Method and an apparatus for intra-aortic balloon monitoring and leak detection
First Claim
1. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of an intra-aortic balloon inserted into the aorta of a body in which the balloon includes an electrical conductor therein for extending out of the body comprising,an intra-aortic balloon for inserting into the aorta of a body, said balloon including an electrically conductor therein for extending out of the body,an electrode affixed to the exterior of the body,an electrical current source connected to the electrode and to the electrical conductor, andan impedance measuring means electrically connected to the electrode and the electrical conductor for measuring the impedance of the balloon for monitoring its operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of and an apparatus for intra-aortic balloon monitoring and leak detection in which the balloon is inserted into the aorta of a body and the balloon is inflated and deflated with gas by a control system and in which the balloon includes an electrical conductor therein extending out of the body. An alternating current source is applied between the electrical conductor and an electrode connected to the exterior surface of the body thereby transmitting an alternating current through the body and across the balloon. The impedance between the electrical conductor and the electrode is measured which is an indication of the inflation and deflation of the balloon and the occurrence of any leak in the balloon. The control system of the balloon is automatically shut down in the event the impedance falls below a predetermined level. The frequency of the alternating current is above the range of cardiac susceptibility and the magnitude of the electrical current passing through the body is small and limited. Safety is further ensured by a high degree of electrical isolation of electronic circuitry in contact with the body. Under appropriate circumstances, the electrical method for balloon leak detection can be implemented also by the employment of direct current and the measurement of conductance change caused by a balloon defect.
94 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of an intra-aortic balloon inserted into the aorta of a body in which the balloon includes an electrical conductor therein for extending out of the body comprising,
an intra-aortic balloon for inserting into the aorta of a body, said balloon including an electrically conductor therein for extending out of the body, an electrode affixed to the exterior of the body, an electrical current source connected to the electrode and to the electrical conductor, and an impedance measuring means electrically connected to the electrode and the electrical conductor for measuring the impedance of the balloon for monitoring its operation.
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8. An apparatus for monitoring the operation of and detecting a leak in an intra-aortic balloon inserted into the aorta of a body in which the balloon is inflated and deflated with gas by an electrical conductor therein extending out of the body comprising,
an intra-aortic balloon for inserting into the aorta of a body, said balloon including an electrical conductor for extending out of the body, a gas control system connected to the balloon for inflating and deflating the balloon with gas, an electrode for connection to the exterior of the body, an electrical subassembly including an alternating current impedance measuring circuit connected to the electrode and the electrical conductor for providing a current path through the body across the balloon, a direct current power supply connected to the subassembly, said power supply being electrically isolated from earth ground and providing power to the measuring circuit, a sinusoidal oscillator providing an alternating current signal to the measuring circuit, a first transformer positioned between the oscillator and the measuring circuit, an alternating current to direct current converter connected to the output of the a control system and in which the balloon includes measuring circuit, a second transformer connected between the converter and the output of the measuring circuit, a signal processor connected to the output of the converter for providing an output proportional to the measured impedance, said output of the processor connected to the gas control system for deactivating the control system when the measured impedance falls below a predetermined level.
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13. The method of monitoring the operation of an intra-aortic balloon inserted into the aorta of a body in which the balloon includes an electrical conductor therein extending out of the body comprising,
operating the balloon by inflating and deflating the balloon with gas, attaching the electrode to the exterior of the body, applying a current source between the electrical conductor and the external electrode providing a current path through the body across the balloon, and measuring the impedance between the electrical conductor and the electrode while the balloon is inflated and deflated thereby monitoring the expansion and contraction of the intact balloon and detecting any leaks in the balloon membrane.
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19. The method of detecting leaks in an intra-aortic balloon inserted into the aorta of a body in which the balloon is inflated and deflated with gas by a control system and in which the balloon includes an electrical conductor therein extending out of the body comprising,
attaching an electrode to the exterior surface of the body, applying a direct current source between the electrical conductor and the electrode thereby transmitting a direct current through the body and across the fluid path in a defective balloon, and measuring the change of conductance between the electrical conductor and the electrode which is an indication of any leak in the balloon.
Specification