Patent ID: 8057095
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: A61M,G01K

Abstract:
1. A probe assembly for use with an elongated fluid conduit having a lateral fluid port, said fluid port having a longitudinal axis and a first end proximal said fluid conduit and a second end opposite said first end and having a tapered interior surface at a port taper angle, said port taper angle being acute with respect to said longitudinal axis of said lateral fluid port, said tapered interior surface forming a port lumen, said port lumen being narrower at said first end than at said second end, comprising: an adaptor slip having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a slip lumen and an exterior wall, at least a portion of said exterior wall nearest said proximal end of said adaptor slip being tapered at an adaptor taper angle, said adaptor taper angle being acute with respect to said longitudinal axis of said adaptor slip, said exterior wall being narrower at said proximal end of said adapter slip than away from said proximal end of said adaptor slip; said adaptor taper angle of said exterior wall of said adaptor slip being less than said port taper angle of said interior surface of said lateral fluid port; said adaptor slip being sized relative to said fluid port such that said exterior wall of said adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of said interior surface of said fluid port at said proximal end of said adaptor slip when said proximal end of said adaptor slip is inserted into said fluid port; said adaptor slip having an external shoulder, said external shoulder abutting said second end of said fluid port when said proximal end of said adaptor slip is inserted into said fluid port, wherein, when said external shoulder abuts said second end of said fluid port; and a sleeve having a closed proximal end, said closed proximal end of said sleeve having a known predetermined position with respect to said proximal end of said adapter slip; a probe configured to be seated in said slip lumen with a proximate end of said probe being proximate to said closed proximal end of said sleeve.