Method and apparatus for evaluating of artificial heart valves

Patent 4712565 Issued on December 15, 1987. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 27, 2006. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3052756

Monitoring device
Patent #: 4428381
Issued on: 01/31/1984
Inventor: Hepp

Monitoring system
Patent #: 4458693
Issued on: 07/10/1984
Inventor: Badzinski , et al.

Electronic stethoscope for monitoring the operation of a prosthetic valve implanted in a patient's heart Patent #: 4498188
Issued on: 02/05/1985
Inventor: Hofer

Inventors

Assignee

International Acoustics Incorporated

Application

No. 06/923576 filed on 10/27/1986

US Classes:

600/528Detecting heart sound

Examiners

Primary: Hindenburg, Max

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Alter; Irwin C.

International Classes

G06F 19/00 (20060101)
A61B 7/00 (20060101)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for evaluating of implanted artificial (mechanical or bioprosthetic) heart valves includes a microprocessor responsive to a series of digital signals for processing a portion of the series of digital signals corresponding to valve sounds in a phonocardiogram. A deconvolution algorithm is provided to transform the portion of the series of digital signals into an impact history signal which characterizes the motion of the occluding elements and an impulse response signal. A microprocessor is used to transform the impulse response into a power spectrum signal and to calculate ring down times therefrom which characterize the physical structure of the valve cage. A recorder is provided for graphically portraying the extent and nature of degradation and deterioration of the heart valve. Such a printed graphic record of the impact history signal can then be precisely evaluated and a period-to-period comparison can be made with an earlier recorded impact history signal.