Real Time CSF Flow Measurement System & Method

摘要

A system for measuring quantitative CSF flow in shunt tubing implanted under the skin. The system includes an array of thermo-sensors clustered in three sections, cooling device, placed on the skin surface and an associated data acquisition and analysis device. Two sensor sections are placed over the shunt on the skin and measure real time temperature responses related to CSF movement. One array placed adjacent the cooling device collects data on thermal properties of skin including skin thermal conductivity, specific heat, diffusivity, perfusion, and thermal inertia. The method involves assessing thermal properties of skin and measuring CSF flow in shunt tubing. The method is useful for shunt patency assessment, CSF valve adjustment procedures and CSF flow measurements related to CSF over drainage. Alternatively, only one section of sensors need be used when determining relative CSF flow, without the need to determine thermal skin properties and by applying the cooling device continuously.

主权项

1. An apparatus for determining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow rate in an implanted CSF shunt, said apparatus comprising:
a pad that is configured to be placed against the skin of a patient over the location of the CSF shunt, said pad comprising:
a first plurality of temperature sensors that are configured to be aligned in a transverse direction with respect to said CSF shunt and wherein one of said first plurality of temperature sensors is configured to be aligned with the CSF shunt; andat least one temperature sensor associated with a temperature source that is positioned over the CSF shunt whenever said pad is placed against the skin and wherein said temperature source is applied continuously against the skin; and a sensor processing device that is electrically coupled to said pad for receiving temperature data from each of said temperature sensors during said continuous application of said temperature source, and for determining a flow rate of said CSF through said CSF shunt from said temperature data.