Pressure sensing module for a catheter pressure transducer

• US 6,394,986 B1
• Filed: 11/06/1999
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Millar Instruments
• Original Assignee: Millar Instruments
• Inventors: Millar, Huntly D.
• Primary Examiner(s): MENDEZ, MANUEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/435,502
• Time in Patent Office: 934 Days
• Field of Search: 600/488,486 604/561,264 73/706,708,721,726-727
• US Class Current: 604/264
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/02 Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0247 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0215 by means inserted into the body catheters A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/036 by means introduced into body tracts A61B5/032 and A61B5/035 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0002 with a pressure sensor at the distal end

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressure sensor module for use in catheters having a pressure sensor operable to provide a signal representative of pressure. The pressure sensor includes a sensing side and a pressure reference side. At least one signal transmission media is coupled to the sensor for transmitting the signal representative of pressure. A convex-shaped carrier is provided having a slot formed to expose the sensing side of the sensor. The convex-shaped carrier is adapted for receiving the sensor such that the sensing side of the sensor is adjacent the slot. A bonding material is provided for mounting the sensor to the carrier. The pressure sensing module provides ease of installation and manufacture because the module may easily be bonded and installed within a catheter.

Claims

1. A pressure sensor module for use in a slot of a catheter, said pressure sensor module being adapted for introduction into a living body, and said pressure sensor module comprising:

a pressure sensor operable to provide a signal representative of pressure within said living body, said pressure sensor having a sensing side and a pressure reference side;

at least one signal transmission media coupled to said sensor for transmitting the signal representative of pressure within said living body;

a convex-shaped carrier having a slot formed to expose the sensing side of said sensor, said convex-shaped carrier adapted for receiving said sensor such that said sensing side of said sensor is adjacent the slot; and

bonding material for mounting said sensor to said carrier.

2. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a photoelectric-type sensor.

3. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a capacitive-type sensor.

4. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a photoelectric-type transducer.

5. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said bonding material is flexible RTV.

6. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said bonding material is epoxy resin.

7. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said pressure senor module further comprises a venting hole.

8. The pressure sensor module of claim 1 wherein said signal transmission media comprises a plurality of wires attached to said sensor for transmitting signals representative of pressures.