Guide-wire mounted balloon modulation device and methods of use
First Claim
1. An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid within an expandable portion of a tubular guide wire or catheter, the apparatus comprising an inflation tool comprising:
- means for controllably gripping an open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire or catheter, the gripping means comprising a deformable member and a deforming mechanism, the deforming mechanism comprising a lever mechanism arranged to controllably act upon the deformable member to cause gripping of the tubular guide wire or catheter by the deformable member;
means for introducing a fluid into said expandable portion of said tubular guide wire or catheter through said open, proximal end, thereby inflating said expandable portion of said tubular guide wire or catheter to a desired extent; and
means for introducing a sealing member into said open proximal end of said tubular guide wire or catheter to seal said fluid in said tubular guide wire or catheter.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the expandable portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a mechanism for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a mechanism for introducing a sealing member into the open end of the tubular guide wire to seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and re-opened as necessary.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid within an expandable portion of a tubular guide wire or catheter, the apparatus comprising an inflation tool comprising:
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means for controllably gripping an open, proximal end of a tubular guide wire or catheter, the gripping means comprising a deformable member and a deforming mechanism, the deforming mechanism comprising a lever mechanism arranged to controllably act upon the deformable member to cause gripping of the tubular guide wire or catheter by the deformable member;
means for introducing a fluid into said expandable portion of said tubular guide wire or catheter through said open, proximal end, thereby inflating said expandable portion of said tubular guide wire or catheter to a desired extent; and
means for introducing a sealing member into said open proximal end of said tubular guide wire or catheter to seal said fluid in said tubular guide wire or catheter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A valve mechanism for modulating pressure in a balloon or expandable member on or about a catheter or guide wire, the valve mechanism comprising:
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a) an inflation tool, the inflation tool comprising a gripping means, the gripping means comprising a deformable member and a deforming mechanism comprising a lever mechanism arranged to controllably deform the deformable member, thereby controllably gripping said catheter or guide wire;
an inflating means, the inflating means comprising a charge of fluid, and a means of modulating the pressure of the charge of fluid, and a pierceable diaphragm to prevent premature leakage of the charge of fluid;
a sealing means;
the sealing means comprising a material suitable for sealing and maintaining pressure in the guide wire or catheter, and an insertion rod, the insertion rod facilitating the insertion of the suitable material into a guide wire or catheter and;
b) a deflation tool, the deflation tool comprising a needle and a handle, the needle upon application penetrating the suitable material to allow pressure relief of the balloon or expandable member, the handle arranged to manipulate the needle.
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17. A valve mechanism for modulating pressure in a balloon or expandable member on or about a catheter or guide wire, the valve mechanism comprising:
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a) an inflation tool, the inflation tool comprising a gripping means, the gripping means comprising a deformable member and a deforming mechanism, the deforming mechanism acting upon the deformable member to cause gripping of the guide wire or catheter by the deformable member;
an inflating means, the inflating means comprising a charge of fluid, and a means of modulating the pressure of the charge of fluid, and a pierceable diaphragm to prevent premature leakage of the charge of fluid;
a sealing means;
the sealing means comprising a deformable material, an insertion rod and an arm, wherein the deformable material is suitable for sealing and maintaining pressure in the guide wire or catheter, wherein the insertion rod facilitates the insertion of the deformable material into a guide wire or catheter, the insertion rod having a striated face that contacts said proximal end of the guide wire or catheter, and wherein the arm actuates said insertion rod; and
b) a deflation tool, the deflation tool comprising a needle, the needle upon application penetrating the deformable material to allow pressure relief of the balloon or expandable member, and a handle, the handle arranged to manipulate the needle. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification