Apparatus for continuously measuring intracompartmental pressure within a body cavity
US4966161A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1989 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/1458
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for monitoring intracompartmental pressures, such as intrauterine pressure, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a first chamber formed in the interior of the catheter tip which is in amniotic fluids communications with the fluids contained in the uterus. A second chamber is defined by a lumen of the catheter and is filled with air. The lumen extends the length of the catheter from the first chamber at the tip of the catheter to a diaphragm of a pressure transducer located at the end of the catheter. Thus, an air column is formed in the second chamber defined by the lumen. The relative volumetric cubic capacity of the first and second chambers is such that, under maximum pressures which are within expected ranges, the trapped air column prevents any liquid fluids from entering the second chamber. Also, provided is a valve which in a first or "zero" position causes both sides of the pressure transducer diaphragm to be placed at atmospheric pressure. In a second or "monitoring" position the valve places a one side of the diaphragm in communication with the intrauterine pressures transmitted through the lumen and a side of the diaphragm is vented to atm…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.