Patent ID: 8858535
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter comprising: a tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end and a first exterior facing surface; and a retention member displaceable between expanded and contracted states; wherein at least a portion of the retention member, when in the expanded state, projects beyond the distal end of the body; the catheter further comprising a probe which comprises a head having a tip with an end, where the end is smooth and rounded, where the head is located beyond and displaceable towards and away from the distal end of the body, and an actuator on which the head is mounted, the actuator extending into the body of the catheter and being operable to effect displacement of the head towards and away from the distal end of the body, in which the head is tapered inwardly so that it is shaped to be drawn into the distal end of the body to form a fluid-tight seal; wherein the actuator comprises a hollow shaft having a bore which is in fluid communication with a conduit which extends through and exits from the head at a port located on a second exterior facing surface of the head such that after the head is drawn into the distal end of the body to form the fluid-tight seal, the port remains exposed to an exterior outside of the first exterior facing surface and the second exterior facing surface.