Thermal monitoring

US8414501B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medifocus, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Brian M. Hanley · Reading, US
• Michael S. H. Chu · Brookline, US
• Kenneth J. Daignault · Holden, US
• Aidan Petrie · Jamestown, US
• Justin Sirotin · Providence, US
• David Robson · Barrington, US
• Andrew W. Marsella · Boston, US
• Dan Nelsen · Franklin Lakes, US
• Michael F. Weiser · Groton, US
• Ramin Tehrani · Marlborough, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 23, 2008
• Grant date: Apr 9, 2013
• Expiry date: Feb 8, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/01
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and an expandable distal probe portion arranged on a distal end of the shaft. The distal probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A cover element, is provided for covering at least a portion of the distal probe portion, and is made from a resilient material. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion, beneath the cover element, and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. Further, and actuator can be provided to actuate the expandable distal probe portion, to increase a diameter thereof.