Fluid delivery system and related methods of use

• US 20040230157A1
• Filed: 05/16/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Churchill, William Lucas, Chin, Yem, Knodel, Bryan D., Janecek, Thomas F., Adams, Mark L., Hovey, Donald C., Hollars, Anthony Scott, Golden, John B., Perry, Stephen J., Yee, Carleton E., Conti, David R., Crowley, Peter, Anderhub, Otto, Carter, Michele B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,641,668 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/99.02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/43 making noise when used correctly
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/502 User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14566 with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/16831 Monitoring, detecting, signalling or eliminating infusion flow anomalies low-level float-valves causing cut-off A61M5/40; indicating or recording presence, absence or direction of flow in general G01P13/0066

Abstract

An apparatus and method for ejecting fluid from a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system has a pneumatic assembly that when triggered injects gas into a hydraulic assembly, which in turn ejects fluid through an external interface. An electronic interface displays various measurements, for example, how much fluid has been ejected and if the hydraulic system is closed the pressure of the system. The pneumatic assembly can also be depressurized such that fluid can reenter the hydraulic assembly through the external interface.

Claims

1. A balloon catheter, comprising:

a proximal handle assembly;

a catheter attached to a handle assembly and configured to receive inflation fluid from the handle assembly; and

a balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter and configured to receive inflation fluid from the catheter;

wherein the handle assembly comprises;

a first assembly including an actuator connected to a reservoir for releasing pressurized fluid from the reservoir; and

a second assembly having an inflation fluid chamber, the second assembly being connected to the first assembly to receive pressurized fluid from the first assembly and connected to the catheter to deliver inflation fluid to the catheter in response to receipt of pressurized fluid.

2. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the first assembly includes a valve connected between the actuator and the reservoir.

3. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that is capable upon actuation to automatically release pressurized fluid from the reservoir.

4. The balloon catheter of claim 1, further comprising an external interface connecting the catheter to the second assembly.

5. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a trigger.

6. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the actuator is an electronic switch.

7. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is a cartridge containing pressurized fluid.

8. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the catheter is releasably attached to the handle assembly.

9. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the catheter is fixably attached to the handle assembly.

10. The balloon catheter of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor within the handle assembly to obtain a measurement of the fluid in the second assembly; and

an electronic interface to display information relating to the measurement.

11. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that upon actuation automatically causes the sensor to obtain the measurement of the fluid and the electronic interface to display information relating to the measurement.

12. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the information includes a measurement.

13. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the information includes a size of the balloon.

14. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the information includes whether the measurement is changing.

15. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes a timer.

16. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes an error indicator.

17. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes a timer button.

18. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes a power button.

19. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when the measurement is decreasing.

20. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when the measurement is increasing.

21. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when one or more predetermined measurements are obtained.

22. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein one of the sensor and the electronic interface is configured to convert the measurement to a size of the balloon.

23. The balloon catheter of claim 22, wherein the electronic interface configured to convert the measurement to the size of the balloon includes an electronic circuit.

24. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface is operably connected to the first assembly to shut down fluid flow at one or more predetermined sizes of the balloon.

25. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface is capable of sending a signal to the first assembly to alter fluid flow at one or more predetermined measurements.

26. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for emitting a signal in response to one or more states of the balloon catheter.

27. The balloon catheter of claim 26, wherein the states include a size of the balloon reaching a predetermined size.

28. The balloon catheter of claim 26, wherein the states include a measurement of the inflation fluid reaching a predetermined measurement.

29. The balloon catheter of claim 26, wherein the states include a malfunction.

30. The balloon catheter of claim 26, wherein the indicator emits an audio signal.

31. The balloon catheter of claim 30, wherein the indicator includes a mute button.

32. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the electronic interface is configured to store data.

33. The balloon catheter of claim 32, wherein data is stored in an electronic memory.

34. The balloon catheter of claim 32, wherein stored data includes one or more predetermined maximum inflation fluid measurements.

35. The balloon catheter of claim 32, wherein stored data includes one or more predetermined maximum balloon sizes.

36. The balloon catheter of claim 10, wherein the measurement comprises pressure.

37. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation actuator configured to release pressurized fluid from the first assembly.

38. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation mechanism configured to decrease fluid pressure in the first assembly.

39. The balloon catheter of claim 2, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation actuator configured to release pressurized fluid from the valve.

40. The balloon catheter of claim 37, wherein the deflation actuator includes a deflation button.

41. The balloon catheter of claim 3, wherein the automatic release of pressurized fluid from the reservoir automatically releases fluid from the first assembly.

42. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the second assembly further includes a check valve configured to inject fluid into the inflation fluid chamber.

43. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the fluid injected into the inflation fluid chamber is contrast.

44. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the second assembly further includes a check valve configured to remove fluid from the inflation fluid chamber.

45. The balloon catheter of claim 1, wherein the balloon is a multiple compliance balloon.

46. The balloon catheter of claim 2, wherein the valve includes a fluid intake chamber in fluid communication with a trigger interface chamber via a trigger-controlled passage, a fluid transfer chamber in fluid communication with the trigger interface chamber via an interchamber passage, and a relief cap interface chamber in fluid communication with the fluid transfer chamber;

wherein the fluid intake chamber is configured to receive an insertion portion of a gas cartridge interface, the trigger interface chamber is configured to receive a trigger interface coupled to the actuator, the fluid transfer is configured to receive a ball and spring assembly that selectively blocks the interchamber passage, the relief cap interface portion is configured to receive at least a portion of a deflation valve, and the fluid transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the second assembly via a fluid connector.

47. A fluid delivery system for connection to a balloon catheter having a balloon, the fluid delivery system comprising:

a first assembly including an actuator connected to a reservoir for releasing pressurized fluid from the reservoir;

a second assembly having an inflation fluid chamber, the second assembly being connected to the first assembly to receive pressurized fluid from the first assembly and, in response to receipt of the pressurized fluid, deliver inflation fluid from the inflation fluid chamber to an external interface configured for connection to a balloon catheter; and

an electronic interface to display information relating to a measurement of the fluid in the second assembly.

48. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, further comprising a sensor in fluid communication with the second assembly to obtain the measurement of the fluid in the second assembly.

49. The fluid delivery system of claim 48, wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that upon actuation automatically causes the sensor to obtain the measurement of the fluid and the electronic interface to display information relating to the measurement.

50. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the first assembly includes a valve connected between the actuator and the reservoir.

51. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the measurement comprises pressure.

52. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the actuator comprises a trigger that is capable upon actuation to automatically release pressurized fluid from the reservoir.

53. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the actuator is a trigger.

54. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the actuator is an electronic switch.

55. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the reservoir is a cartridge containing pressurized fluid.

56. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the information includes a measurement.

57. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the information includes whether the measurement is changing.

58. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes a timer.

59. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes an error indicator.

60. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes a timer button.

61. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes a power button.

62. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when the measurement is decreasing.

63. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when the measurement is increasing.

64. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for indicating when one or more predetermined measurements are obtained.

65. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface is capable of sending a signal to the first assembly to alter fluid flow at one or more predetermined measurements.

66. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for emitting a signal in response to one or more states of the fluid delivery system.

67. The fluid delivery system of claim 66, wherein the states include a measurement of the inflation fluid reaching a predetermined measurement.

68. The fluid delivery system of claim 66, wherein the states include a malfunction.

69. The fluid delivery system of claim 66, wherein the indicator emits an audio signal.

70. The fluid delivery system of claim 69, wherein the indicator includes a mute button.

71. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the electronic interface is configured to store data.

72. The fluid delivery system of claim 71, wherein data is stored in an electronic memory.

73. The fluid delivery system of claim 71, wherein stored data includes one or more predetermined maximum inflation fluid measurements.

74. The fluid delivery system of claim 71, wherein stored data includes one or more predetermined maximum balloon sizes.

75. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation actuator configured to release pressurized fluid from the first assembly.

76. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation mechanism configured to decrease fluid pressure in the first assembly.

77. The fluid delivery system of claim 50, wherein the first assembly further includes a deflation actuator configured to release pressurized fluid from the valve.

78. The fluid delivery system of claim 75, wherein the deflation actuator is a deflation button.

79. The fluid delivery system of claim 52, wherein the automatic release of pressurized fluid from the reservoir automatically releases fluid from the first assembly.

80. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the second assembly further includes a check valve configured to inject fluid into the inflation fluid chamber.

81. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the fluid injected into the inflation fluid chamber is contrast.

82. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, wherein the second assembly further includes a check valve configured to remove fluid from the inflation fluid chamber.

83. The fluid delivery system of claim 48, wherein one of the sensor and the electronic interface is capable of converting the measurement into a size of a balloon.

84. The fluid delivery system of claim 83, wherein the information includes the size of the balloon.

85. The fluid delivery system of claim 83, wherein the electronic interface is capable of sending a signal to the first assembly to alter fluid flow at one or more predetermined sizes of the balloon.

86. The fluid delivery system of claim 83, wherein the electronic interface includes an indicator for emitting a signal in response to one or more states of the fluid delivery system.

87. The fluid delivery system of claim 86, wherein the states include the size of the balloon.

88. The fluid delivery system of claim 83, wherein the electronic interface is configured to store data.

89. The fluid delivery system of claim 88, wherein stored data includes one or more predetermined maximum balloon sizes.

90. The fluid delivery system of claim 47, further comprising a multiple compliance balloon connected to the balloon catheter.

91. A fluid delivery system for connection to a balloon catheter having a balloon, the fluid delivery system comprising:

first means for providing pressurized fluid;

second means in fluid communication with the first means for receiving the pressurized fluid and, in response to receipt of the pressurized fluid, delivering inflation fluid to a balloon catheter;

third means operably connected to the second means for measuring inflation a fluid pressure in the second means; and

fourth means for receiving an inflation fluid pressure measurement from the third means and displaying information relating to the inflation fluid pressure measurement.

92. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the first means includes a pneumatic assembly including an actuator connected to a valve for releasing pressurized fluid from a reservoir.

93. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the second means includes a hydraulic assembly having an inflation fluid chamber from which the inflation fluid is delivered to the balloon catheter.

94. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the third means includes a sensor.

95. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the fourth means includes an electronic interface.

96. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the first means includes an actuator.

97. The fluid delivery system of claim 96, wherein the actuator includes a trigger.

98. The fluid delivery system of claim 96, wherein the actuator includes an electronic switch.

99. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the fourth means includes an indicator for indicating when one or more predetermined inflation fluid pressure measurements are measured.

100. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein one of the third means and the fourth means includes means for converting the pressure measurement to a size of the balloon.

101. The fluid delivery system of claim 100, wherein the converting means includes an electronic circuit.

102. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the fourth means is capable of sending a signal to the first means to alter fluid flow at one or more predetermined inflation fluid pressure measurements.

103. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the fourth means includes an indicator for emitting a signal in response to one or more states of the fluid delivery system.

104. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the first means further includes a deflation means configured to release pressurized fluid from the first means.

105. The fluid delivery system of claim 104, wherein the deflation means includes a deflation button.

106. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the second means further includes a means for injecting fluid into the second means.

107. The fluid delivery system of claim 106, wherein the injecting means includes a check valve.

108. The fluid delivery system of claim 91, wherein the second means further includes a means for removing fluid from the second means.

109. The fluid delivery system of claim 108, wherein the removing means includes a check valve.

110. A method of delivering inflation fluid to a balloon of a balloon catheter, comprising:

actuating an actuator to increase pressure, the increase in pressure forcing fluid to a balloon to increase a size of the balloon;

measuring the pressure;

deriving a balloon size from the measured pressure; and

monitoring the balloon size on an electronic interface.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein actuating the actuator automatically causes the increase in pressure to a predetermined value.

112. The method of claim 110, further comprising actuating a deflator to decrease the pressure, the decrease in pressure decreasing the size of the balloon.

113. The method of claim 110, further comprising actuating a deflation vacuum to actively decrease the pressure, the decrease in pressure decreasing the size of the balloon.

114. The method of claim 111, further comprising detection of the predetermined vale to automatically cease the increase in pressure.

115. The method of claim 110, wherein the balloon is increased to one or more predetermined sizes.

116. The method of claim 110, further comprising releasing the actuator to cease increasing the size of the balloon.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the actuator is released when the balloon size reaches one or more predetermined sizes.

118. The method of claim 116, wherein the actuator is released when one or more predetermined pressures is measured.

119. The method of claim 110, further comprising automatically ceasing the increase in the size of the balloon.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein the increase in the size of the balloon is automatically ceased when the balloon size reaches one or more predetermined sizes.

121. The method of claim 119, wherein the increase in the size of the balloon is automatically ceased when one or more predetermined pressures is measured.

122. The method of claim 110, wherein monitoring includes displaying information relating to the size of the balloon.

123. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes the size of the balloon.

124. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes the measured pressure.

125. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes whether the balloon has reached one or more predetermined sizes.

126. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes whether the size of the balloon is increasing.

127. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes whether the size of the balloon is decreasing.

128. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes an elapsed time.

129. The method of claim 122, wherein the information includes whether an error has occurred.

130. The method of claim 110, further comprising rapidly decreasing pressure to rapidly decrease the size of the balloon.

131. The method of claim 110, further comprising maintaining pressure when the measured pressure reaches a predetermined pressure.

151. The method of claim 127, wherein the balloon is advanced to the stricture location through a working channel of the endoscope.

132. A method of dilating a stricture, comprising:

advancing a balloon of a balloon catheter to a stricture location;

actuating an actuator of a handle of the balloon catheter to increase a pressure in an inflation fluid chamber and force fluid to the balloon to increase a size of the balloon;

measuring the pressure;

electronically deriving the size of the balloon from the measured pressure; and

monitoring the size of the balloon.

133. The method of claim 132, further comprising actuating a deflator of the handle of the balloon catheter to decrease the pressure, the decrease in pressure decreasing the size of the balloon.

134. The method of claim 132, further comprising removing the balloon from the stricture location.

135. The method of claim 132, wherein the balloon is increased to one or more predetermined sizes.

136. The method of claim 132, further comprising releasing the actuator of the handle of the balloon catheter to cease increasing the size of the balloon.

137. The method of claim 136, wherein the actuator is released when the balloon size reaches one or more predetermined sizes.

138. The method of claim 136, wherein the actuator is released when one or more predetermined pressures is measured.

139. The method of claim 132, further comprising automatically ceasing the increase in the size of the balloon.

140. The method of claim 139, wherein the increase in the size of the balloon is automatically ceased when the balloon size reaches one or more predetermined sizes.

141. The method of claim 139, wherein the increase in the size of the balloon is automatically ceased when one or more predetermined pressures is measured.

142. The method of claim 132, wherein monitoring includes displaying information relating to the size of the balloon.

143. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes the size of the balloon.

144. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes the measured pressure.

145. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes whether the balloon has reached one or more predetermined sizes.

146. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes whether the size of the balloon is increasing.

147. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes whether the size of the balloon is decreasing.

148. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes time.

149. The method of claim 142, wherein the information includes whether an error has occurred.

150. The method of claim 132, further comprising positioning an endoscope in a body portion proximate the stricture location.

152. The method of claim 132, wherein actuating an actuator includes depressing a trigger.

153. The method of claim 132, further comprising rapidly decreasing pressure to rapidly to decrease the size of the balloon.

154. The method of claim 132, further comprising maintaining pressure in the inflation fluid chamber when the measured pressure reaches a predetermined maximum pressure.

155. A method of dilating a stricture, comprising advancing a balloon of a balloon catheter to a stricture location;

actuating an actuator of a handle of the balloon catheter to increase a pressure in an inflation fluid chamber and force fluid to the balloon to increase a size of the balloon;

measuring the pressure; and

electronically displaying information based on the measured pressure.

156. A fluid delivery system, comprising:

an actuator connected to a valve for releasing a first pressurized fluid;

an assembly defining a fluid chamber for containing a second fluid and having a volume that changes in response to the release of the first pressurized fluid;

an external interface in fluid communication with the fluid chamber;

a sensor operably connected to the assembly to take measurements from the fluid chamber; and

an electronic interface connected to the sensor to determine information relating to the measurements taken by the sensor.

157. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the fluid delivery system is hand-held.

158. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising an electronic display on the electronic interface that displays the information relating to measurements taken by the sensor.

159. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising an indicator on the electronic interface that indicates when the information relating to the measurement taken by the sensor reaches a predetermined value.

160. The fluid delivery system of claim 159, wherein the indicator gives a visual indication.

161. The fluid delivery system of claim 159, wherein the indicator gives an audible indication.

162. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising an indicator on the electronic interface that indicates when the information relating to the measurement taken by the sensor is increasing or decreasing.

163. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the measurement taken by the sensor is pressure of the second fluid.

164. The fluid delivery system of claim 163, further comprising an electronic display on the electronic interface that displays the fluid pressure.

165. The fluid delivery system of claim 163, further comprising an indicator on the electronic interface that indicates when the fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value.

166. The fluid delivery system of claim 163, further comprising an indicator on the electronic interface that indicates when the fluid pressure is increasing or decreasing.

167. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder defining at least a portion of the fluid chamber.

168. The fluid delivery system of claim 167, wherein the assembly includes a barrier separating the fluid chamber from the released first pressurized fluid.

169. The fluid delivery system of claim 168, wherein the barrier is a piston configured to move within the hydraulic cylinder while simultaneously maintaining a seal between the fluid chamber and the released first pressurized fluid

170. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising a check valve, at least of portion of the check valve being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber.

171. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising an energy storage system that stores energy when the volume of the fluid chamber decreases and releases the energy when the pressure in a second chamber of first pressurized fluid decreases.

172. The fluid delivery system of claim 171, wherein the energy storage system includes a piston and spring assembly, and wherein when the volume of the fluid chamber decreases the piston compresses the spring and stores energy, and when the pressure in the second chamber decreases the spring expands and releases the energy.

173. The fluid delivery system of claim 172, wherein the piston and spring assembly is contained within a hydraulic cap.

174. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder defining at least a portion of the fluid chamber;

and

a hydraulic cap comprising;

a check valve in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and

a piston and spring assembly;

wherein when the volume of the fluid chamber decreases the piston compresses the spring and stores energy, and when the pressure in a second chamber decreases the spring expands and releases the energy.

wherein the sensor and the external interface are mounted on the hydraulic cap, and the hydraulic cap maintains a seal with the hydraulic cylinder.

175. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the actuator includes a trigger.

176. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the actuator includes a switch.

177. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising an actuator electronically connected to the valve.

178. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the valve comprises high pressure valves configured to automatically release the first pressurized fluid into an external environment once the sensor takes a predetermined measurement from the fluid chamber.

179. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the valve comprises a relief cap configured to allow the user to release the first pressurized fluid into an external environment.

180. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, wherein the valve comprises a rapid depressurization valve configured to allow the user to rapidly release the first a pressurized fluid into an external environment.

181. The fluid delivery system of claim 156, further comprising a gas cartridge in selective fluid communication with the valve.

182. A method of delivering fluid, comprising:

releasing a pressurized fluid to decrease a volume of a chamber containing a delivery fluid;

dispensing the delivery fluid from the chamber due to the decrease in volume of the chamber;

taking measurements of at least one of pressurized fluid pressure, delivery fluid pressure, and the amount of delivery fluid dispensed; and

displaying information relating to the measurements.

183. The method of claim 182, wherein the delivery fluid is a drug and dispensing the delivery fluid includes injecting the drug into a patient.

184. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing the delivery fluid fills an aneurysm with the delivery fluid.

185. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing of delivery fluid distends an organ of the body.

186. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing the delivery fluid causes a stent to inflate.

187. The method of claim 182, wherein the delivery fluid is a bulking agent, and dispensing the delivery fluid includes tissue bulking.

188. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing the delivery fluid causes a stent to be deployed.

189. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing the delivery fluid causes tissue to be heated.

190. The method of claim 182, wherein dispensing the delivery fluid causes actuation of jaws of a biopsy device.

191. The method of claim 182, wherein releasing the pressurized fluid includes actuating a trigger.

192. The method of claim 182, wherein releasing the pressurized fluid includes actuating a switch.

193. The method of claim 182, wherein the pressurized fluid is released based on the information displayed.

194. The method of claim 182, wherein the pressurized fluid is released based on the measurements taken.

195. The method of claim 191, wherein actuating the trigger includes continuously pressing the trigger to release the pressurized fluid.

196. The method of claim 191, wherein actuating the trigger includes pressing and releasing the trigger, the actuating causing the automatic release of the pressurized fluid until the measurements taken reach a predetermined value.

197. The method of claim 182, further comprising halting release of the pressurized fluid based on the measurements displayed.

198. The method of claim 182, further comprising halting release of the pressurized fluid based on the measurements taken.

199. The method of claim 197, further comprising further releasing the pressurized fluid after halting release of the pressurized fluid.

200. The method of claim 182, wherein releasing a pressurized fluid includes increasing a gas pressure;

and further comprising

decreasing the gas pressure, the decrease in the gas pressure causing an increase in the volume of the chamber and receipt of the delivery fluid into the chamber.

201. The method of claim 200, wherein the gas pressure is decreased based on the information displayed.

202. The method of claim 200, wherein the gas pressure is decreased based on the measurements taken.

203. The method of claim 182, further comprising giving an indication when the measurement taken reaches a predetermined value.

204. The method of claim 203, wherein the indication is visual.

205. The method of claim 203, wherein the indication is audible.

206. The method of claim 182, further comprising giving an indication when the values of the measurements are increasing or decreasing.

207. The method of claim 182, further comprising giving an indication of a malfunction.

208. The method of claim 182, wherein releasing a pressurized fluid causes the storage of energy.

209. The method of claim 182, further comprising inserting delivery fluid into the chamber to cause the dispensing of the delivery fluid.

210. The method of claim 182, further comprising removing delivery fluid from the chamber to fluid to cause the receipt of the delivery fluid into the chamber.

211. The method of claim 182, further comprising selectively releasing the pressurized fluid to decrease the volume of the chamber containing the delivery fluid.

212. The method of claim 182, further comprising inserting chemicals into the chamber to cause the dispensing of the chemicals with the delivery fluid.