METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NONINVASIVELY EVALUATING ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION

摘要

The present invention relates to assessing and measuring endothelial functions. A vasodilating stimulant is provided to a patient to stimulate hemodynamic activity in a selected region of the patient's body. In an embodiment, endothelial function may then be assessed by monitoring a change in a hemodynamic parameter at the selected region and assessing the patient's endothelial function based upon that monitoring. In a further embodiment, endothelial function may then be measured by monitoring a change in blood oxygen content at the selected region and assessing the patient's endothelial function based upon that monitoring. In yet a further embodiment, endothelial function may then be measured by monitoring a change in blood flow rate at the selected region and assessing the patient's endothelial function based upon said monitoring. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.