Catheter for monitoring uterine contraction pressure

Abstract

A multi-lumen catheter for monitoring uterine contraction pressure having an elongated body configured and dimensioned for insertion into a bladder of a patient, the catheter having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a first balloon at a distal portion, the first lumen communicating with the first balloon. The second lumen communicates with the bladder to remove fluid from the bladder. The first balloon is filled with a gas to form along with the first lumen a gas filled chamber to monitor pressure within the bladder to thereby monitor uterine contraction pressure of the patient.

1 - 20  (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system for monitoring uterine contraction pressure via measuring bladder pressure, the system comprising a catheter having an elongated body configured and dimensioned for insertion into a bladder of a patient, the catheter having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a first balloon at a distal portion, the first lumen communicating with the first balloon, and the second lumen having an opening communicating with the bladder to remove fluid from the bladder through the second lumen, the first balloon filled with a gas to form along with the first lumen a gas filled chamber to monitor pressure within the bladder to thereby monitor uterine contraction pressure of the patient, and a sensor to measure pressure in response to deformation of the balloon, the pressure sensor measuring pressure of the bladder to provide readings of bladder pressure. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the pressure sensor continuously communicates with an external monitor to visually display pressure readings, the pressure sensor providing continuous pressure measurements throughout its duration of insertion without requiring infusion of water into the bladder. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the gas filled chamber is a closed system. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a temperature sensor to measure maternal core body temperature. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising one or both a sensor to measure fetal heart rate and a sensor to measure maternal PO2, and a clinician is alerted if one or both of fetal heart rate or maternal PO2 exceeds a predetermined value. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the gas is air, and after initial insertion of air into the first lumen, additional air does not need to be inserted during the duration of insertion of the catheter in the bladder of the patient. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first balloon has a circumference engageable with a wall of the bladder at multiple contact regions to provide multiple reference points for calculation of an average pressure of the bladder wall. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the sensor is positioned within the catheter adjacent the first balloon and at least one wire extends from the sensor proximally through the catheter for electrical communication with an external monitor. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first balloon has a coating to reduce its permeability. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the catheter further comprises a third lumen and a second balloon, the third lumen communicating with the second balloon to inflate the second balloon to stabilize a position of the catheter, wherein the second balloon is positioned proximal of the first balloon. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the temperature sensor is spaced axially from the sensor for measuring pressure. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the opening communicating with the second lumen is a side opening in a wall of the catheter and is proximal of the first balloon. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a second balloon positioned external of the first balloon, the second balloon deformable to compress and deform the first balloon to compress the gas in the first balloon to provide an indication of uterine contraction pressure. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the sensor is positioned in a hub mounted to the first side port extending from the catheter. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the sensor is positioned at a proximal region of the catheter. 
     
     
         36 . A system for monitoring uterine contraction pressure via measuring bladder pressure, the system comprising:
 a) a catheter configured and dimensioned for insertion into a bladder of a patient and having   a distal balloon at a distal portion of the catheter;   a first lumen communicating with the distal balloon, the distal balloon and first lumen forming a gas filled chamber to monitor pressure within the bladder to thereby monitor uterine contraction pressure of the patient, wherein in response to pressure within the bladder the distal balloon deforms to compress the gas within the distal balloon;   a first proximal port communicating with the first lumen, a second lumen having an opening communicating with the bladder to remove fluid from the bladder;   a temperature sensor positioned in the catheter and having a wire extending through the catheter; and   b) a hub connectable to the first port, the hub including a pressure transducer for measuring pressure based on gas compression within the first lumen, wherein connection of the hub to the first port automatically connects the wire to an electrical connector in the hub for connection to a temperature monitor.   
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein connection of the hub to the first port automatically advances air into the distal balloon to expand the distal balloon, the first lumen remained sealed to outside air during expansion of the distal balloon. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the gas is air and upon connection of the hub to the first port, a closed system is formed and an elongated member advances air into the distal balloon. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 36 , further comprising a second balloon positioned external of the first balloon, the second balloon deformable to compress the first balloon to compress the gas within the first balloon to provide an indication of uterine contraction pressure.