CEREBROSPINAL FLUID EVALUATION SYSTEMS

摘要

Methods and devices for testing for the presence, absence or flow rate in a subcutaneous shunt tubing using a measurement pad having a plurality of temperature sensor configurations which are positioned over, or in the vicinity of, the CSF shunt in substantially an upstream/downstream orientation. A temperature source is then applied at a predetermined location with respect to the measurement pad that is insulated from the temperature sensors. This temperature "pulse" movement is detected by the temperature sensors via the shunt tubing as the CSF carries the temperature pulse while a control sensor detects the pulse via skin convection. Temperature sensor data are provided to a CSF analyzer that subtracts control sensor data from the other sensors for determining a CSF shunt flow status/rate. A reader is used to optically or electrically detect the changes in a temperature sensitive material for determining a CSF shunt flow status or flow rate.