Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A tracheal probe for use in determining blood flow rate in a major discharge artery, including the pulmonary artery and aorta of a mammalian heart, which comprises: a. a flexible tube means having a distal end and adapted to extend from the oral or nasal cavity of the mammal or from a surgical tracheal opening through the trachea to the bifurcation thereof, and further adapted to allow for ventilation of the mammal during use in the trachea; b. a first ultrasound transducer mounted to the tube means in proximity to the distal end thereof; c. a lens mounted on the transducer and adapted to provide a medium for transmission of ultrasound from the transducer to the outermost extremity of the probe, thereby comprising a transducer lens assembly; and d. means mounted on the tube means for urging the transducer lens assembly into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A tracheal probe for use in determining blood flow rate in a major discharge artery, including the pulmonary artery and aorta of a mammalian heart, which comprises: a. a flexible tube means having a distal end and adapted to extend from the oral or nasal cavity of the mammal or from a surgical tracheal opening through the trachea to the bifurcation thereof, and further adapted to allow for ventilation of the mammal during use in the trachea; b. a first ultrasound transducer mounted to the tube means in proximity to the distal end thereof; c. a lens mounted on the transducer and adapted to provide a medium for transmission of ultrasound from the transducer to the outermost extremity of the probe, thereby comprising a transducer lens assembly; and d. means mounted on the tube means for urging the transducer lens assembly into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The tracheal probe of claim 1 wherein the means mounted on the tube means for urging the transducer lens assembly into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea comprises first inflatable means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
The tracheal probe of claim 2 and second inflatable means mounted on the tube means in proximity to and above the first transducer and extending around the entire periphery of the tube means for holding the tube in the desired position in the trachea, and wherein the distal end of the tube means is open to provide for ventilation of the mammal through the tube means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tracheal probe of claim 1 and a second ultrasound transducer mounted to the tube means in proximity to the distal end thereof, spaced from the first transducer and disposed to transmit in a direction intersecting the transmissions of the first transducer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tracheal probe of claim 4 and electrical conductors connected to said transducers and extending respectively from the first and second transducers the length of the probe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The tracheal probe of claim 5 wherein the means mounted on the tube means for urging the transducer lens assembly into intimate contact with the inner wall of the trachea comprises first inflatable means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
The tracheal probe of claim 6 and second inflatable means mounted on the tube means in proximity to and above the first transducer and extending around the entire periphery of the tube means for holding the tube in the desired position on the trachea, and wherein the distal end of the tube means is open to provide for ventilation of the mammal through the tube means.