Alere Incorporated

Alere Medical, Inc.

Jorah Wyer

Lester John Lloyd

Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, a device comprising a planar surface and a probe extendable therefrom is contacted with the surface of the extremity. The probe is then extended from the planar surface in a manner sufficient to form a depression or &ldquo;pit&rdquo; in the skin surface of the extremity. The probe is then held in constant position relative to the planar surface and the extremity for a period of time during which a plurality of force measurements and a force profile is generated therefrom. The force profile is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure.

Method and device for detecting edema

Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, at least one limbic extremity of the host, preferably a lower limbic extremity such as an ankle or foot, is introduced into a container of a displaceable medium to result in displacement of a portion of the medium. The displaced portion is measured and the measured value is then compared to a control value to identify any difference. The difference is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure.

Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, a device comprising a planar surface and a probe extendable therefrom is contacted with the surface of the extremity. The probe is then extended from the planar surface in a manner sufficient to form a depression or 'pit' in the skin surface of the extremity. The probe is then held in constant position relative to the planar surface and the extremity for a period of time during which a plurality of force measurements and a force profile is generated therefrom. The force profile is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure.

Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of edema in a mammalian host. In the subject methods, a cross-sectional dimension of at least one limbic extremity, preferably a lower limbic extremity such as an ankle or foot, is measured to obtain a measured value. The measured value is then compared to a control value and any difference is identified. The difference is then related to the presence of edema in the patient. The subject methods find use in the diagnosis and management of diseases characterized by the presence of edema as a physical manifestation, particularly congestive heart failure.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Jorah Wyer