Curtis L Stone

US Patent:

20030055360, Mar 20, 2003

Filed:

Sep 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/233565

Inventors:

Matthew Zeleznik - Pittsburgh PA, US
Kyle Lebouitz - Pittsburgh PA, US
Michele Migliuolo - Pittsburgh PA, US
Kaigham Gabriel - Pittsburgh PA, US
Keith Rebello - Pittsburgh PA, US
Curtis Stone - Pittsburgh PA, US

International Classification:

A61B005/103

US Classification:

600/587000

Abstract:

Apparatus are provided for determining relative and absolute properties of anatomical matter, such as biological tissue including arteries as well as other surgical and medical materials. An illustrative apparatus includes a probe for probing the properties of the anatomical matter. The probe includes a probe shaft having a sense rod, where the sense rod has a proximal end and a distal end, and where the distal end has a probe tip that is configured to contact and probe the anatomical matter. The probe also includes a sensor in mechanical communication with the sense rod, where the sensor is configured to at least measure tissue relative tissue rigidity and/or absolute tissue rigidity, including rigidity of a material on an interior surface of the tissue, a fluid flow rate in an interior of the tissue, a fluid pressure in an interior of the tissue, and/or a viscosity of a fluid in an interior of the tissue. The probe optionally includes a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the probe tip, where the thermal sensor can provide additional data, such as data related to inflammation of the tissue. Methods for probing the rigidity and other physical properties of the anatomical matter are also provided.