Method of attaching a disposable sheath
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorsThomas R. Parks, Jae S. Son
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pressure sensor and pressure-sensing catheter in which a deformable pressure sensing membrane is separated from an inner metalized surface on a rigid support by an air gap. An input allows a voltage to be applied to an electrode on the sensing membrane and an output allows reading of the signal modulation from the support surface. An outer sleeve overlays the membrane and a wire bus transmits the signals to a terminal connector. The catheter may include a vented air gap, a multiplexing wire bus, and an internal cable to maintain tension.
Claims18
1-40. (canceled)
A method of configuring a pressure-sensing catheter having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a plurality of pressure sensors disposed between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the method comprising:
- positioning a biocompatible sheath with at least a portion of the sheath over a portion of the catheter, wherein the sheath is made of a material having a thickness of 0.0254 mm or less, and wherein the sheath comprises a rigid collar attached to an open end of the sheath to give a user a rigid structure to grip during insertion;
- encircling the distal end portion of the catheter (308) with a sliding ring having an opening extending therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of the opening is adapted to provide a relatively tight fit over the circumference of the catheter;
- and
- moving the sliding ring relative to the catheter in a sliding motion toward the proximal end portion of the catheter, thereby forcing air in the sheath out the open end of the sheath.
A combination of components for configuring a sterile sheath on a catheter having a plurality of pressure sensors, the combination comprising:
- a sterile catheter sheath sized and configured to encircle the catheter and extend over the plurality of pressure sensors, wherein the sheath is made of material with a thickness of 0.0254 mm or less, and wherein the sheath comprises a rigid collar configured to be attached to an open end of the sheath to give a user a rigid structure to grip during insertion;
- and
- a sliding ring comprising an opening which provides a relatively tight fit over the circumference of the catheter;
- wherein the sliding ring is configured to slide over the sheath encircling the catheter and to force the air in the sheath out the open end of the sheath as the sliding ring moves along the catheter;
- and
- wherein the sliding ring comprises soft foam rubber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.