MICRODIALYSIS PROBES AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

A microdialysis probe (20, 100) arranged to have a primary probe (24), e.g., an electrical probe, secured to it so that the microdialysis probe extends about and is concentric with the primary probe to enable the combined microdialysis probe and the primary probe to be extended as a unit through a common opening into the body (10) of a living being, whereupon the microdialysis probe (20) can be used for selective sampling and/or administration of dialyzable compounds in biological fluids from living tissue within the body of the being and the primary probe (24) can be used for some other function within the body of the being without appreciably injuring adjacent tissue. The microdialysis probe (20) comprises a tube (22, 106) having a lumen therethrough for releasably mounting the primary probe, and at least one dialysis chamber (26, 118, 120). In one embodiment only a single annular dialysis chamber (26) is provided with the lumen (22) mounting the primary probe (24) extending therethrough. In another embodiment two semi-annular dialysis chambers (118, 120) are provided adjacent each other with the lumen (106) mounting the primary probe (24) extending therethrough. In either case each dialysis chamber comprises a wall (34, 122) formed of a semi-permeable material, an inlet passageway (28, 130) to the chamber (38, 118) and an outlet passageway (30, 140) from the chamber (32, 120).