Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A tracheal probe for use in determining the blood flow rate in a major discharge artery, including the pulmonary artery and the aorta, of a mammalian heart, which comprises: a flexible tube (11) having a length sufficient to extend from the oral or nasal cavity of the mammal or from a surgical tracheal opening through the trachea (T) to the bifurcation thereof, and a first ultrasound transducer (21) mounted to the tube (11) in proximity to the distal end thereof and disposed to transmit in a direction within the range of 10° to 80° with respect to the axis of the tube (11), characterized by first inflatable means (30) mounted on the tube (11) opposite the first ultrasound transducer (21) for urging the transducer (21) into contact with the inner wall of the trachea (T) upon inflation thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A tracheal probe for use in determining the blood flow rate in a major discharge artery, including the pulmonary artery and the aorta, of a mammalian heart, which comprises: a flexible tube (11) having a length sufficient to extend from the oral or nasal cavity of the mammal or from a surgical tracheal opening through the trachea (T) to the bifurcation thereof, and a first ultrasound transducer (21) mounted to the tube (11) in proximity to the distal end thereof and disposed to transmit in a direction within the range of 10° to 80° with respect to the axis of the tube (11), characterized by first inflatable means (30) mounted on the tube (11) opposite the first ultrasound transducer (21) for urging the transducer (21) into contact with the inner wall of the trachea (T) upon inflation thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tracheal probe of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the tube (11) is open to provide for ventilation of the mammal through the tube (11).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
49 words
The tracheal probe of claim 1 or 2, including second inflatable means (29) mounted on the tube (11) in proximity to and above the first transducer (21) and extending around the entire periphery of the tube (11) for centrally locating the probe in the trachea (T) upon inflation thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
The tracheal probe of any of claims 1 to 3, including a second ultrasound transducer (22) mounted to the tube (11) in proximity to the end thereof and spaced from the first transducer (21) in the direction of ultrasound transmission from the first transducer (21) and disposed to transmit in a direction of 90° with respect to the axis of the probe and intersecting the transmissions of the first transducer (21).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
The tracheal probe of claim 4, wherein the distance from the first transducer (21) to the second transducer (22) is the estimated diameter of the artery (A) at the point of intended measurement of blood flow, divided by twice the tangent of the angle of the direction of transmission from the first transducer (21) with respect to the axis of the tube (11).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tracheal probe of claim 4 or 5, including electrical conductors (24...27) extending respectively from the first and second transducers (21, 22) the length of the probe.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tracheal probe of any of claims 1 to 3, including means for inflating the first and second inflatable means (30, 29).