Prenatal balloon catheter
US7524302B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3925
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hollow metallic needle for guiding a balloon catheter into a fetal vessel or cavity. The needle initially contains a removable obturator which is removed after the needle is generally positioned within the fetus and is replaced by a balloon catheter. A plastic sleeve is mounted upon the distal end of the needle and sufficient air is entrapped within pockets formed in the sleeve to provide an enhanced ultrasonic image return so that a more accurate placement of the balloon is obtainable. The plastic sleeve extends beyond the distal end of the needle and serves to guide the balloon when deflated back into the needle and thus protects the balloon from snagging upon the edge of the needle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.