CPC A61B 8/4472 (2013.01) [A61B 8/0891 (2013.01); A61B 8/12 (2013.01); A61B 8/4254 (2013.01); A61B 8/5223 (2013.01); A61B 8/565 (2013.01)] | 21 Claims |
1. An implantable ultrasonic vascular sensor configured to be implanted in a patient's inferior vena cava (IVC) at a fixed location within the IVC in contact with the IVC wall, comprising:
at least one ultrasound transducer;
a transducer drive circuit;
an implantable support structure configured to move with physiological expansion and contraction of the IVC wall in response to changes in patient fluid volume, wherein said at least one transducer and transducer drive circuit are supported on the support structure, said at least one ultrasound transducer is supported to move with said expansion and contraction of the IVC wall when the support structure moves therewith; and
means for wirelessly transmitting ultrasound data from the at least one ultrasound transducer.
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