A sensing system for sensing a potential complication at a venous catheter site. The system includes a sensor module for attachment at the site of the catheter. The sensor module includes a pressure sensor configured to generate pressure data representing measured pressure at the site of the catheter; a temperature sensor configured to generate temperature data representing measured temperature at the site of the catheter; and two pairs of bio impedance electrodes that generate bioelectrical signals representing bioelectrical activity at the site of venous catheter and a transmitter for transmitting the pressure, temperature data and bio impedance data. The system also includes a computing device configured to receive the response signal that includes the generated pressure, temperature and bio impedance data; and transmit the pressure temperature and bio impedance data to a user device for comparing the generated pressure temperature bio impedance data to threshold values indicative of intravenous complications.

The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are suited to implantation within the body to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the portohepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading.

In some embodiments, a self-monitoring intravenous catheter system is provided. An alarm controller is provided that receives signals representing a pH value, an oxygen saturation value, and a pressure value in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. By performing a fuzzy logic analysis of the values, the alarm controller is able to detect that the catheter is about to fail or has failed, and can cause alerts to be presented. In some embodiments, an intravenous catheter is provided that has a pH sensor and an oximeter disposed at a distal end of the catheter to obtain the pH value and oxygen saturation values analyzed by the alarm controller. Embodiments of the catheter and self-monitoring intravenous catheter system may be particularly useful in treating neonates, who are sensitive to catheter failure and are not capable of detecting the signs of failure themselves.

A venous pressure measurement device includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain pulse wave information on a pulse wave of a subject measured by a sensor; and a processing unit configured to calculate a value range of venous pressure of the subject based on the pulse wave information obtained by the obtaining unit when the venous pressure of the subject is not estimatable from the pulse wave information obtained by the obtaining unit.

Systems and apparatus are included that are configured to determine the effectiveness of apparatus and methods used to diagnose and unblock microvascular obstruction (MVO). An infusion system blocks antegrade flow for a short time and measures vascular pressure response as an infusate is infused in stepwise fashion at increasingly higher flowrates. During the antegrade flow occlusion, calculations of the real-time vascular resistance can be obtained using the formula R(t)=P(t)/Q.sub.mean(t) where: Q.sub.mean(t) is the flow mean values generated by the infusion system; P(t) is the distal pressure response in the vessel generated from the flow infusion; and R(t) is the calculated vascular resistance using the two other known parameters.

Disclosed is an implant and method of making an implant. The implant having a housing that defines a cavity. The housing includes a sensor comprising a base attached to a diaphragm wherein said base may be positioned within said cavity. The sensor may be a capacitive pressure sensor. The diaphragm may be connected to the housing to hermetically seal said housing. The sensor may include electrical contacts positioned on the diaphragm. The attachment between the base and the diaphragm may define a capacitive gap and at least one discontinuity configured to enhance at least one performance parameter of said implant.

The invention relates to a measurement device 1 comprising a rotatable magnetic object 4 which can oscillate with a resonant frequency if excited by an external magnetic torque. The measurement device 1 is adapted such that the resonant frequency depends on the temperature or on another physical or chemical quantity like pressure, in order to allow for a wireless temperature measurement or measurement of the other physical or chemical quantity via an external magnetic field providing the external magnetic torque. This measurement device can be relatively small, can be read-out over a relatively larger distance and allows for a very accurate measurement.

Intravascular devices, systems and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, an intravascular system includes an intravascular guidewire that includes a flexible elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, at least one electronic component secured to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, and a locking section integral with a metal core of the flexible elongate member at the proximal portion of the flexible elongate member. The metal core has a first diameter. The locking section includes a first subsection and a second subsection. The first subsection has a second of diameter smaller than the first diameter and the second subsection transitions between the first diameter and the second diameter.

The devices and methods generally relate to vibratable sensors for measuring ambient fluid pressure, in particular implantable sensors. The devices and methods are suited to implantation within the body to monitor physiological conditions, such as portal and/or hepatic venous blood pressure, and allow frequent, remote interrogation of venous pressure. The sensor devices are relatively small compared to conventional devices for measuring fluid pressure and can be implanted in the portohepatic venous system, whereas conventional devices are too large. The small size of the device is accomplished by using a thick sensor membrane, compared to conventional devices, and by limiting the size of additional elements of the device relative to the size of the sensor membrane. The thicker sensor member also obviates the need for multiple sensor arrays and maintains the accuracy and robustness of the sensor device. A data capture, processing, and display system provides a pressure measurement reading.

Systems and methods and devices are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The occlusion device may include a lumen obstructed by a relief valve that may permit fluid flow through the occlusion device to release an excessive build-up of pressure.