Method and assembly for measuring intracranial fluid characateristics
First Claim
1. An assembly for measuring the fluid characteristics in a region of intercranial fluid, comprising:
- a flexible in-dwelling catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a plurality of openings, wherein the distal end of the in-dwellings catheter is adapted to be placed in communication with said intracranial fluid through a passage in the skull;
a grooved stainless steel needle adapted to be routed subdermally between the scalp and skull from said passage to an exit point spaced from said passage, and having a proximal end removably attachable to the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter and a distal end having a beveled point, wherein the distal end of the in-dwelling catheter and the distal end of the needle extend in opposite directions when the two elements are connected;
a transducer tipped catheter to measure fluid characteristics in a region of intracranial fluid, dimensioned to be positioned through said exit point, through the groove of said needle and to reside within the distal end of said in-dwelling catheter;
means for connecting said needle to the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter, so that the needle and the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter can be drawn out of said exit point; and
a monitor to analyze fluid characteristics in a region of intracranial fluid, the monitor being electrically connected to said transducer tipped catheter.
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Abstract
A method and assembly is provided which allows measurement of intracranial fluid charateristics at the intracranial region of the brain. The invention contemplates a method of implanting a ventricular catheter having one end residing in the ventricular region and the other end exiting the cranial region at a distal location. A grooved needle allows placement of a transducer tipped catheter and rerouting of both the ventricular, in-dwelling catheter and the transducer tipped catheter placed within the in-dwelling catheter. Intracranial fluid characteristics are monitored by an electrically coupled distal monitor. Further, access to the intracranial fluid is also provided to allow either short-term or long-term withdrawal or injection of intracranial fluid.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An assembly for measuring the fluid characteristics in a region of intercranial fluid, comprising:
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a flexible in-dwelling catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a plurality of openings, wherein the distal end of the in-dwellings catheter is adapted to be placed in communication with said intracranial fluid through a passage in the skull; a grooved stainless steel needle adapted to be routed subdermally between the scalp and skull from said passage to an exit point spaced from said passage, and having a proximal end removably attachable to the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter and a distal end having a beveled point, wherein the distal end of the in-dwelling catheter and the distal end of the needle extend in opposite directions when the two elements are connected; a transducer tipped catheter to measure fluid characteristics in a region of intracranial fluid, dimensioned to be positioned through said exit point, through the groove of said needle and to reside within the distal end of said in-dwelling catheter; means for connecting said needle to the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter, so that the needle and the proximal end of said in-dwelling catheter can be drawn out of said exit point; and a monitor to analyze fluid characteristics in a region of intracranial fluid, the monitor being electrically connected to said transducer tipped catheter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification