Gaeltec Products
Gaeltec Ltd. is a manufacturer of a wide range of micro-transducer tipped catheters for corporeal
pressure measurements in human and animal applications. This diverse range of catheters is
available due to Gaeltec's dedication in providing specialty devices made to custom specifications.
Catheters including from 1 to over 6 pressure sensors are available with catheter sizes down to 3F
(1.0mm O.D.). Silicone rubber, Dacron, PFTE and reinforced Polyurethane materials can be
utilised. Additionally Gaeltec's successful low volume differential pressure transducer range with
sensitivity ranges down to ± 2cm H2O, complete the pressure measuring range. Details of part of
the range are described:
Transducers for Cardiac Monitoring
The Gaeltec CTC cardiac range feature robust metal sensing
diaphrams within polished surgical steel (AISI type 304) bodies which can be mounted on a variety
of catheter types. They have excellent frequency response and are simple to use. The units are
compatible with a wide range of monitors, which have been set for use with conventional
transducers having sensitivity of 5µV/V/mmHg.
Catheter Tip Pulmonary Artery Pressure Transducer 7F/B
This series of catheters have been specifically designed for
measuring long term pulmonary artery pressure. The significant feature
of the 7F/B is the ability to check zero drift of the sensor and pressure monitor in-vivo in the same
way as the Gaeltec intracranial pressure transducer type ICT/B.
Catheter Transducers for Oesophageal Manometry
The Gaeltec CTO range feature robust metal
sensing diaphragms mounted in soft flexible silicone rubber catheters. They have excellent
frequency response and are simple to use for standard manometry as well as ambulatory recording.
All these catheters can be supplied to order with centimetre markings or a soft tip extension.
Oesophageal Traction Force Transducer
A load cell is mounted on a flexible silicone rubber catheter
and connected by a Kevlar thread to a distal solid rubber extension. Forces pulling on this extension
are registered directly by the load cell, with virtually no artifacts from bending or squeezing the
catheter. Optionally supplied with a lumen and balloon tie suitable for the attachment of a latex
balloon on the extension, which can be used as a variable sized object to stimulate contractions or to
be acted upon by the oesophagus.
Differential Gas Pressure Transducers
The Gaeltec 8T series low pressure transducers offer small
size, low weight and volume with high frequency response. There are units to cover the ranges ± 2,
± 10, ± 20cm H2O and in a smaller case ± 50cm H2O. The 8T series is recommended for use with
Fleich pneumotachs, oesophageal and thoracic pressures. This transducer is stable, has a high
common mode pressure rejection and is robust.
Differential Liquid Pressure Transducer
A transducer specifically for situations where both sides
of the sensing diaphragm are to be exposed to a liquid. The transparent perspex housing allows easy
visualisation to clear air bubbles. Liquids used in the transducer must be compatible with silicone
rubber and perspex. The sensitivity can be higher than the normal Gaeltec transducers as the
relatively large metal diaphragm is an active full bridge network.
Circumferentially Sensitive Catheter Tip transducer
This CCT type pressure transducer features a
robust metal housing diaphragm mounted within an oil filled silicone rubber tube. This
construction allows the diaphragm to react to pressure from all sides unlike the standard side
mounted sensor. The transducer is compatible with a wide range of monitors, which have been set
for use with conventional transducers having sensitivity of 5µV/VmmHg.
Fontanometer Transducer
For non-invasive measurements of ICP in infants using applanation of the
fontanelle. The high frequency response gives a good display of respiratory and pulse pressure
waves. The balloon over the sensor enables the baseline to be checked by equalising pressure above
and below the sensor in situ, as in the Gaeltec ICT/B transducer.
General Sphinctometer Transducer
To measure sphincter activity where a point sensor will not be
adequate; for instance, in oesophageal ambulatory recording when the catheter cannot be kept
exactly in place over time. The sensor is an oil filled thick wall silicone rubber tube with a
miniature pressure transducer within it, integrating the pressure over the length that is
pressurised, giving an output in proportion to the sphincter competence. Can be supplied as a single
sensor catheter or as a tip or second sensor of a multi-sensor catheter with up to 5 sensors in total.
