Cardiac output probe assembly
First Claim
1. A medical device for use on extravascular tissue within a living body, comprising:
- a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe comprising an attachment portion which is adapted to detachably fasten said implantable probe to the extravascular tissue;
a line, connected to said implantable probe, said attachment portion being configured to cause release of said implantable probe in response to a force on said line; and
a chest tube having a generally smooth outer surface to permit said chest tube to be inserted into and enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body and to be withdrawn from the living body by pulling thereon, said tube sized to permit said line to pass therethrough, and having a mouth portion which receives said implantable probe prior to withdrawal of said chest tube from the thoracic cavity.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cardiac output probe assembly is disclosed wherein the assembly includes a chest tube which carries a cardiac output probe therein. The chest tube includes a main lumen for draining fluids from the thoracic cavity of the chest and a secondary lumen which carries leads attached to the probe. The probe is attached to the pulmonary artery or aorta vessel with detachable tines and/or sutures. The tines are uniquely configured to ensure that good contact between the probe and vessel is maintained. When cardiac output monitoring is complete, a pulling force is applied to the probe leads extending out through a proximal end of the tube. The pulling force detaches the tines and sutures, releasing the probe from connection with the vessel. Further withdrawal of the leads through the tube retracts the probe within the tube, where it is housed until the tube is removed from the thoracic cavity.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A medical device for use on extravascular tissue within a living body, comprising:
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a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe comprising an attachment portion which is adapted to detachably fasten said implantable probe to the extravascular tissue; a line, connected to said implantable probe, said attachment portion being configured to cause release of said implantable probe in response to a force on said line; and a chest tube having a generally smooth outer surface to permit said chest tube to be inserted into and enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body and to be withdrawn from the living body by pulling thereon, said tube sized to permit said line to pass therethrough, and having a mouth portion which receives said implantable probe prior to withdrawal of said chest tube from the thoracic cavity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of removing a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe, detachably attached to tissue within a living body, said method comprising:
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applying force to a line which is connected to said implantable probe; utilizing said force to detach said implantable probe from the tissue; utilizing said force to draw said implantable probe to a mouth portion of a chest tube enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body; and withdrawing said chest tube from the living body. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method of performing a surgical procedure so that an attached temporarily implantable cardiac output probe may be readily removed without further surgery, said method comprising:
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attaching a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe to tissue within a living body; and placing a chest tube in the living body such that (i) a distal end of said chest tube is in general proximity to said implantable probe, (ii) a proximal end of said chest tube extends out of the living body, (iii) a line attached to said implantable probe passes through a lumen of said chest tube, and (iv) a portion of said line and a portion of said chest tube are accessible from outside the living body.
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27. A method of surgically attaching a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe and safely removing the implantable probe with further surgery, said method comprising:
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attaching a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe to tissue within a living body; placing a chest tube having a receptacle at its distal end in the living body such that the distal end of said chest tube is in general proximity to said implantable probe and a proximal end of said chest tube extends out of the living body; attaching a line to said implantable probe and passing said line through a lumen of said chest tube so that a portion of said line and a portion of said chest tube are accessible from outside the living body; applying force to said line to remove said implantable probe from the tissue and to place said implantable probe in the receptacle of said chest tube; and removing said chest tube and said implantable probe from the living body.
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28. A medical device for use on extravascular tissue within a living body, comprising:
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a temporary implant comprising an attachment portion which is adapted to detachably attach fasten said probe to the extravascular tissue; a line, connected to said implant, said attachment portion being configured to cause release of said implant in response to a force on said line; and a chest tube having a generally smooth outer surface to permit said chest tube to be inserted into and enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body and to be withdrawn from the living body by pulling thereon, said tube sized to permit said line to pass therethrough, and having a mouth portion which is sized to permit said implant to fit therein and which receives said implant prior to withdrawal of said chest tube from the thoracic cavity. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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Specification