METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ARTERIAL AND VENOUS BLOOD FLOW IN BODY APPENDAGES

摘要

The present invention is directed to a non-invasivemethod and apparatus for measuring arterial and venous blood flowin body appendages. The present invention is also directed to anon-invasive method and apparatus for measuring penile tumescenceas a function of arterial and venous blood flow in the penis andpenile rigidity as a function of suprasystolic intra-cavernosalpressure. These measurements are performed to make a diagnosisin the field of erectile dysfunctions. Since every normal adultmale experiences erections during rapid eye movement sleep, themeasurements are preferably made during the patient's sleep, butcan also be performed when the patient is awake for diagnosis andtreatment.