The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 19, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 07, 2000
Jonathan L. Flachman, Robbinsdale, MN (US);
James V. Kauphusman, Champlin, MN (US);
Jonathan R. McGrath, Chanhassen, MN (US);
Gregg S. Sutton, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Urologix, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
A rectal thermosensing unit includes, according to one aspect thereof, an elongate member having an inflation lumen extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is supported by the elongate member. An interior of the inflatable balloon is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. An insertion lumen extends through the elongate member. An introducer is insertable into the insertion lumen. At least one temperature sensing device is supported by the inflatable balloon. The rectal thermosensing probe is located in a rectum by inserting the introducer into the inflation lumen, inserting the inflatable balloon supported by the elongate member having the introducer inserted in the insertion lumen therein into the rectum, removing the introducer from the insertion lumen, and inflating the inflatable balloon by providing fluid through the inflation lumen. According to another aspect of the rectal thermosensing unit, a body of the unit is passively expandable to support the temperature sensing device against the rectum. The passively expandable body is compressed, inserted into the rectum while compressed, and allowed to passively expand to conform to the shape of the rectal cavity. A ventilation tube is provided through the body of the unit to allow for gas to escape from the rectum.