Patent ID: 6337994
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A surgical probe for obtaining impedance measurements, comprising:a hollow trocar sleeve having a proximal end portion, a distal end, a first electrically conductive portion defining a first electrode adjacent said distal end, and means for electrically connecting said first electrically conductive portion to said proximal end portion; a stylet having a proximal end portion, a distal end, a second electrically conductive portion defining a second electrode adjacent said distal end, and means for electrically connecting said second electrically conductive portion to said proximal end portion, said stylet being housed within said trocar sleeve; an electrical insulator disposed between said trocar sleeve and said stylet; and impedance meter means operatively coupled to said proximal end portion of each of said trocar sleeve and said stylet so as to be electrically coupled to said first and second electrodes, for indicating the impedance of a biological substance contacting said electrodes.