Patent ID: 6673022
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A system for monitoring pressure within a mammalian body, the system comprising:a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface configured for insertion into the mammalian body with the distal end of the catheter positioned within the mammalian body; a first lumen, filled with a gas, extending longitudinally through the length of the catheter, the lumen providing gaseous communication between the distal end and the proximal end 23 of the catheter; a flaccid bladder, containing a gas, positioned at the distal end of the catheter, the bladder being in gaseous communication with the first lumen and being of a size configured for collapsing and expanding in response to changing pressure in the body so that a pressure change in the gas within the bladder reflects the pressure change within a body space in which the bladder is placed, the first lumen being thereby operable to transmit, in the gas from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter, changes in pressure exerted against the bladder; a pressure transducer mounted on the proximal end of the catheter, the pressure transducer being in gaseous communication with the first lumen; and a second lumen, filled with the gas, positioned between the proximal end of the catheter and the pressure transducer and in gaseous communication there between; wherein the total gas volume of the bladder represents no less than approximately 50% of the gas volume contained in the total system.