Patent ID: 7419483
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An implantable surgical drain configured to be placed against at least one tissue within a patient's body for draining fluid and sensing at least one physiological property of the tissue, comprising: a) an elongated conduit housing configured to be implanted in the patient's body and to rest against a substantial length of a first tissue within the body, and to drain wound fluid from the body, the elongated conduit comprising: i. a first and a second surface on an outer side and along the length of the elongated conduit; ii. a plurality of drain openings in the first and the second surface positioned along substantially the entire length of the elongated conduit, configured to drain wound fluid from the body; iii. a first and a second drain lumen positioned within the elongated conduit housing in fluid communication with the plurality of the drain openings; iv. at least one sensing element positioned along the first surface in proximity to the drain openings of the elongated conduit configured to sense a physiological property of the first tissue; and v. an at least one inflatable compartment positioned within the elongated conduit housing between the first and the second drain lumens, positioned behind the at least one sensing element, configured when inflated to push the at least one sensing element in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to the first surface against the first tissue so as to enhance contact between the sensing element and the first tissue; and b) a tube in fluid communication with the first and the second drain lumens configured to transport the drained wound fluid out of the body.