US 5,427,114 A · Dual pressure sensing catheter

Abstract

An apparatus for determining pressure at one or a number of intermediate points along a catheter inserted into a closed cavity. Fiberoptic cables extend from the proximal end of the catheter to the intermediate points at which pressure measurements are taken as well as to the distal tip of the catheter. The fiberoptic cables transport light signals injected at the proximal end and said light signals are illuminated in the direction of a flexible, reflective membrane. A pressure sensing coupler interconnects proximal and distal sections of the catheter sheath and also houses the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing coupler includes a plurality of radial ports which provide communication between the fluid in the cavity and a pressure sensing chamber, which is also in communication with the reflective membrane. The pressure sensing coupler also enables the passage of inner catheters through axial passageways for interconnection to other distally located pressure sensors.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A catheter for simultaneously measuring fluid pressure within a cavity at a plurality of sites along the catheter, comprising:

a catheter sheath having a proximal and a distal end and formed of two or more sections;
at least one coupler for interconnecting the catheter sections, the abutment of the catheter sections forming the catheter sheath from the proximal to the distal end;
and
first pressure sensing means integral to the coupler, in communication with the cavity and isolated in use from direct contact with any tissue surrounding the catheter, the pressure sensing means being responsive to pressure changes within the body cavity, enabling pressure sensing at locations intermediate to the proximal and distal end of the catheter.

1 more element

An apparatus for simultaneously measuring pressure at a plurality of sites at remote locations within a body cavity, comprising:

a single lumen pressure sensing catheter having a proximal and a distal end and a plurality of sections;
at least one coupler for abutting the catheter sections, the abutment of the catheter sections forming a continuous catheter section from the proximal to the distal end where the coupler includes portals isolated from communication with the body cavity, the portals enabling communication between catheter sections distal and proximal to the coupler;
pressure sensing means integral to the coupler and in communication with the body cavity, the pressure sensing means being responsive to pressure changes within the body cavity, enabling pressure sensing at locations intermediate to the proximal and distal end of the catheter;
and
a pressure sensing chamber integral to the coupler and in open communication with the body cavity in which pressure is to be measured;
secondary catheter means passing within the single lumen catheter for infusing fluid substantially near the proximal end for exit at the distal end;
a pressure sensing lumen operatively connecting the pressure sensing means and the proximal end of the single lumen catheter;
optical fibers within said pressure sensing lumen for transmitting light pulses between the pressure sensing means and the proximal end of the single lumen catheter;
and
sealant means enabling vacuum calibration of the pressure sensing means via said pressure sensing lumen.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dual pressure sensing catheter

Life of this patent

Dual pressure sensing catheter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19