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US 2014/0275894 A1Published application
Reflux probe
AssigneeBabiesfirst Limited
InventorSimon Bignall
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A probe for detecting reflux in the oesophagus by detecting the level of turbidity at different points in the oesophagus. The probe consists of multiple pairs (32) of optical fibres with each pair being made up of a source optical fibre (2) and a detection optical fibre (3), a light source being attached to the source optical fibres and a light detector being attached to the detection optical fibres.
Claims22
A reflux probe configured for insertion into an oesophagus and for monitoring of gastro-oesophageal reflux by monitoring turbidity of contents of the oesophagus.
A method for measuring oesophageal turbidity comprising:
- providing a reflux probe configured for insertion into an oesophagus and configured for monitoring of gastro-oesophageal reflux by monitoring turbidity of contents of the oesophagus, the reflux probe having a first proximal end for coupling to a data processing apparatus outside a body and a second distal end;
- providing the reflux probe with at least one pair of conduits configured for propagating electromagnetic radiation, the pair of conduits comprising a source conduit and a detection conduit, each conduit having an input for receiving electromagnetic radiation and an output for onward transmission of electromagnetic radiation, the source conduit being arranged for coupling at its input to an electromagnetic radiation source unit to provide electromagnetic radiation through the source conduit to a sensing location at or near the input of the detection conduit, the detection conduit being arranged for coupling at its proximal output end to an electromagnetic radiation detector unit so as to transmit electromagnetic radiation from the sensing location at its input to the electromagnetic radiation detector unit.
-24. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.