Device for determining the concentration of nitric oxide in the intestinal tract of humans or animals

摘要

invention relates to a novel device for the in situ determination of the partial pressure, or the concentration of intestinal nitrogen monoxide in man, or animals. According to the invention, an electrochemical sensor, located in a tube and which can be introduced into the intestinal tract, generates an electrical signal, proportional to the concentration of NO in the intestinal tract. The sensor is thus covered by means of a NO permeable membrane or film. An electronic potentiostat is located either inside or outsid the probe, producing a defined electrical potential between the reference and measuring electrodes of the electrochemical sensor, which is maintained at least for the duration of the measurement. The probe is provided with a cable, by means of which the sensor signal is transmitted to an electronic evaluator, which registers and displays the signal. Alternatively the probe can be provided with a transmitter, which permits a telemetric data transmission to an electronic evaluator, which is placed outside the human or animal body.