Method of attaching a disposable sheath

Abstract

A pressure sensor and pressure-sensing catheter in which a deformable pressure sensing membrane is separated from an inner metalized surface on a rigid support by an air gap. An input allows a voltage to be applied to an electrode on the sensing membrane and an output allows reading of the signal modulation from the support surface. An outer sleeve overlays the membrane and a wire bus transmits the signals to a terminal connector. The catheter may include a vented air gap, a multiplexing wire bus, and an internal cable to maintain tension.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . A method of configuring a pressure-sensing catheter having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a plurality of pressure sensors disposed between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, the method comprising:
 positioning a biocompatible sheath with at least a portion of the sheath over a portion of the catheter, wherein the sheath is made of a material having a thickness of 0.0254 mm or less, and wherein the sheath comprises a rigid collar attached to an open end of the sheath to give a user a rigid structure to grip during insertion;   encircling the distal end portion of the catheter ( 308 ) with a sliding ring having an opening extending therethrough, wherein an inner diameter of the opening is adapted to provide a relatively tight fit over the circumference of the catheter; and   moving the sliding ring relative to the catheter in a sliding motion toward the proximal end portion of the catheter, thereby forcing air in the sheath out the open end of the sheath.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the sliding ring comprises a deformable soft foam rubber. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein positioning the biocompatible sheath with at least a portion of the sheath over a portion of the catheter comprises inserting the proximal end portion of the catheter into the open end of the sheath. 
     
     
         44 . The method of any of  claims 43 , wherein the method further comprises sealing the open end of the sheath against the catheter after the sliding ring is moved toward the proximal end portion of the catheter. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein positioning the biocompatible sheath with at least a portion of the sheath over a portion of the catheter comprises inserting the proximal end portion of the catheter into the open end of the sheath. 
     
     
         46 . The method of any of  claims 41 , wherein the method further comprises sealing the open end of the sheath against the catheter after the sliding ring is moved toward the proximal end portion of the catheter. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the open end of the sheath is sealed against the catheter using an elastic closure member. 
     
     
         48 . The method of any of  claims 41 , wherein positioning the biocompatible sheath with at least a portion of the sheath over a portion of the catheter comprises positioning the sheath with a baggy or loose fit over the pressure sensing catheter. 
     
     
         49 . A combination of components for configuring a sterile sheath on a catheter having a plurality of pressure sensors, the combination comprising:
 a sterile catheter sheath sized and configured to encircle the catheter and extend over the plurality of pressure sensors, wherein the sheath is made of material with a thickness of 0.0254 mm or less, and wherein the sheath comprises a rigid collar configured to be attached to an open end of the sheath to give a user a rigid structure to grip during insertion; and   a sliding ring comprising an opening which provides a relatively tight fit over the circumference of the catheter;   wherein the sliding ring is configured to slide over the sheath encircling the catheter and to force the air in the sheath out the open end of the sheath as the sliding ring moves along the catheter; and   wherein the sliding ring comprises soft foam rubber.   
     
     
         50 . The combination of components of  claim 49 , further comprising a closure adapted to be tightened to secure the sheath over the plurality of pressure sensors to prevent air from entering the sheath. 
     
     
         51 . The combination of components of  claim 49 , wherein a lubricant is disposed on an inner wall of the sheath. 
     
     
         52 . The combination of components of  claim 51 , wherein the sheath comprises a plastic stop affixed to a distal end portion of the sheath to block further insertion of the catheter into the sheath. 
     
     
         53 . The combination of components of  claim 49 , wherein the sheath comprises a plastic stop affixed to a distal end portion of the sheath to block further insertion of the catheter into the sheath. 
     
     
         54 . The combination of components of any of  claims 53 , wherein the sheath comprises a distal reservoir. 
     
     
         55 . The combination of components of any of  claims 49 , wherein the sheath comprises a distal reservoir. 
     
     
         56 . The combination of components of  claim 55 , further comprising a closure adapted to be tightened to secure the sheath over the plurality of pressure sensors to prevent air from entering the sheath. 
     
     
         57 . The combination of components of  claim 56 , wherein a lubricant is disposed on an inner wall of the sheath.