Abstract

A multifunctional visceral catheter having a self-guiding system in the form of a pair of fiberoptic sensor systems which are sensitive to a predetermined analyte, the analyte being one which is removed from the vascular circuit of interest to a high degree, such as galactose in the hepatic venous system or creatinine in the renal venous system. One of the sensors is disposed on the catheter so as to be positioned within the venous system of interest, while the other sensor remains outside the venous system in the vena cava. A substantial difference between analyte concentration values as measured via the two fiberoptic sensor systems provides immediate confirmation that the catheter is properly positioned. In addition to being self-guiding, the catheter provides for direct sampling of venous blood; includes a fiberoptic system for continuously monitoring oxygen saturation in the hepatic or renal venous blood; and is capable of measuring absolute hepatic or renal blood flow. An integral operating unit incorporates necessary fiberoptic system components such as a light source and signal detector, as well as a microprocessor and program memory for implementing various functions of the catheter.