Probe with electrocardiographic monitoring
First Claim
1. A disposable probe for monitoring internal conditions of a patient and a reusable connector for use with said probe, comprising:
- (a) a tubular member having a central lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, said distal portion being adapted to be inserted internally of the patient, and including means for electrically monitoring an internal condition of the patient;
(b) said tubular member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced conductive pathways in the wall thereof extending between said proximal portion and said monitoring means for conducting electrical signals;
(c) a connector mountable on said proximal portion in a position extending transversely of said tubular member;
(d) said connector including a plurality of spaced members each electrically engaging a corresponding one of said conductive pathways and including conductors connected to said members and extending externally of said connector for attachment to suitable monitoring apparatus for conveying said signals to the apparatus;
(e) said connector including relatively movable first and second sections positively holding said connector in clamping engagement with said tubular member and holding said engaging members in electrical contact with said conductive pathways;
(f) said connector including means for limiting clamping movement of said sections to prevent constriction of said lumen by said connector.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A tubular disposable probe, having a central lumen having a plurality of conductive pathways extending longitudinally of the probe from the proximal end to the distal end, and a reusable connector are provided. The reusable connector is formed of a resilient plastic material and includes two portions which are movable away from each other to permit installation of the connector on the probe at an appropriate point and are movable toward each other in clamping relationship to retain the connector on the probe wall. The connector includes a plurality of sharp prongs adapted to penetrate into the wall of the tube and make contact with the conductive pathways. The connector further includes projecting engageable elements for limiting the inward movement of the two portions of the connector so as to prevent any significant reduction in the size of the central lumen when the connector is installed. Alternatively, transverse grooves or notches are formed in the exterior wall of the tube and extend into the conductive pathways. In this case, the connector is formed with contacts conforming to the notches and receivable in the transverse notches for making connection with the conductive pathways in the probe.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A disposable probe for monitoring internal conditions of a patient and a reusable connector for use with said probe, comprising:
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(a) a tubular member having a central lumen and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, said distal portion being adapted to be inserted internally of the patient, and including means for electrically monitoring an internal condition of the patient; (b) said tubular member including a plurality of circumferentially spaced conductive pathways in the wall thereof extending between said proximal portion and said monitoring means for conducting electrical signals; (c) a connector mountable on said proximal portion in a position extending transversely of said tubular member; (d) said connector including a plurality of spaced members each electrically engaging a corresponding one of said conductive pathways and including conductors connected to said members and extending externally of said connector for attachment to suitable monitoring apparatus for conveying said signals to the apparatus; (e) said connector including relatively movable first and second sections positively holding said connector in clamping engagement with said tubular member and holding said engaging members in electrical contact with said conductive pathways; (f) said connector including means for limiting clamping movement of said sections to prevent constriction of said lumen by said connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification