MESH LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE

• US 20100204687A1
• Filed: 04/26/2010
• Published: 08/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic CryoCath LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: ABBOUD, Marwan, WITTENBERGER, Dan
• Granted Patent: US 8,297,108 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22051 with an inflatable part, e.g. balloon, for positioning, blocking, or immobilisation A61B2017/22048, A61B2017/3486 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0212 using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0262 using a circulating cryogenic fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/15 Detection of leaks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0147 with movable mechanical means, e.g. pull wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/02 by using fluid or vacuum

Abstract

The present invention provides a surgical device including an elongate body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. An expandable element may be coupled to the elongate body and placed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. Moreover, the surgical device may include a first leak detection element at least partially surrounding a portion of the expandable element, and a second leak detection element may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. In addition, a console may be provided, where the console may be in communication with the first and second leak detection elements. Further, a supply of cryogenic fluid as well as a vacuum source may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

Claims

1. A medical device, comprising:

an elongate body defining a fluid flow path therethrough;

an expandable element in fluid communication with the fluid flow path;

a first leak detection element defining a mesh substantially surrounding the expandable element; and

a second leak detection element disposed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first leak detection element is electrically conductive.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the second leak detection element includes a length of insulated wire having a portion of the insulation removed.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the second leak detection element includes a length of wire having a fluid porous coating disposed around a portion of the wire.

5. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flow path includes an injection lumen and an exhaust lumen.

6. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising a supply of cryogenic fluid in fluid communication with fluid flow path.

7. The medical device according to claim 8, further comprising a vacuum source in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

8. The medical device according to claim 1, further comprising a console in communication with the first and second leak detection elements, wherein the console is responsive to output from the first and second leak detection elements to control fluid flow through the elongate body.

9. The medical device according to claim 8, further comprising a handle coupled to the elongate body, wherein the handle provides fluid communication between the elongate body and the console.

10. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body is a catheter.

11. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the elongate body defines a guide wire lumen.

12. A medical system, comprising:

a catheter body defining a fluid flow path therethrough;

an expandable element coupled to the catheter body in fluid communication with the fluid flow path;

a first leak detection element substantially surrounding the expandable element;

a second leak detection element disposed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; and

a console in communication with the first and second leak detection elements, wherein the console is responsive to output from the first and second leak detection elements to control fluid flow through the elongate body.

13. The medical system of claim 12, wherein the first leak detection element defines a mesh.

14. The medical system according to claim 12, wherein the console includes a supply of cryogenic fluid in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

15. The medical system according to claim 12, wherein the console includes a vacuum source in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.

16. The medical system according to claim 12, further comprising a handle connecting the catheter body to the console.

17. A method for leak detection in a medical device, comprising:

circulating a fluid through a fluid flow path to an expandable element, the expandable element being substantially disposed within a mesh leak detection element;

detecting an electrical characteristic between the mesh and a second leak detection element in the fluid flow path; and

discontinuing fluid flow in response to the detected electrical characteristic.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein detecting the electrical characteristic includes measuring an impedance between the mesh leak detection element and the second leak detection element.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein detecting the electrical characteristic includes detecting an electrical short between the mesh leak detection element and the second leak detection element.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising evacuating fluid from the surgical device.