Urethral profiling device & methodology

Abstract

A urethral profile apparatus, assembly and appurtenant methodology is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end including a probe. The probe is selectively positionable within a urethral passageway by axial translation of the elongate member via the distal end, with the probe dimensioned so as to indicate constrictures of the urethral passageway.

1 . A urethral profile apparatus comprising an elongate member having proximal and distal ends, said proximal end including a probe, said probe being selectively positionable within a urethral passageway by axial translation of said elongate member via said distal end, said probe dimensioned so as to indicate constrictures of the urethral passageway.  
     
     
         2 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said probe is adapted to be received upon a catheter, said probe being axially translatable along a segment of the catheter.  
     
     
         3 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said probe is rigidly dimensioned.  
     
     
         4 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said probe is resiliently responsive to constrictures of the urethral passageway.  
     
     
         5 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said probe comprises a reversibly expandable element.  
     
     
         6 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said reversibly expandable element is circumferentially disposable about an exterior surface of the catheter for sliding engagement therewith.  
     
     
         7 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said reversibly expandable element is in fluid communication with said elongate member.  
     
     
         8 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said reversibly expandable element is in fluid communication with said distal end of said elongate member.  
     
     
         9 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said proximal end of said elongate member comprises a tubular element.  
     
     
         10 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 9  wherein said probe is integral to said tubular element.  
     
     
         11 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said probe comprises a portion of a free end of said tubular element.  
     
     
         12 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said probe comprises an enlarged end portion of said tubular element.  
     
     
         13 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said enlarged end portion is belled.  
     
     
         14 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said tubular element includes a line of weakness in a wall thereof.  
     
     
         15 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said tubular element includes a slot in a wall thereof.  
     
     
         16 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 9  wherein a portion of said elongate member includes graduations upon an exterior surface thereof.  
     
     
         17 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 10  wherein a portion of said elongate member includes spaced apart indicia on an exterior surface thereof.  
     
     
         18 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said elongate member is tubular.  
     
     
         19 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 18  wherein said elongate member is adapted to be fluid filled.  
     
     
         20 . The urethral profile apparatus of  claim 19  wherein said elongate member includes at least a single lumen extending between said proximal and said distal ends thereof.  
     
     
         21 - 57 . (canceled)