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Inflatable balloon catheter with purge mechanism and method

  • US 7,160,266 B2
  • Filed: 07/28/2005
  • Issued: 01/09/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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.

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