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Last Updated: April 20, 2024

Claims for Patent: 5,402,779

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Summary for Patent: 5,402,779

Title:	Method for the non-invasive detection of an intravascular injection of an anesthetic by the use of an indicator dye
Abstract:	A method and apparatus in which an anesthesia catheter is inserted into the epidural space of the patient. A blood soluble dye mixed with a local anesthetic is injected through the catheter and into the patient. A transducer clip is positioned on the finger of the patient for monitoring the light responsive characteristics of the patient\'s blood. A transducer signal is fed to a microprocessor for generating a real time display for indicating to the anesthesiologist that the dye, and therefore the local anesthetic, is present in the bloodstream.
Inventor(s):	Chen; William X. (Oak Park, IL), Laurito; Charles E. (Wilmette, IL)
Assignee:
Application Number:	08/254,957
Patent Claims:	1. A method for use by an anesthesiologist for non-invasively determining whether an anesthetic has inadvertently entered a blood vessel of a patient, comprising: inserting an anesthesia catheter into the body of a patient; preparing a blood soluble dye having light absorption characteristics and characteristics which permit its flow within the bloodstream of the patient; injecting the blood soluble dye through the catheter and into the patient; non-invasively monitoring the patient's blood at a location remote from the catheter, said monitoring detecting a change in transmitted light through the blood to sense the presence of the dye in the bloodstream; and indicating to the anesthesiologist that the dye has been sensed in the bloodstream by said step of monitoring. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring includes transmitting light of a wavelength related to said light absorption characteristics of said dye through the patient's blood. 3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of monitoring includes sensing the intensity of light transmitted through the patient's bloodstream. 4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of monitoring includes securing a transducer at the fingertip of the patient's finger. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of inserting the catheter includes positioning an end of the catheter in the epidural space of the patient. 6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of preparing the dye includes mixing a powdered dye with sterile water. 7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of preparing the dye includes adding a stabilizer. 8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of preparing the dye includes mixing the dye with an anesthetic; and wherein said step of injecting the dye includes injecting the mixed dye and anesthetic. 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said step of injecting the mixed dye and anesthetic includes continuous infusing of the mixed dye and anesthetic throughout a period of time. 10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of injecting the dye includes placing a dye in a syringe; and fixing the syringe to the catheter. 11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of indicating includes generating an audible alarm. 12. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of indicating includes displaying a graph of a real time monitoring of the patient's blood. 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said step of indicating includes visually displaying the real time light absorption characteristics of the bloodstream. 14. A method for use by a medical user for non-invasively determining whether a conduit has inadvertently entered a blood vessel of a patient, comprising: inserting a conduit into the body of a patient; preparing a blood soluble dye having characteristics which permit its flow within the bloodstream of the patient; injecting the blood soluble dye through the conduit and into the patient; non-invasively monitoring the patient's blood at a location remote from the conduit to sense for the dye in the bloodstream; and indicating to the medical user that the conduit has inadvertently entered a blood vessel because the dye has been sensed in the bloodstream by said step of monitoring.

Details for Patent 5,402,779

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Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.	ZOSTAVAX	zoster vaccine live	For Injection	125123	05/25/2006	⤷ Try a Trial	2014-04-29
>Applicant	>Tradename	>Biologic Ingredient	>Dosage Form	>BLA	>Approval Date	>Patent No.	>Expiredate

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