Blood parameter measurement system

摘要

A parameter of blood is sensed with a system which includes a catheter and a sensor and a volume oscillator element. The catheter has a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end and an opening, adapted to be placed in the blood vessel of a patient. The sensor senses a blood parameter and is adapted to be located outside the patient's body in fluid communication with the lumen. The volume oscillator element is in fluid communication with the lumen and is capable of acting to periodically cause blood to enter and exit the lumen. The system is structured so that a flush or anti-clotting solution flows into the patient when the volume oscillator element is inactive. With the volume oscillator activated, blood is moved back and forth in the lumen to expose the sensors to blood so that the blood parameter of interest can be sensed.