Diagnostic catheter system for nasopharyngeal obstructions
US6159158A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/1032
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for identifying and marking regions of tissue obstruction in the upper airway of a patient. The invention provides a greatly improved method for use during a sleep apnea study to particularize the location of a region of obstruction. The precise location of the obstruction may be marked for surgical removal or reduction. Broadly speaking, the apparatus includes a multiluminate catheter having an outer wall circumscribed by multiple discrete perforate regions. The proximal portion of each lumen opens into a selected perforate region and the distal portion is coupled with a pressure transducer. Each lumen is equipped with a syringe port for injecting a tissue marking dye into the obstructing tissue region. The catheter outer wall may include a radiopaque marker in order to facilitate location of the catheter within the airway of a patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.