CARDIAC OUTPUT PROBE ASSEMBLY

摘要

A cardiac output probe assembly (10) is disclosed wherein the assembly includes a chest tube (12) which carries a cardiac output probe (14) therein. The chest tube (12) includes a main lumen (40) fo r draining fluids from the thoracic cavity of the chest and a secondary lumen (18) which carries leads (24) attached to the probe (14). The probe (14) is attached to the pulmonary artery or aorta vessel with detachable tines (52) and/or sutures. The tines (52) ar e uniquely configured to ensure that good contact between the probe (14) and vessel is maintained. When cardiac output monitoring is complete, a pulling force is applied to the probe leads (24) extending out through a proximal end (18) of the tube (12). The pulling force detaches the tines (52) and sutures, releasing the probe (14) from connection with the vessel. Further withdrawal of the leads (24) through the tube (12) retracts the probe (14) within the tube (12), where it is housed until the tube (12) is removed from the thoracic cavity.