Patent ID: 8409110
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: A61B,G01K

Abstract:
1. A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement, comprising: (a) a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user; (b) an elongate shaft extending from the handle, the elongate shaft capable of being bent into a shape by the user and of retaining the shape prior to insertion into a patient; (c) a probe portion having a first diameter arranged on a distal end portion of the shaft, at a position opposite the handle portion, shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of the patient, the probe portion including a plurality of channels radially disposed along an outer surface of the probe portion and extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the probe portion, the channels configured to cause compression of the probe portion to a second smaller diameter when the probe portion passes through the anal sphincter; and (d) a temperature sensing element arranged within the distal probe portion, adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient, the temperature sensing element being supported by the shaft of the monitor by a support extending between the shaft and the temperature sensor.