The present invention is a
system for monitoring a patient's breath
chemistry comprising a plurality of components, including a self-condensing pH sensor distally mounted on a
catheter, a
transmitter with hydration sensing circuitry for the pH sensor, and
processing receiver / data recorder. A specially designed self-condensing pH sensor is located on the distal end of a tubular
catheter which is designed to be inserted into the patient's
airway. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH is accomplished by using the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor, providing for real-time monitoring of patient
airway pH values. The self-condensing pH sensor comprises a multi-tubular design with the
catheter tubular member housing a
silver chloride reference element, an
ion conducting path, and an
antimony sensor element isolated within an inner tubular member that is co-linearly or coaxially configured with the outer catheter tubular member. A separation means may be employed in close proximity to the pH sensor to keep the pH sensor from direct mucosal contact along the wall of the patient's
airway which could possibly affect the sensor's ability to accurately measure breath pH.
Centimeter markings imprinted on the catheter body and an optional
light source located near the distal tip of the catheter is used to aid in proper positioning. A
transmitter with an antenna is engaged to the proximal end of the catheter and transfers the observed pH data by employing one of many
wireless methods, such as radio-frequency (RF) energy. Alternately, the transfer of observed pH data is accomplished by direct wire methods. A
processing receiver / data recorder receives the data and provides a means for storing and retrieving the data for study by a physician. The
transmitter also includes a means to evaluate the
signal strength of the sensor, which comprises of periodically sending a
low voltage signal to the pH sensor and reviewing the resulting wave forms. The
signal strength
system can detect if the pH sensor is non-hydrated, partially hydrated, or fully hydrated. The pH data is transferred or updated at specific intervals, which can be varied according to the patient's needs, to the
processing receiver / data recorder that can include an alarming means for predetermined pH values.