Inflatable balloon catheter with purge mechanism and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of purging air from a balloon catheter prior to insertion into a patient which includes a tubular member having a tubular wall and proximal and distal ends;
- an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending form said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;
a syringe coupled to the tubular member for applying a liquid within a lumen of the tubular member, a purge aperture extending through the wall of the tubular member at a point proximal to the proximal portion of the inflatable balloon;
wherein the method includes the steps of;
placing the inflatable balloon within a protective tube to restrict the inflation of the balloon;
injecting liquid into the lumen of the tubular member thereby forcing air to be evacuated form the balloon catheter through the purge aperture;
removing the protective tube;
inflating the balloon following the removal of the protective tube;
allowing any air remaining within the balloon to diffuse through the inflated balloon; and
submerging the balloon in liquid while deflating the balloon to prevent air from re-entering the tubular member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved balloon catheter which includes a purge mechanism for purging air from the catheter prior to use. The purge mechanism is sized to allow air to pass through, but highly restricts the flow of liquids. Air remaining in the catheter after purging is allowed to diffuse through the balloon prior to use. The mechanism is especially useful with low-pressure, gas-permeable, compliant balloons.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A method of purging air from a balloon catheter prior to insertion into a patient which includes a tubular member having a tubular wall and proximal and distal ends;
- an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending form said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;
a syringe coupled to the tubular member for applying a liquid within a lumen of the tubular member, a purge aperture extending through the wall of the tubular member at a point proximal to the proximal portion of the inflatable balloon;
wherein the method includes the steps of;placing the inflatable balloon within a protective tube to restrict the inflation of the balloon; injecting liquid into the lumen of the tubular member thereby forcing air to be evacuated form the balloon catheter through the purge aperture; removing the protective tube; inflating the balloon following the removal of the protective tube; allowing any air remaining within the balloon to diffuse through the inflated balloon; and submerging the balloon in liquid while deflating the balloon to prevent air from re-entering the tubular member.
- an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending form said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;
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2. A method of purging air from a balloon catheter prior to insertion into a patient which includes a tubular member having a tubular wall and proximal and distal ends;
- an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending from said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;
a syringe coupled to the tubular member for applying a liquid within a lumen of the tubular member, a purge aperture extending through the wall of the tubular member at a point proximal to the proximal portion of the inflatable balloon;
wherein the method includes the steps of;placing the inflatable balloon within a protective tube to restrict the inflation of the balloon; injecting liquid into the lumen of the tubular member thereby forcing air to be evacuated from the balloon catheter through the purge aperture; inflating the balloon following the removal of the protective tube; and allowing any air remaining within the balloon to diffuse through the inflated balloon.
- an inflatable balloon having a main body portion and proximal and distal portions extending from said main body portion, said proximal and distal portions each being attached to the tubular member;
Specification