Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for monitoring intracranial pressure and draining intracranial fluid comprising: a drainage collection means; first valve means having an input port and first and second output ports, said first output port being connected to said drainage collection means; tubing for connecting said input port of said first valve means to a patient, said tubing having a length sufficient to reduce the risk of infection; second valve means having an input port connected to said second output port of said first valve means, and an output port; a pressure transducer; and a dome member having a first opening connected to said output port of said second valve means, a second opening connected to said pressure transducer, and a third opening through which the system can be balanced; the system defining a fluid communication path between the patient and said pressure transducer wherein said pressure transducer and said dome member are in a downstream position along said path relative to said drainage collection means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
163 words
A system for monitoring intracranial pressure and draining intracranial fluid comprising: a drainage collection means; first valve means having an input port and first and second output ports, said first output port being connected to said drainage collection means; tubing for connecting said input port of said first valve means to a patient, said tubing having a length sufficient to reduce the risk of infection; second valve means having an input port connected to said second output port of said first valve means, and an output port; a pressure transducer; and a dome member having a first opening connected to said output port of said second valve means, a second opening connected to said pressure transducer, and a third opening through which the system can be balanced; the system defining a fluid communication path between the patient and said pressure transducer wherein said pressure transducer and said dome member are in a downstream position along said path relative to said drainage collection means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the angle between said first and second openings of said dome member is substantially ninety degrees.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said drainage collection means includes a calibrated drip chamber capable of providing an indication of the amount of fluid drained.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 3 additionally comprising a calibrated collection bag connected to said drip chamber through a valve means such that the contents of said drip chamber can be periodically emptied into said collection bag.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 additionally comprising an irrigation flash bulb means in-line with said tubing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 1 additionally comprising third value means located proximate to the patient, said third valve means having an input port and a first output port, both of which being in-line with said tubing, said third valve means having a second output port for one of taking samples and dwelling medications.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said first, second and third valve means include first, second and third three port stopcocks.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second valve means are an integral unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first valve means is a relief valve responsive to the pressure exerted by the intracranial fluid so as to automatically open to drain the fluid into said drainage collection means.