Cerebrospinal fluid evaluation system having thermal flow and flow rate measurement pad using a plurality of control sensors

摘要

A method and device for testing for the presence, absence and/or rate of flow in a shunt tubing implanted under the skin by using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensors, one of which is aligned with the shunt and the other sensors being symmetrically displaced on either side of the first temperature sensor in a direction transverse to the shunt tubing. These “outer” temperature sensors act as control temperature sensors. A temperature source, e.g., a cooling agent, positioned within an insulated enclosure, is then applied at a predetermined location on the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. The movement of this temperature “pulse” is detected by the shunt-aligned temperature sensor via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while the control sensors detect the pulse via convection through the skin. The temperature data from these sensors are provided to a CSF analyzer that determines a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.

主权项

1. An apparatus for evaluating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow rate or flow status in a CSF shunt applied to the body of a patient for transmitting said CSF between first and second locations of said body, said apparatus comprising:
a single pad that is adapted to be placed against the skin of a patient over the location of the CSF shunt and comprising an opening that is adapted to apply a temperature source against the skin and a temperature pulse into the CSF, said pad comprising a plurality of temperature sensors and wherein one of said plurality of temperature sensors is configured to be aligned with the CSF shunt, each of said temperature sensors configured to generate respective temperature data related to movement of said temperature pulse in the CSF or in surrounding skin; and a sensor processing device that is electrically coupled to said pad for receiving temperature data from each of said temperature sensors, said sensor processing device determining a flow rate or flow status of said CSF through said shunt based upon said temperature data when said temperature source is applied to said opening.