Induction angiometer. Electromagnetic magnification of microscopic vascular diameter variations in vivo.

It is possible to obtain continuous linear recordings of changes in vascular diameters on the basis of the electromagnetic induction principle. An extracorporeal coil energized by an alternating current generates an AC magnetic field and acts as a transformer primary. An intravascular loop of fine wire acts as transformer secondary. The EMF induced in the loop is proportional to the diameter of the vessel which confines the loop. Relative measurements do not require a calibration. Absolute measurements require radiographic determination of vessel diameter. Changes of less than 0.1% in vascular diameters can be easily recorded. Variations in pulsatile diameter changes as well as pharmacologically induced changes in mean diameter have been studied.