Importance

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Abstract

Improved detachment and sealing mechanism for a balloon catheter assembly utilized in diagnostic and therapeutic environments in connection with very small human vessels. The assembly is of the type including a resilient elongated catheter having means at one end for attachment to a source of pressurized fluid. A small inflatable tubular balloon is detachably connected at the other end of the cannula and is in fluid communication therewith. The detachment and sealing mechanism includes a self-sealing plug positioned in the balloon adjacent the end of the cannula. A circumferential band is on the outer surface of the inflatable balloon in concentric position with respect to the plug. A pin is provided and has a passageway therethrough and one end mounted in the end of the cannula with the passageway therein in communication with the passageway through the cannula and the other end of the pin being pointed and extended through a small opening in the plug in fluid communication with the balloon on the side of the plug distal from the cannula. The pin extending through the plug expands the plug and the expandable band surrounding the plug. The pin has a side opening intermediate its ends located in the space between the end of the cannula and the adjacent end of the plug. When sufficient pressurized fluid is passed through the cannula and the pin into the inflatable portion to inflate the balloon to the desired degree, further fluid passes through the side opening in the pin and inflates the end portion surrounding the plug and extending to the end in communication with the cannula thereby freeing the cannula and pin from the balloon portion for removal. Thereafter, the band and self-sealing plug will cooperate to return to their initial configuration and close the opening in the plug and retain the balloon in inflated condition in position in the human vessel.

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First Claim