Diagnostic method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a diagnostic method comprising continuously monitoring and transmitting urine output and urine flow rates of a catheterized patient to means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A diagnostic method comprising continuously monitoring and transmitting urine output and urine flow rates of a catheterized patient to means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR. 
     
     
         2 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1 , wherein said method utilizes a low flow metering device. 
     
     
         3 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1 , further comprising continuously monitoring and graphically representing in real minute unit time fluctuations in renal flow and renal output. 
     
     
         4 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1  for early prognosis of a disease affiliated with abnormal body fluid status. 
     
     
         5 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 3  wherein said disease is affiliated with hypoperfusion. 
     
     
         6 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 3  wherein said disease is affiliated with hyperperfusion. 
     
     
         7 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 2  wherein said low flow metering device incorporates a drop generator and a droplet counter. 
     
     
         8 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1  further comprising providing alarm means. 
     
     
         9 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1 , comprising continuously monitoring and transmitting urine flow rates per minute units of a catheterized patient to means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR. 
     
     
         10 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 9 , comprising administering a diuretic to a catheterized patient and monitoring and displaying the slope of urine output per minute after administration thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 9 , comprising administering a predetermined amount of fluid to a catheterized patient and monitoring and displaying the slope of urine output per minute unit after administration thereof and observing a parameter selected from the slope, the peak and the total time for the flow of urine to return to steady state flow in order to determine the state of the kidney. 
     
     
         12 . A diagnostic method according to  claim 1  for determining the hemodynamic state of a patient comprising administering a bolus of fluid to the patient and monitoring and displaying urine flow reaction to said bolus to determine the state of hydration and hemorrhagic shock. 
     
     
         13 . The use of a low flow metering device for the manufacture of a diagnostic system for continuous monitoring and measuring of urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient further comprising linking the output of said device with means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR. 
     
     
         14 . A system for management of the hemodynamic state and kidney function of the body comprising a low flow metering device which continuously monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient wherein the output of said device is linked to monitoring means and displaying means which display the slope of urine output and urine flow rates per minute units. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for management of the hemodynamic state and kidney function of the body comprising a low flow metering device which continuous monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient wherein the output of said device is linked to means for monitoring and displaying the slope of urine output and urine flow rates per minute units. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  further comprising means which correlate the same with at least one of renal perfusion, renal function, fluid status, polyuria, oleguria, hypoperfusion, hemorrhage shock and GFR. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  further comprising means which continuously monitor and graphically represent, in real minute unit time, fluctuations in renal flow and renal output. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  which monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient after the administration of a diuretic. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 15  which monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient after the administration of a bolus of fluid to a patient in a stable steady state with a constant fluid input and output. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for management of the hemodynamic state and kidney function of the body comprising a low flow metering device which continuously monitors and measures output and urine flow of a catheterized patient wherein the output of said device is linked to means which monitor and display the slope of urine output and urine flow rates per minute units during surgery. 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for management of the hemodynamic state and kidney function of the body comprising a low flow metering device which continuously monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient, wherein the output of said device is linked to means which monitor and display the slope of urine output and urine flow rates per minute units after administration of a nephrotoxic drug. 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus for management of the hemodynamic state and kidney function of the body comprising a low flow metering device for which continuously monitors and measures urine output and urine flow of a catheterized patient wherein the output of said device is linked to means which monitor and display the slope of urine output and urine flow rates per minute units during administration of a nephrotoxic drug.