Catheter tip force transducer for cardiovascular research

US3971364A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Fletcher
• Cyril Feldstein · Sierra Madre, US
• Gilbert W. Lewis · Arcadia, US
• Robert H. Silver · San Fernando, US
• Virgil H. Culler · Tustin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 16, 1975
• Grant date: Jul 27, 1976
• Expiry date: May 16, 1995

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/6869
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A force transducer for measuring dynamic force activity within the heart of a subject essentially consists of a U-shaped beam of low elastic compliance material. Two tines extend from the beam's legs and a long coil spring is attached to the beam. A strain gauge is coupled to one of the beam's legs to sense deflections thereof. The beam with the tines and most of the spring are surrounded by a flexible tube, defining a catheter, which is insertable into a subject's heart through an appropriate artery. The tines are extractable from the catheter for implantation into the myocardium by pushing on the end of the spring which extends beyond the external end of the catheter. The tines are retractable back into the catheter, prior to catheter removal from the subject, by pulling on the externally exposed spring end.