Patent ID: 6258060
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus for placement in a urethra comprising:a tubular body sized for placement in the urethra, said tubular body having a proximal portion adapted for placement toward a bladder end and bladder neck end of the urethra and a distal portion opposite from said proximal portion;a sensor component coupled to said tubular body and responsive to a urethral feature to provide a first indication of proper placement of said proximal portion at the bladder end and bladder neck end of the urethra whereby proper placement of said tubular body can be ascertained, wherein said sensor component comprises:a fluid passageway extending through said tubular body and communicating with a proximal passageway opening in said proximal portion, said fluid passageway containing a fluid under a higher pressure when flow of the fluid from said proximal passageway opening is restricted and containing fluid under a lower pressure when flow of the fluid from said proximal opening is unrestricted; anda flow restrictor valve at said proximal passageway opening and adapted to prevent flow from said proximal passageway opening while said proximal passageway opening with within the urethra.