Patent ID: 6447462
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter system for use in detecting pressure changes within a body, comprising:an elongated tube having at least one lumen extending therethrough to a port located proximate a distal end thereof; a pressure-compliant balloon element secured to the elongated tube over the port and having an interior in communication therewith; a pressure transducer removably operably coupled to a proximal end of the at least one lumen and including a sensor element in communication with an interior of the pressure-compliant balloon element through the at least one lumen; and a charging structure for displacing a substantially predetermined volume of air into an air column extending between the pressure-compliant balloon element and the pressure transducer sensor element through the at least one lumen, the charging structure being configured, while the pressure transducer is operably coupled to the proximal end of the at least one lumen, to vent the air column to an ambient environment in a first mode, and to close the air column and effect displacement of the substantially predetermined volume of air in a second mode.