Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for measuring and detecting the pressure in a fluid being injected into a closed system, for instance, fluid being injected into a dilitation catheter, such as a balloon catheter used for the purpose of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The apparatus provides a pressure measuring system that includes a housing for releasably and slidably holding the barrel of a syringe used to deliver fluid into the balloon catheter; and a device for measuring and indicating fluid pressure in the syringe barrel, which is also the balloon pressure. The pressure measuring system indirectly measures pressure changes of fluid within the syringe barrel by sensing movement of the barrel as a result of fluid pressure changes. Since a pressure change is sensed by sensing movement of the syringe barrel, the only parts of the system directly contacted by the fluid inflating the balloon are the syringe barrel and syringe plunger. A control device for controlling movement of a piston within the syringe barrel also is provided. The control device makes it possible to slowly or quickly increase or decrease fluid pressure and facilitates maintenance of a desired pressure.

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First Claim