Balloon catheter and fluid management system thereof
Inventors
Melsky, Gerald • Estabrook, Brian • Baxter, Lincoln • Babko-Malyi, Sergei • Green, Ronald • DiCeare, Paul • Clark, Richard • Thompson, Richard • Magill, Michael • Barrett, Burke
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10926067-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for controlling fill media in a balloon catheter are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter having an inflatable balloon, a reservoir for fill media, and a first conduit for delivering fill media from the reservoir to the balloon. The system includes a second conduit for returning fill media from the balloon to the reservoir and a pump configured to circulate fill media through the conduits. The system also includes a valve assembly configured for placement in at least three positions. In the first position, fill media is delivered from the reservoir to the balloon to inflate the balloon. In the second position, fill media is drawn out of the balloon and returned to the reservoir. In the third position, fill media circulates through the conduits between the pump and the balloon and is prevented from flowing back to the reservoir.
Core Innovation
The balloon catheter system comprises a catheter body, an inflatable balloon coupled to one end, and a fluid management system for controllably inflating and deflating the balloon. The fluid management system includes a reservoir for storing balloon fill media, first and second conduits connecting the reservoir and the balloon, and a pump configured along the first conduit to circulate media along the circuit.
A valve assembly selects among delivery of balloon fill media to inflate the balloon, drawing media back to the reservoir for deflation, and circulating media without returning to the reservoir. In the recirculation position, balloon fill media circulates through the balloon to maintain volume and provide cooling. The system further incorporates a rocker-operated valve assembly to support single-operator control at lower balloon pressures.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify one independent claim covering the balloon catheter system and its fluid management circuit through three inventive features.
Balloon catheter and reservoir
A balloon catheter includes a catheter body and an inflatable balloon coupled to one end, accompanied by a reservoir that stores balloon fill media.
Conduits and pump for circulating media
A first conduit delivers balloon fill media from the reservoir to the balloon, a second conduit returns the media from the balloon to the reservoir, and a pump along the first conduit circulates the media along a circuit defined by the first and second conduits.
Three-position valve assembly
A valve assembly is disposed along the first and second conduits, with the pump positioned between the valve assembly and the balloon to select between inflating the balloon from the reservoir, deflating the balloon back to the reservoir, and circulating media through the balloon without returning to the reservoir.
The claim covers a balloon catheter system combining a reservoir, pump, and three-position valve assembly to inflate the balloon, return media to the reservoir, or recirculate media through the balloon without returning to the reservoir.
Stated Advantages
The recirculation mode maintains balloon volume while circulating fill media for cooling.
The system supports operation at disclosed lower balloon pressures.
The system supports single-operator control.
Documented Applications
Controllably inflating and deflating the balloon of a balloon catheter, including delivering balloon fill media from a reservoir and returning media to the reservoir.
Recirculating balloon fill media for cooling during balloon catheter operation.
Trapped-volume circulation and sterilization modes for the fluid-management circuit.
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