The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 15, 1987
Filed:
Oct. 27, 1986
Hart V Katz, Willowdale, CA;
Gerald A Kien, Tower Lakes, IL (US);
International Acoustics Incorporated, Palatine, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for evaluating of implanted artificial (mechanical or bioprosthetic) heart valves includes a microprocessor responsive to a series of digital signals for processing a portion of the series of digital signals corresponding to valve sounds in a phonocardiogram. A deconvolution algorithm is provided to transform the portion of the series of digital signals into an impact history signal which characterizes the motion of the occluding elements and an impulse response signal. A microprocessor is used to transform the impulse response into a power spectrum signal and to calculate ring down times therefrom which characterize the physical structure of the valve cage. A recorder is provided for graphically portraying the extent and nature of degradation and deterioration of the heart valve. Such a printed graphic record of the impact history signal can then be precisely evaluated and a period-to-period comparison can be made with an earlier recorded impact history signal.