U.S. patent application number 13/207351 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for gas column pressure monitoring device.
Invention is credited to Donald E. Bobo, SR..
Application Number | 20110295147 13/207351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26801865 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110295147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bobo, SR.; Donald E. |
December 1, 2011 |
Gas Column Pressure Monitoring Device
Abstract
The present invention provides a device for efficiently coupling
a pressure monitoring device to a pressure transducer. In addition,
the present invention reduces or eliminates the likelihood air will
be unintentionally injected into the pressure monitoring device
while connecting the pressure monitoring device to a pressure
transducer. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a
pressure monitoring coupler comprising a sealing member and a
device body. The sealing member comprises a sealing flange
connected to an engagement member. The engagement member includes a
first and second O-ring positioned thereon. The device body
comprises a pressurizing lumen and an intersecting monitoring lumen
in communication with a receiving aperture. During use, a pressure
monitoring catheter is inserted into a patient's tissue. The
pressure monitoring catheter and a transducer are connected to the
device body of the present invention. Thereafter, the sealing
member is inserted into the device body while the pressure within
the pressure monitoring catheter is maintained at or less than a
state or equilibrium with the pressure applied by the tissue.
Inventors: |
Bobo, SR.; Donald E.;
(Fountain Valley, CA) |
Family ID: |
26801865 |
Appl. No.: |
13/207351 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12637553 |
Dec 14, 2009 |
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13207351 |
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11683387 |
Mar 7, 2007 |
7654967 |
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12637553 |
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10104729 |
Mar 21, 2002 |
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11683387 |
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60277565 |
Mar 21, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/561 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/031 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/561 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/03 20060101
A61B005/03 |
Claims
1. A method of connecting a pressure monitoring catheter to a
pressure transducer, comprising: providing a pressure monitoring
connector having an outlet port open to the atmosphere; coupling a
pressure monitoring catheter to said connector; coupling a
transducer to said connector; adjusting a sealing member in said
pressure monitoring connector after coupling said pressure
monitoring catheter and said transducer to said connector so as to
selectively vent said outlet port to the atmosphere in a first
position of said sealing member and to both seal said outlet port
and to displace a predetermined volume of air into a passage
between said pressure monitoring device and said transducer in a
second position of said sealing member, thereby limiting a pressure
differential within said pressure monitoring catheter.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting a sealing member
further comprises moving a plurality of o-rings disposed on said
sealing member.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said coupling a transducer to
said connector further comprises coupling said transducer for
measuring pressure within a cranium.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting a sealing member
includes moving said sealing member relative to a body of said
pressure monitoring connector.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said moving said sealing member
relative to a body of said pressure monitoring connector further
comprises moving said sealing member in a passage of said body of
said pressure monitoring connector.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said outlet port open to the
atmosphere is connected to said passage of said body.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said providing a pressure
monitoring connector having an outlet port open to the atmosphere
further comprises providing said connector further including a
first passage and a second passage.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said coupling a pressure
monitoring catheter to said connector further comprises connecting
said first passage to said pressure monitor.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said coupling a transducer to
said connector further comprises connecting said transducer to said
first passage.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said providing said connector
further including a first passage and a second passage further
comprises providing said first passage intersected by said second
passage.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing said connector
further comprises providing said second passage connected to said
outlet port.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/277,565, filed Mar. 21, 2001, naming Donald E.
Bobo, Sr., as inventor, and discloses subject matter related to
U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,007, issued Nov. 12, 1996, entitled "Gas Column
Pressure Monitoring Catheters", both whose entire contents are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set
forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Presently, biologically compatible air-based pressure
monitoring catheters are used in a number of medical applications
to monitor pressure at various locations within a mammalian body.
For example, air-based pressure monitoring catheters may be
inserted into the skull of a patient thereby permitting the
external monitoring of intra-cranial pressure.
[0003] Currently, a number of air-based pressure monitoring
catheters have been developed. Generally, these air-based pressure
monitoring catheters comprise a catheter having an air lumen formed
therein which communicates with a bladder positioned at or near its
distal end. In addition, the catheter includes a connector located
at or near its proximal end which may be connected to an external
pressure transducer. During use, the volume of the bladder attached
to the catheter changes as pressure varies in accordance with
Boyle's Law (P.sub.1V.sub.1=P.sub.2V.sub.2). As a result, the
pressure of the gas within the catheter becomes equal to that of
the environment surrounding the bladder. The media surrounding the
bladder must be capable of movement to accommodate the variations
in bladder volume as pressure changes. As such, pressure monitoring
within a flowable liquid media has not proven difficult as the
media is capable of accommodating the variations in bladder volume.
However, one shortcoming of currently available air-based pressure
monitoring catheters becomes evident when used to measure the
pressure within an enclosed space, such as when used to monitor
intra-cranial pressure.
[0004] When used to monitor intra-cranial pressure the bladder may
become over inflated as a result of the movement of the media. As a
result, the bladder may exert excessive force on the surrounding
brain tissue as the brain tissue continues to move in response to
changes in the intra-cranial pressure. The brain tissue, positioned
within the skull, has a limited ability to move in response to the
changes in bladder volume. As a result, the continued exertion of
excessive force by the bladder on the surrounding brain tissue
could result in a stroke, brain damage, or death.
[0005] Similarly, the use of air-based pressure monitoring
catheters in negatively pressurized environments has proven
problematic. Typically, a deflated bladder will immediately inflate
to a pressure equal to environment surrounding the bladder the when
introduced into a negatively pressurized environment. During use,
the bladder may be capped to isolate the bladder from the external
environment thereby permitting the accurate monitoring of pressure
within the body. Often excessive air may be unintentionally
injected into the bladder while connecting the pressure monitoring
device to a pressure transducer. As a result, the over inflated
bladder may exert an excessive and detrimental force on the
surrounding tissue.
[0006] Thus, in light of the foregoing, there is a ongoing need for
a pressure monitoring connector capable of connecting a gas column
pressure monitor to a pressure transducer.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a device for efficiently
coupling a pressure monitoring device to a pressure transducer. In
addition, the present invention reduces or eliminates the
likelihood air will be unintentionally injected into the pressure
monitoring device while connecting the pressure monitoring device
to a pressure transducer.
[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a pressure
monitoring coupler comprising a sealing member and a device body.
The sealing member comprises a sealing flange connected to an
engagement member. The engagement member includes a first and
second O-ring positioned thereon. The device body comprises a
pressurizing lumen and an intersecting monitoring lumen in
communication with a receiving aperture.
[0009] During use, a pressure monitoring catheter is inserted into
a patient's tissue. The pressure monitoring catheter and a
transducer are connected to the device body of the present
invention. Thereafter, the sealing member is inserted into the
device body while the pressure within the pressure monitoring
catheter is maintained at or less than a state or equilibrium with
the pressure applied by the tissue.
[0010] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from a consideration of the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The apparatus of the present invention will be explained in
more detail by way of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the present invention
wherein the sealing member is displaced from the device body;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing member of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the device body of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a gas column pressure
monitoring catheter;
[0017] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
during use;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
during use;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
during use;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the present invention
during use; and
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a transducer insert of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Disclosed herein is a detailed description of various
embodiments of the present invention. This description is not to be
taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of
illustrating the general principles of the invention. The overall
organization of the detailed description is for the purpose of
convenience only and is not intended to limit the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows the pressure monitoring connector 10 of the
present invention. As shown, pressure monitoring connector 10 is in
communication with a catheter 12 and a transducer conduit 14. While
the pressure monitoring device 12 of the present invention is
designed for use with a variety of pressure monitoring devices used
for monitoring the pressure within a mammalian body, it is
particularly well suited for use with gas column pressure
monitoring devices and catheters such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,573,007, issued Nov. 12, 1996, entitled "Gas Column Pressure
Monitoring Catheters" which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety as if fully set forth herein. As those skilled in the
art will appreciate, the exemplary pressure monitoring device
disclosed herein is designed to prevent or minimize trauma to the
patient while providing the user with accurate information
regarding the internal pressure at a selected location of the
patient's body. While the pressure monitoring device of the present
invention may be used in conjunction with of pressure monitoring
devices to monitor the pressure at locations throughout the
patient's body, it is particularly useful in negative pressure
environments or within confined spaces. For example, the pressure
monitoring device of the present invention may be used to monitor
intra-cranial pressure or pressure within the vena cava.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows the pressure monitoring connector 10 of the
present invention. As shown, the monitoring device 10 of the
present invention comprises a sealing member 16 capable of engaging
a device body 18. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sealing member 16
comprises a surface 20 having a sealing flange 22 located or
otherwise formed thereon. The sealing flange 22 is coupled to an
engagement member 24. A first. O-ring 26 and a second O-ring 28 are
positioned on the engagement member 24. In one alternate
embodiment, the engagement member 24 may include a first O-ring
channel 27 capable of receiving the first O-ring 26 therein, and a
second O-ring channel 29 capable of receiving the second O-ring 28
therein. A sealing O-ring 30 may be positioned on or proximate to
the sealing flange 22. Like the engagement member 24, the sealing
flange 22 may include a sealing O-ring channel 31 capable of
receiving the sealing O-ring 30 therein. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the first and second O-rings 26, 28,
respectively, or the sealing O-ring 30 may attached to the
engagement member 24 or the sealing flange 22 in a variety of ways,
including adhesively attached or mechanically attached.
[0025] FIGS. 2 and 4 show the device body 18 of the present
invention. As shown, the device body 18 comprises a body member 32
having a first connector receiver 34 and a second connector
receiver 36 formed thereon. An interface surface 38 having a
receiving aperture 40 is formed on the body member 32. The
receiving aperture 40 is sized to sealable receive the sealing
flange 22 of the sealing member 16 therein. A pressurizing lumen 42
longitudinally traverses the device body 18 and is in fluid
communication with the receiving aperture 40 and the outlet port 43
formed on the body member 32. The pressurizing lumen 42 of the
present invention is sized to sealably receive the engagement
member 24 of the sealing member 16 therein. The first and second
connector receivers 34, 36 are in fluid communication with a
monitoring lumen 46 formed within the device body 18. As shown, the
monitoring passage 46 intersects and is in fluid communication with
the pressurizing lumen 42, effectively bifurcating the pressurizing
lumen 42 and forming a first passage 42a and a second passage
42b.
[0026] The present application further discloses a method of using
the pressure monitoring connector 10 in conjunction with a gas
column pressure monitoring device. FIGS. 5-9 show the device of the
present invention during various stages of use. FIG. 5 show an
exemplary gas column pressure monitor 50 in communication with a
catheter 12. The bladder 52 of the exemplary gas column pressure
monitor 50 is positioned within a tissue media 54. In accordance
with Boyle's Law, the bladder 52 of the gas column pressure monitor
50 is in equilibrium with the surrounding tissue media 54. For
clarity FIGS. 6-9 show various cross sectional views of the device
not coupled to a catheter or a transducer conduit. It should be
understood a catheter 12 is attached to a gas column pressure
monitor 50 and a transducer conduit 14 is attached to a transducer
(not shown). The catheter 12 and the transducer conduit 14 are
attached to first and second connector receivers 34, 36 during use.
Thereafter, the user inserts the engagement member 24 into the
first portion 42a of the pressurizing lumen 42 formed in the device
body 18. As shown in FIG. 6, during the initial stages of insertion
the monitoring lumen is in communication with the outlet port 43
thereby maintaining the equilibrium between the bladder 52 and
tissue media 54 (See FIG. 5). FIG. 7 shows the continued actuation
of the present invention wherein the distal portion of the
engagement member 24 has traversed the monitoring lumen 46. The
first O-ring sealably engages the walls of the second portion 42b
of the pressurizing lumen 42 thereby isolating the bladder 52 (see
FIG. 5) from the outlet port 43. Furthermore, FIG. 7 illustrates
the continued insertion of the engagement member 24 into the device
body 18 thereby generating a vacuum D1, D2 within the monitoring
lumen 46. As a result, fluid is withdrawn from the bladder 52. As
shown in FIG. 8, the continued insertion of the engagement member
24 results in the second O-ring 28 traversing the monitoring lumen
46. Furthermore, the bladder 52 is capable of communicating with
the atmosphere through the first portion 42b of the pressurizing
lumen 42 and permits the bladder 52 to return to a state of
equilibrium D3, D4 with the tissue media 54. FIG. 9 shows
engagement member 24 completely inserted in the pressurizing lumen
42 wherein the sealing O-ring 30 has engaged the receiving aperture
40. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention permits a user to simultaneously attach and equilibrate a
gas column pressure monitoring device or other pressure monitoring
device to a pressure transducer. Furthermore, it will be
appreciated that the present invention reduces or eliminates the
possibility a bladder may be over inflated while connecting the
pressure monitoring device to a pressure transducer.
[0027] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a
transducer insert may be position proximate to a pressure
transducer. FIG. 10 illustrates a transducer insert 86 that may be
attached to the transducer 80. The transducer insert may be locked
into position by a snap-in connector 82. The transducer insert 86
is sealing engaged with the transducer by an O-ring 84. The
transducer insert 86 includes a lumen 88 which is in communication
with a luer opening 92. The opening 92 is capable of engaging a
syringe 90. When the transducer insert 86 attached to the
transducer 80, the tranducer insert is in communication with the
pressure monitoring catheter. As the plunger of the syringe 90 is
withdrawn, a volume of air from the pressure monitoring catheter
(not shown) is concomitantly withdrawn. Conversely, the plunger of
the syringe may be depressed thereby adding air to the pressure
monitoring catheter.
[0028] In closing, it is understood that the embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principals of
the invention. Other modifications may be employed which are within
the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present
invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described
in the present disclosure.
* * * * *