US4981470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Intraesophageal catheter with pH sensor
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1989-06-21
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Granted: 1991-01-01
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Expires: 2009-06-21
Abstract
Abstract An intraesophageal catheter comprising a tubular body, a pH sensor extending through the interior of the tubular body for pH measurement, and a balloon inflation pressure sensor communicating with the interior of the tubular body. The tubular body is comprised of clear polyvinyl chloride material and has a radiopaque stripe extending longitudinally along the tubular body. A plurality of circumferential gradations are marked on the tubular body. The pH sensor has a head portion fastened to the end of the tubular body and a conductor connected to and extending from the head portion to the other end of the tubular body. The head portion is comprised of a polycarbonate material having a smooth surface. The balloon inflation pressure sensor is a balloon that is positioned on the tubular body part from the head portion of the pH sensor. A balloon inflation channel extends through the interior of the tubular body and communicates with the balloon molded to the exterior surface of the tubular body.
Inventors
- 👤 C. Thomas Bombeck, IV
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/145; A61B5/14542; A61B5/03; A61B5/036; A61B5/037; A61B5/14539; A61B5/1468; A61B5/1473; A61B5/68; A61B5/6846; A61B5/6847; A61B5/6852; A61B5/6853
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
An intraesophageal catheter comprising: a tubular body with an open and closed end; a pH sensor means extending through the interior of said tubular body for pH measurements; a balloon molded to the exterior surface of said exterior body, said balloon comprised of latex material, said balloon having a length of approximately four centimeters and an inflated outer diameter of approximately 8.4 millimeters; and a balloon inflation channel extending through the interior of said tubular body such that said balloon inflation channel pneumatically communicates with the interior of said balloon through a plurality of ports extending through said tubular body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
An intraesophageal catheter comprising: a tubular body with an open and closed end; a pH sensor means extending through the interior of said tubular body for pH measurements; a balloon molded to the exterior surface of said exterior body, said balloon comprised of latex material, said balloon having a length of approximately four centimeters and an inflated outer diameter of approximately 8.4 millimeters; and a balloon inflation channel extending through the interior of said tubular body such that said balloon inflation channel pneumatically communicates with the interior of said balloon through a plurality of ports extending through said tubular body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The catheter of claim 1, said balloon inflation channel being TEFLON lined, said balloon inflation channel having a female lure lock at the open end of said tubular body.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of measuring intraesophageal pH and air pressure comprising the steps of: inserting an intraesophageal catheter into the nose of a person, said intraesophageal catheter having a pH measurement head at the inserted end and a balloon inflation pressure sensor longitudinally displaced from said pH measurement head on said catheter; moving said intraesophageal catheter into the esophagus proximal to the stomach of said person; connecting said pH measurement head to an electric pH recorder exterior of said patient; inflating said balloon inflation pressure sensor such that said balloon inflation pressure sensor expands and contracts with the respiratory effort of said person; connecting said balloon inflation pressure sensor into a pneumatic pressure recorder exterior of said person; and monitoring the pH and pressure measurements simultaneously during the sleep cycle of said person.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of measuring intraesophageal pH and air pressure comprising the steps of: inserting an intraesophageal catheter into the nose of a person, said intraesophageal catheter having a pH measurement head at the inserted end and a balloon inflation pressure sensor longitudinally displaced from said pH measurement head on said catheter; moving said intraesophageal catheter into the esophagus proximal to the stomach of said person; connecting said pH measurement head to an electric pH recorder exterior of said patient; inflating said balloon inflation pressure sensor such that said balloon inflation pressure sensor expands and contracts with the respiratory effort of said person; connecting said balloon inflation pressure sensor into a pneumatic pressure recorder exterior of said person; and monitoring the pH and pressure measurements simultaneously during the sleep cycle of said person.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-12-31 | 1994-07-02 | 1995-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-31 | 1998-07-02 | 1999-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-31 | 2002-07-02 | 2003-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |