Inflation/deflation system for a catheter

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided an inflation/deflation system for a dilatation balloon comprising a receptacle, a pressure member, a sensing system and a data processing and display unit. The receptacle is adapted to contain an inflation fluid to be introduced into the balloon during its inflation. The receptacle also has an inlet/outlet port adapted for connection to the dilatation balloon; The pressure member is adapted to be axially displaced within the receptacle to cause the fluid to exit the receptacle via the outlet port. The sensing system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is associated with the pressure member to sense its axial displacement. The second sensor is associated with the interior of the receptacle to sense in a non-contact manner the pressure P of the inflation fluid within the receptacle, and to provide a corresponding data signal. The data processing and display unit is adapted to process the signal and display at least a scheme of pressure P within the receptacle vs. the volume V of the inflation fluid exiting the receptacle through the inlet/outlet port. The volume is calculated by the axial displacement of the pressure member. The scheme reflects the corresponding P-V conditions within the balloon when the system is in use.