CPC A61M 5/1723 (2013.01) [A61B 5/6853 (2013.01); A61M 5/142 (2013.01); A61M 25/007 (2013.01); A61B 2017/22051 (2013.01); A61B 2017/22084 (2013.01); A61M 2005/1726 (2013.01); A61M 2230/30 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method for measuring microvascular dysfunction in an organ or limb, the method comprising:
providing an apparatus for providing controlled flow infusion of at least a first solution to a portion of a vessel for assessment of microvascular function, the apparatus comprising a pressure sensor, a catheter having an infusion lumen configured to deliver infusate, an expandable structure disposed on the catheter, an infusion pump in communication with infusion lumen of the catheter, and a controller in communication with the infusion pump and the pressure sensor, wherein the infusate comprises the first solution;
expanding the expandable structure;
directing the infusion pump using the controller to deliver the first solution via the infusion lumen in a stepwise manner, the first solution delivered in a first step having a first flow rate, followed by a second step having a second flow rate;
receiving signals from the pressure sensor at the controller, the signals indicative of a first pressure response while the first solution is being delivered at the first flow rate and a second pressure response while the first solution is being delivered at the second flow rate;
determining a linear pressure-flow relationship based on the first flow rate, the first pressure response, the second flow rate, and the second pressure response; and
determining a dynamic microvascular resistance based on the linear pressure-flow relationship.
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