Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An electronically controlled syringe system for connection to a balloon catheter or other balloon-type member and for monitoring, displaying and optionally recording inflation or deflation data when the syringe system is used to inflate or deflate the balloon of the catheter or other balloon-type member. A syringe having a barrel and a syringe plunger is selectively operable to increase fluid pressure applied to the balloon catheter or other balloon member by sliding the plunger further into the barrel. Positive pressure applied to the balloon catheter or member is released by withdrawing the syringe plunger toward the rear of the barrel. A piezoresistive semiconductor transducer placed in fluid communication with the fluid pressure applied by the syringe, senses the fluid pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative of that pressure. The electric signal is input to a controller where the signal is digitally processed so as to derive and record therefrom electronic data representing the magnitude of applied fluid pressure, and so as also to derive the length of time that fluid pressure is applied. The electronic data representing this information is displayed and optionally recorded. In one embodiment, the electronic signal is received by a detachable and reusable electronic circuit module that detachably mounts to a housing formed on the syringe barrel.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim