Apparatus for positioning a sensor in vivo
First Claim
1. Apparatus for axially moving probe, having proximal and distal ends, within a catheter of selected length, having proximal and distal ends, so as to position the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter, said apparatus comprising:
- telescopic advancement means having proximal and distal ends and engaging the probe for moving the probe axially within the catheter, said telescopic advancement means comprising;
means for connecting the distal end of said telescopic advancement means to the proximal end of the catheter so as to permit axial movement of the probe within the catheter;
a plurality of elements connected in telescoping relationship to one another for advancing the probe into the catheter when said telescoping elements are collapsed and for retracting the probe from the catheter when said telescoping elements are expanded and thereby changing the axial length of the advancement means;
stop means for limiting the relative telescoping movement of said elements so as to position the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter when the probe is advanced; and
shielding means for protecting the probe from breakage when the probe is retracted within said telescopic advancement means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for positioning a sensor probe in vivo, including a probe advancement mechanism and a mating interconnection for positioning a distal end of a sensor probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of an indwelling catheter. The advancement mechanism includes a plurality of telescoping elements. The distal tip of the probe is moved from a retracted position within the advancement mechanism where the probe is maintained sterile and protected from breakage, to an advanced position wherein the distal tip of the probe is advanced through the catheter to a predetermined position with respect to the distal tip of the catheter at which the sensor measurement is made. The mating interconnection is provided between the distal end of the advancement mechanism and the proximal end of a catheter of a selected length to ensure use of the advancement mechanism only with catheters of the selected length and diameter whereby the distal tip of a probe may be precisely positioned with respect to the distal tip of the catheter. The mating interconnection is preferably a unique luer-type fitting wherein a unique female luer-type fitting in the catheter hub permits attachment to both the unique male luer-type fitting on the advancement mechanism and to a standard male luer fitting on any other device.
145 Citations
11 Claims
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1. Apparatus for axially moving probe, having proximal and distal ends, within a catheter of selected length, having proximal and distal ends, so as to position the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter, said apparatus comprising:
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telescopic advancement means having proximal and distal ends and engaging the probe for moving the probe axially within the catheter, said telescopic advancement means comprising; means for connecting the distal end of said telescopic advancement means to the proximal end of the catheter so as to permit axial movement of the probe within the catheter; a plurality of elements connected in telescoping relationship to one another for advancing the probe into the catheter when said telescoping elements are collapsed and for retracting the probe from the catheter when said telescoping elements are expanded and thereby changing the axial length of the advancement means; stop means for limiting the relative telescoping movement of said elements so as to position the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter when the probe is advanced; and shielding means for protecting the probe from breakage when the probe is retracted within said telescopic advancement means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. Apparatus for axially moving a probe, having proximal and distal ends, within a catheter of selected length, having proximal and distal ends, so as to position the distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of elements connected in telescoping relationship to one another for advancing the probe into the catheter when said telescoping elements are collapsed and for retracting the probe from the catheter when said telescoping elements are expanded, said telescoping elements comprising; an outer tube having proximal and distal ends and an axial bore extending therethrough; means for connecting the distal end of said outer tube to the proximal end of the catheter; an inner tube having proximal and distal ends and an axial bore extending therethrough, said inner tube bore being sized to permit axial movement of the probe therethrough, the outer diameter of said inner tube being sized to permit axial movement of said inner tube through said outer tube bore; stop means for limiting the distance said inner tube is advanced within sand retracted from said outer tube bore; and means for connecting said inner tube to the probe at a predetermined location on the probe so as to position the distal end of said probe at a predetermined position with respect to the distal end of the catheter when said inner tube is fully advanced within said outer tube bore and to position the distal end of said probe within said telescoping elements when said inner tube is fully retracted from said outer tube bore. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for in-vivo positioning of a probe, said system comprising:
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a catheter of selected length having proximal and distal ends; an advancement means for axially moving a probe within said catheter so as to position a distal end of the probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of the catheter; and mating interconnection means permitting selective engagement of the catheter and advancement means. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification