Robert E Guthrie

US Patent:

55626394, Oct 8, 1996

Filed:

Nov 23, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/155863

Inventors:

Lawrence A. Lynn - Columbus OH
Robert B. Guthrie - Oxnard CA

International Classification:

A61M 3100

US Classification:

604280

Abstract:

A vented fluid collection system including a collection apparatus for use with a device in communication with a mammalian organ or body lumen having a fluid to be sampled therein. The fluid collection apparatus has a blunt cannula having a bore defined therein and a wall defining a small collection chamber in communication with the bore. A fluid sample passes through the bore and is stored in the collection chamber. A vented membrane is disposed at an opening in the wall to allow gas to pass therethrough but prevents fluid collected in the collection chamber from passing therethrough. A shroud surrounds and protects the cannula and a cannula cap may be mounted to the shroud to enclose the cannula. In an alternative design of the fluid collection apparatus, the bore acts as the collection chamber. In all designs, when the fluid collection system communicates with a blood vessel, the patient's systemic blood pressure urges the fluid sample into the bore and, in the first design, further into the collection chamber.