Apparatus for positioning a sensor in vivo

Abstract

Apparatus for positioning a sensor probe in vivo, including a probe advancement mechanism and a mating interconnection for positioning a distal end of a sensor probe a predetermined distance from the distal end of an indwelling catheter. The advancement mechanism includes a plurality of telescoping elements. The distal tip of the probe is moved from a retracted position within the advancement mechanism where the probe is maintained sterile and protected from breakage, to an advanced position wherein the distal tip of the probe is advanced through the catheter to a predetermined position with respect to the distal tip of the catheter at which the sensor measurement is made. The mating interconnection is provided between the distal end of the advancement mechanism and the proximal end of a catheter of a selected length to ensure use of the advancement mechanism only with catheters of the selected length and diameter whereby the distal tip of a probe may be precisely positioned with respect to the distal tip of the catheter. The mating interconnection is preferably a unique luer-type fitting wherein a unique female luer-type fitting in the catheter hub permits attachment to both the unique male luer-type fitting on the advancement mechanism and to a standard male luer fitting on any other device.