatality, patients who have been diagnosed as
having a spleen with a subcapsular hematoma are generally kept in a
hospital and subjected regularly to scanning by a CAT scan or NMR
apparatus. In each scan, the monitoring personnel compare the physical
condition or dimensions of the spleen, and particularly the hematoma, with
previously recorded or detected dimensions. In the event that the hematoma
begins to increase in size, the patient is scheduled for immediate
surgery.
Even with conscientious monitoring by hospital personnel, the spleens of
such patients nevertheless rupture with disastrous consequences. Moreover,
patients who are otherwise fine and whose splenic hemtoma eventually
subsides roam the halls of hospitals and monopolize valuable bed space.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a medical diagnostic
system and a related diagnostic method.
A more particular object of the present invention is to provide such a
diagnostic system and method which reduces medical diagnosis costs.
Another particular object of the present invention is to provide such a
diagnostic system and method which can be used by persons having less
training than traditional physicians.
A further particular object of the present invention is to provide an at
least partially automated diagnostic system and method.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for
automatically diagnosing structural changes in an internal organ of a
patient.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a method for
automatically alerting hospital personnel of a possible fatal condition in
a patient.
Another, more specific, object of the present invention is to provide such
a method for automatically monitoring a spleen or a blood vessel for
changes in structure signaling a possibly imminent spleen or aneurysm
rupture.
A further specific object of the present invention is to provide a method
for automatically instituting a treatment upon detection of an internal
structural change.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system or
device for use in a method in accordance with the present invention.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the
drawings and detailed descriptions herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A medical method in accordance with the present invention comprises the
steps of (a) scanning a predetermined internal organ of a patient to
collect individualized dimensional data about the organ, (b) digitizing
the data, (c) automatically storing encoded structural dimensions of the
organ at different times, (d) automatically comparing dimensions of the
organ with previously stored dimensions of the organ to determine changes
in dimensions of the organ, and (e) automatically generating a cognizable
signal upon a determination that dimensions of the organ have changed so
as to indicate a dangerous condition of the patient.
According to another feature of the present invention, the method further
comprises the step of therapeutically affecting function of the organ to
alleviate the possibly dangerous condition. More specifically,
particularly in the case where a traumatized portion of a spleen or an
aneurysm in a blood vessel is increasing in size, a step may be
automatically undertaken to reduce blood flow to the organ. That step may
be implemented by inflating a balloon in an artery feeding the organ to
thereby block blood flow in the artery. The balloon is implanted in the
patient prior to the scanning of the subject organ.
According to a further feature of the present invention, generation of the
cognizable signal may be implemented by transmitting an electromagnetic
signal over telephone lines to a remote monitoring facility. Pursuant to a
specific feature of the present invention, the electromagnetic signal is a
wireless signal, the step of transmitting includes the step of wirelessly
transmitting the wireless signal.
The scanning of the internal organ may be accomplished by attaching a
scanning device to the patient and operating the scanning device to
determine dimensions of the organ.
According to an additional feature of the present invention, the method
further comprises the steps of (a) transmitting the digitized data to a
remote monitoring facility, (b) receiving instructions from the facility,
and (c) manually moving the scanning device from one location to another
in response to the instructions, each such location being juxtaposed to
the patient.
According to yet another feature of the present invention, the scanning of
the internal organ is achieved by generating an ultrasonic pressure wave,
monitoring the pressure wave upon reflection thereof by internal organs,
and generating an electrical signal encoding the reflected ultrasonic
pressure waves.
Alternatively, the scanning of the internal organ may be implemented by
automatically monitoring byproducts of radioactive decay. In this case, a
radioactive substance is injected or otherwise dispensed within the body
so as to be absorbed, for example, into the spleen. As the substance
decays, the radioactive byproducts reveal the dimensions (shape,
configuration, size) of the organ and its parts.
A medical system comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a
scanner juxtaposable to a patient for collecting individualized
dimensional data about a predetermined internal organ of the patient, a
digitizer operatively connected to the scanner for digitizing the data,
and a memory for storing encoded structural dimensions of the organ at
different times. A computer is operatively connected to the memory and the
digitizer for comparing dimensions of the organ with previously stored
dimensions of the organ to determine changes in dimensions of the organ.
An alarm generator is operatively connected to the computer for generating
a cognizable signal upon a determination by the computer that dimensions
of the organ have changed so as to indicate a possibly dangerous condition
of the patient.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the system
further comprises a treatment device operatively connected to the computer
and adapted for implantation into the patient for therapeutically
affecting function of the organ to alleviate the possibly dangerous
condition upon the determination by the computer that dimensions of the
organ have changed so as to indicate such possibly dangerous condition.
The treatment device may operate to at least partially reduce blood flow to
the subject organ upon the determination by the computer that dimensions
of the organ have changed so as to indicate a possibly dangerous
condition. Specifically, the treatment device may take the form of a
balloon disposable in an artery feeding the organ and an inflation
component operatively connected to the balloon for inflating the balloon
to block blood flow in the artery.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the alarm
generator may include a transmitter for transmitting to a remote
monitoring facility an electomagnetic signal encoding the change in
dimensions of the organ. The electromagnetic signal may be a wireless
signal.
Preferably, the scanner is portable, the system further comprising a
fastener for attaching the scanner to the patient. In such a portable
system, the digitizer, the memory, and the computer are all mounted to a
housing.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the
scanner includes an electroacoustic transducer for generating an
ultrasonic pressure wave and an acoustoelectric transducer for generating
an electrical signal encoding reflected ultrasonic pressure waves received
by the scanner.
Alternatively, the scanner includes a monitor for detecting byproducts of
radioactive decay.
A method in accordance with the present invention serves in the automatic
diagnosis of structural changes in an internal organ of a patient. Such
changes change be detected immediately. Accordingly, the method is
particularly effective where a change in size is sudden and may not be
timely detected by conventional monitoring procedures. Hospital personnel
are automatically and immediately alerted as to a possible fatal condition
in a patient such as an imminent spleen or aneurysm rupture.
A method in accordance with the present invention automatically institutes
a treatment such as the blockage of blood flow to or through the subject
organ, thereby minimizing hemorrhaging prior to treatment by surgeons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a medical diagnostic system.
FIG. 2 is a flow-chart diagram illustrating steps in a mode of operation of
the diagnostic system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a flow-chart diagram illustrating steps in another mode of
operation of the diagnostic system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 a block diagram of a further medical diagnostic system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the composition of a data string or module used
in the system of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computerized slide scanning system.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a device for measuring a diagnostic parameter
and transmitting the measurement over the telephone lines.
FIG. 8 is a diagram of an ultrasonography device.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modification of the device of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a system for automatically
diagnosing and treating internal structural changes signifying imminent
dangerous conditions.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the system of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram of parts of a modification of the system of
FIGS. 10 and 11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a medical diagnostic system comprises a device 20
for monitoring and measuring a biological or physiological parameter.
Monitoring and measuring device 20 is juxtaposable to a patient for
collecting individualized medical data about the patient's condition.
Device 20 may take the form of an electronic thermometer, an electronic
blood pressure gauge, a pulmonary function apparatus, a doppler study
apparatus, an EEG machine, an EKG machine, an EMG machine, or a pressure
measurement device, etc., or include a plurality of such components.
Monitoring and measuring device 20 is connected at an output to a digitizer
22 which converts normally analog type signals into coded binary pulses
and transmits the resulting digital measurement signal to a computer 24.
Digitizer 22 may be incorporated into a housing (not shown) enclosing all
or part of the monitoring and measuring device 20. Moreover, digitizer may
be an integral part of monitoring and measuring device 20.
Computer 24 receives instructions and additional input from a keyboard 26.
Keyboard 26 is used to feed computer 24 information for identifying the
patient, for example, the patient's age, sex, weight, and known medical
history and conditions. Such medical conditions may include past diseases
and genetic predispositions.
Computer 24 is also connected to an external memory 28 and an output device
30 such as a printer or monitor. Memory 28 stores medical data for a
multiplicity of previously diagnosed medical conditions which are
detectable by analysis of data provided by monitoring and measuring device
20.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, monitoring and measuring device 20 detects a
magnitude of a predetermined biological or physiological parameter in a
step 32. Digitizer 22 converts the detected magnitude into a
pre-established digital format in a step 34 and transmits the digital
signal to computer 24 in a step 36. Computer 24 is operated in a step 38
to compare the digitized data from monitoring and measuring device 20 with
the data stored in memory 28 and to derive a diagnosis as to the patient's
condition. The diagnosis is then communicated to the user (operator) and
to the patient via output device 30 in a step 40.
If monitoring and measuring device 20 measures a physiological function
characterized by a plurality of different variables, for example, the
electric potential at different points on the patient's body (EEG, EKG,
EMG), these variables may be broken down by computer 24 into one or more
parameters, e.g., a frequency packet. The measured values of the
pre-established parameters are then compared with parameter ranges stored
in memory 28 for the type of parameter and the kind of patient, as
characterized by sex, age, weight, etc. If the measured values of the
pre-established parameters fall within expected ranges, as stored in
memory 28, then computer 28 communicates a "normalcy" finding via printer
30. If, on the contrary, the measured values of one or more parameters
fall outside the normal ranges, then a diagnosis of a possible medical
condition is printed out.
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the medical diagnostic system may
comprise, in addition to or alternatively to monitoring and measuring
device 20, an image generating apparatus or scanner 42 for generating in
electrically encoded form a visually readable image of an organic part of
the patient. Scanner 42 may take the form of an MRI apparatus, a CAT
scanner, an X-ray machine, an ultrasonography apparatus, or a video camera
with or without magnification optics for magnifying a sample on a slide.
The video camera can be used for obtaining an image of a portion of a
patient's skin.
Scanner 42 is connected via an interface 44 to computer 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, scanner 42 obtains an image of a tissue or organ in a
step 46. The image is digitized, either by scanner 42 or interface 44 in a
step 48, and is transmitted to computer 24 in a step 50. Computer 24 is
operated in a step 52 to analyze the image from scanner 42 and determine
specific values for a multiplicity of predetermined parameters. For
example, in the event that scanner 42 takes the particular form of a video
camera for dermatological diagnosis, an image of a skin surface of a
patient is analyzed by computer 24 to derive such parameters as percentage
of skin covered by abnormal condition, the range of sizes of individual
ulcers, the range of color variation (e.g., whether bleeding is
symptomatic).
The specific values of pre-established parameters calculated by computer 24
from electrically encoded images transmitted from scanner 42 are compared
by computer 24 with previously determined parameter ranges stored in
memory 28. For example, if a pregnant woman's fetus is being scanned by
ultrasonography, the lengths of the fetal appendages, arms, legs, fingers,
etc., are compared with each other and with respective fetal appendage
ranges recorded in memory 28 for the stage of pregnancy, weight of the
fetus, and possibly weight of the mother. In the event that any appendages
are missing or are of abnormal length, a diagnosis as to possible
deformity is printed out. Organs internal to the fetus may be similarly
examined automatically by scanner 42 and computer 24. In more advanced
stages of pregnancy, physiological functions such as the heart rate of the
fetus may be automatically monitored for abnormal conditions.
The analysis performed by computer 24 on the image from scanner 42 will
depend in part on the region of the patient's body being scanned. If a
woman's breast or a person's cortex is being monitored for tumorous
growths, computer 24 is programmed to separate the tissue image into
regions of different textures. The different textured regions are
parameterized as to size, shape and location and the derived parameters
are compared to values in memory 30 to determine the presence of a tumor.
Additional analysis is undertaken to detect lines in an image which may
indicate the presence of an organic body.
A similar analysis is undertaken to evaluate a tissue specimen on a slide.
The texture and line scanning may be repeated at different magnification
levels if, for example, the tissue sample is a slice of an organ wall. On
a high magnification level, the texture and line analysis can serve to
detect microorganisms in blood.
Memory 28 may store entire images related to different diseases. For
example, memory may store images of skin conditions in the event that
scanner 42 takes the form of a video camera at a dermatological diagnosis
and treatment facility. In a step 54 (FIG. 3), computer 24 compares the
image of a patient's skin with previously stored images in memory 28, for
example, by breaking down the current image into sections and overlaying
the sections with sections of the stored images, at variable magnification
levels.
In the event that scanner 42 takes the form of an MRI apparatus or CAT
scanner, the images stored in memory 28 are of internal organic
structures. In step 54 (FIG. 3), computer 24 compares images of a person's
internal organs with previously stored organ images in memory 28. Computer
24 partitions the image from the MRI apparatus or CAT scanner into
subareas and overlays the subareas with sections of the stored images, at
variable magnification levels.
In a final step 40 (FIG. 3), computer 24 communicates the results of its
diagnostic evaluation to a user or patient.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, a medical diagnostic system comprises a plurality
of remote automated diagnostic stations 60a and 60b connected via
respective telecommunications links 62a and 62b to a central computer 64.
Each diagnostic station 60a, 60b may take the form shown in FIG. 1, local
computer 24 communicating via link 62a, 62b with central computer 64.
Alternatively, each diagnostic station 60a, 60b may take the form shown in
FIG. 4 and include a respective plurality of monitoring and measuring
devices 66a, 66b, . . . 66n operatively connected to a local computer 68
via respective digitizer output units 70a, 70b, . . . 70n. Computer 68 is
fed instructions and data from a keyboard 72 and communicates diagnostic
results via a monitor 74 or printer 76. As discussed hereinabove with
reference to monitoring and measuring device 20 of FIG. 1, each monitoring
and measuring device 66a, 66b, . . . 66n is juxtaposable to a patient for
collecting individualized medical data about the patient's condition.
Monitoring and measuring devices 66a, 66b, . . . 66n may respectively take
the form of an electronic thermometer, an electronic blood pressure gauge,
a pulmonary function apparatus, a doppler study apparatus, an EEG machine,
an EKG machine, an EMG machine, or a pressure measurement device, etc.
Digitizers 70a, 70b, . . . 70n convert normally analog type signals into
coded binary pulses and transmit the resulting digital measurement signals
to computer 68. Digitizers 70a, 70b, . . . 70n may be incorporated into
the housings or casing (not shown) enclosing all or part of the respective
monitoring and measuring devices 66a, 66b, . . . 66n.
Keyboard 72 is used to feed computer 68 information for identifying the
patient, for example, the patient's age, sex, weight, and known medical
history and conditions. Such medical conditions may include past diseases
and genetic predispositions.
As further illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of diagnostic image
generating apparatuses or scanners 78a, 78b, . . . 78i are also connected
to central computer 64 via respective telecommunications links 80a, 80b, .
. . 80i. Scanners 78a, 78b, . . . 78i each generate in electrically
encoded form a visually readable image of an organic part of the patient.
Scanners 78a, 78b, . . . 78i may each take the form of an MRI apparatus, a
CAT scanner, an X-ray machine, an ultrasonography apparatus, or a video
camera with or without magnification optics for magnifying a sample on a
slide.
Because of the enormous quantity of data necessary for storing images,
central computer 64 is connected to a bank of memories 82 at a central
storage and information processing facility 84. Diagnosis of patient
conditions may be undertaken by central computer 64 alone or in
cooperation with local computers 24 or 68.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, local computers 24 and 68 transmit information to
central computer 64 in data packets or modules each include a first string
of binary bits 86 representing the transmitting station 60a, 60b, a second
bit string 88 identifying the patient, a bit group 90 designating the
parameter which is being transmitted, another bit group 92 coding the
particular measured value of the parameter, a set of bits 94 identifying
the point on the patient at which the measurement was taken, and another
bit set 96 carrying the time and date of the measurement. Other bit codes
may be added as needed.
As shown in FIG. 6, a computerized slide scanning system comprises a slide
carrier 100 mountable to a microscope stage and a slide positioning device
102 mechanically linked to the slide carrier 100 for shifting the carrier
along a path determined by a computer 104. Computer 104 may be connected
to an optional transport or feed assembly 106 which delivers a series of
slides (not shown) successively to slide carrier 100 and removes the
slides after scanning.
Computer 104 is also connected to an optical system 108 for modifying the
magnification power thereof between successive slide scanning phases.
Light emerging from optical system 108 is focused thereby onto a charge
coupled device ("CCD") 110 connected to computer 104 for feeding digitized
video images thereto.
Computer 104 performs a line and texture analysis on the digitized image
information from CCD 110 to determine the presence of different organic
structures and microorganisms. The different textured regions are
parameterized as to size, shape and location and the derived parameters
are compared to values in a memory to identify microscopic structures. The
texture and line scanning is repeated at different magnification levels.
Computer 104 may be connected to a keyboard 112, a printer 114, and a modem
116. Modem 116 forms part of a telecommunications link for connecting
computer 104 to a remote data processing unit such as computer 64 in FIG.
4.
Image generating apparatus 42 in FIG. 1 may take the form of the
computerized slide scanning system of FIG. 6.
As shown in FIG. 7, a device for measuring a diagnostic parameter and
transmitting the measurement over the telephone lines comprises a
monitoring and measuring device 118 which may take the form, for example,
of an electronic thermometer, an electronic blood pressure gauge, a
pulmonary function apparatus, a doppler study apparatus, an EEG machine,
an EKG machine, an EMG machine, or a pressure measurement device, etc., or
include a plurality of such components. Monitoring and measuring device
118 is connected at an output to a digitizer 120 which in turn is coupled
to a modulator 122. Modulator 122 modulates a carrier frequency from a
frequency generator 124 with the data arriving from monitoring and
measuring device 118 via digitizer 120 and transmits the modulated signal
to an electro-acoustic transducer 126 via an amplifier 128. Transducer 126
is removably attachable via a mounting element 130 to the mouthpiece of a
telephone handset (not shown) and generates a pressure wave signal which
is converted by a microphone in the handset mouthpiece back to an
electrical signal for transmission over the telephone lines. Of course,
transducer 126 may be omitted and modulator 122 connected directly to a
telephone line.
The system of FIG. 7 enables the transmission of specialized medical data
directly over the telephone lines to a central computer (e.g. computer 64
in FIG. 4) which utilizes the incoming data to perform a diagnostic
evaluation on the patient.
Monitoring and measuring device 118 may include traditional medical
instrumentation such as a stethoscope or modern devices such as a CCD.
FIG. 8 shows an ultrasonographic image generating apparatus which may be
used in the medical diagnostic system of FIG. 1 (see reference designation
42) or in the medical diagnostic system of FIG. 4 (see reference
designations 78a, 78b, . . . 78i). A flexible web 132 carries a plurality
of piezoelectric electroacoustic transducers 134 in a substantially
rectangular array. Tranducers 134 are each connectable to an ultrasonic
signal generator 136 via a switching circuit 138. Switching circuit 138 is
operated by a control unit 140 to connect tranducers 134 to signal
generator 136 in a predetermined sequence, depending on the area of a
patient's body which is being ultrasonically scanned.
Web 132 also carries a multiplicity of acoustoelectric transducers or
sensors 142 also arranged in a substantially rectangular array. Sensors
142 are connected to a switching circuit 144 also operated by control unit
140. An output of switching circuit 144 is connected to a sound analyzer
146 via an amplifier 148.
Web 132 is draped over or placed around a portion of a patient's body which
is to be monitored ultrasonically. Control unit 140 then energizes signal
generator 136 and operates switching circuit 138 to activate transducers
134 in a predetermined sequence. Depending on the transducer or
combination of transducers 134 which are activated, control unit 140
operates switching circuit 144 to connect a predetermined sequence of
sensors 142 to sound analyzer 146. Sound analyzer 146 and control unit 140
cofunction to determine three dimensional structural shapes from the
echoes detected by sensors 142.
Control unit 140 is connected to ultrasonic signal generator 136 for
varying the frequency of the generated signal.
FIG. 9 shows a modified ultrasonography web 150 having a limited number of
electroacoustic transducers 152 and generally the same number and
disposition of sensors 154 as in web 132.
Web 132 or 150 may be substantially smaller than illustrated and may
corresponding carry reduced numbers of transducers 134 and 152 and sensors
142 and 154. Specifically, web 132 or 150, instead of being a sheet large
enough to wrap around a torso or arm of a patient, may take a strip-like
form which is periodically moved during use to different, predetermined
locations on the patient. Control unit 140 and sound analyzer 146 are
programmed to detect internal organic structures from the data obtained at
the different locations that the web 132 or 150 is juxtaposed to the
patient.
As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a medical diagnostic and treatment
system comprises a scanner pad 160 provided on one side with a two-sided
(replaceable) adhesive layer 162 which is attachable to the skin of a
patient in the region of the spleen or an aortic aneurysm for collecting
individualized dimensional data about a splenic hematoma or the aneurysm.
Pad 160 carries one or more ultrasonic electroacoustic transducers 164 and
a plurality of ultrasonic acoustoelectric transducers 166.
Transducer 164 is connected via a lead 168 to an ultrasonic signal
generator 170 disposed in a housing 172 and energized periodically under
the control of a microprocessor or computer 174, whereby transducer 164
produces ultrasonic pressure waves of a predetermined frequency and
intensity for transmission through the organic tissues of the patient to
the subject organ. The ultrasonic pressure waves are reflected by the
organ, and particularly by the structural defect thereof, to transducers
or sensors 166.
Transducers or sensors 166 are connected via respective leads 176 to a
switching circuit 178 operated under the control of microprocessor 174.
Ultrasonic-frequency electrical signals generated by transducers 166 are
switched by circuit 178 to an amplifer 180 and a digitizer 182. Digitizer
182 is connected at an output to microprocessor 174.
The ultrasonic signals from transducers 166 are analyzed by microprocessor
174 to determined the shape, contours, dimensions, size, etc., of the
subject organ or part of the organ. The results of this analysis are
stored by microprocessor 174 in a memory 184.
Microprocessor 174 accesses memory 184 to compare previously stored
dimensional data with incoming dimensional data to determine whether there
has been any significant change in the size of the organ or organ part
being monitored. In the event that microprocessor 174 detects such a
change, an activating signal is fed by microprocessor 174 to an alarm
generator 186. Alarm generator 186 may take the form of an electroacoustic
transducer or loudspeaker or some other device which produces a cognizable
signal recognized by hospital personnel. Alternatively or additionally,
microprocessor 174 sends an electromagnetic activating signal via an
optionally wireless transmitter 188 to a remote monitoring facility or
station (not shown) in a hospital. An alarm may be generated at the remote
station identifying the patient and the dangerous condition. Of course,
the signal from microprocessor 174 is coded to identify the patient and
the patient's location.
Switching circuit 178, amplifier 180, digitizer 182, microprocessor 174,
memory 184, alarm generator 186 are all disposed in housing 172.
The system of FIGS. 10 and 11 further comprises a treatment device 190
operatively connected to microprocessor 174 and adapted for implantation
into the patient for therapeutically affecting function of the subject
organ to alleviate the possibly dangerous condition. Treatment device 190
specifically includes a balloon 194 inflatable with pressurized fluid from
a source 196 upon opening of a valve 198 by microprocessor 174. Pressure
source 196 and valve 198 are located in housing 172 and connected to
balloon 194 via a catheter 200.
In the event that the organ being monitored is the spleen, balloon 194 and
the distal end of catheter 200 are inserted into the femoral artery
through the aorta and into the splenic artery. Balloon 194 is thereby
positioned upstream of the spleen in the splenic artery. Upon detecting an
increase in size of a splenic hematoma in response to the electrically
encoded dimensional siganls from transducers 166, microprocessor 174 opens
valve 198 and thereby inflates balloon 194 | | |
