×

Multifunction catheter

  • US 5,916,153 A
  • Filed: 10/27/1997
  • Issued: 06/29/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A catheter device arranged to empower a plurality of functions with a single insertion operation, the catheter comprising:

  • a) a urethral-type catheter having an insertion end and an access end and a connecting tube;

    b) a pressure sensor imbedded into said insertion end;

    c) a temperature sensor imbedded into the wall of said tube, near said insertion end and arranged to produce an electric signal with characteristics determined by temperature sensed;

    d) a light emitter imbedded into said wall and arranged to project light outward from the outside surface of said tube in response to electric energy provided thereto;

    e) a color discriminating light sensitive detector molded into the wall of said tube and arranged to produce an electric signal with characteristics determined by the characteristics of light energy received from the urethral lining outside said catheter;

    f) an inflatable balloon intrinsic to said catheter tube wall, near said insertion end, comprising a peripheral chamber in said tube wall;

    g) a plurality of conductors imbedded in said catheter wall, at least one connected to each said light emitter, said light sensitive detector, said temperature sensor, and said pressure sensor, each terminating in an at least one conductor connector near said access end; and

    h) a fluid conductor tube imbedded in said catheter wall, fluidly connected to said peripheral chamber and opening as a tubular connector extending from said catheter near said access end;

    whereby said light detector, when in use adjacent mucosa, receives light energy produced by said light source as conditioned by said mucosa and whereby said catheter provides a terminal end for association with external signal conditioner, control, and indicator means.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×