Patent US2254263A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5135488A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5135488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for monitoring, displaying and recording balloon catheter inflation data
Assignee: Merit Medical Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1989-03-17
•
Granted: 1992-08-04
•
Expires: 2009-03-17
Abstract
Abstract An electronically controlled syringe system for connection to a balloon catheter or other balloon-type member and for automatically monitoring, displaying and recording inflation data when the syringe system is used to inflate the balloon 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 can be released by withdrawing the syringe plunger toward the rear of the barrel. A piezoresistive semiconductor transducer housed on the barrel of the syringe senses positive fluid pressure applied by the syringe. The electric signal output by the transducer is input to a controller where the signal is digitally processed so as to derive and record therefrom electronic data representing the magnitude or applied fluid pressure, and so as also to derive the length of time that positive fluid pressure is applied and the electronic data representing this information is automatically displayed and recorded. The controller is also programmable to permit optional selection and input of various control parameters, such as a maximum positive inflation pressure that is to be applied, maximum duration for applying positive inflation pressure, initialization of the date and time of an inflation procedure and/or retrieving and displaying inflation data previously recorded for any prior inflation of the balloon catheter or other balloon member.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerrold L. Foote
- 👤 Darla R. Gill
- 👤 Fred P. Lampropoulos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 17:31
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M25/1018; A61M25/10184; A61M25/10187; A61M25/10188; G; G01; G01D; G01D9/00; A61M25/10181; A61M25/10182
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
285 words
A system for monitoring inflation of a balloon-type member and for automatically recording inflation data, comprising: a syringe connected to said member through tubing, said syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger selectively operable to inflate said member by applying fluid pressure to said member through said tubing by sliding the plunger within the barrel; transducer means for sensing said applied fluid pressure and for outputting an electrical signal proportional to said sensed fluid pressure, said transducer means being placed in fluid communication with said syringe and the tubing connected thereto; means for converting said signal output from said transducer means into a series of corresponding digital signals; digital processor means for processing said digtial signals so as to electronically monitor, display and record inflation pressure applied to said member and the duration of inflation by performing the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals which represent a numerical value of the duration of said inflation pressure; electronically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; and automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; data memory means for storing the digital data derived by said digital processor means for later retrieval and output; program memory means for storing machine-readable instructions utilized by said digital processor means to carry out said programmed steps; and display means, electrically connected to said digital processor means, for outputting a visual display of the magnitude of said applied fluid pressure and the corresponding length of time said pressure is applied to said member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
285 words
A system for monitoring inflation of a balloon-type member and for automatically recording inflation data, comprising: a syringe connected to said member through tubing, said syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger selectively operable to inflate said member by applying fluid pressure to said member through said tubing by sliding the plunger within the barrel; transducer means for sensing said applied fluid pressure and for outputting an electrical signal proportional to said sensed fluid pressure, said transducer means being placed in fluid communication with said syringe and the tubing connected thereto; means for converting said signal output from said transducer means into a series of corresponding digital signals; digital processor means for processing said digtial signals so as to electronically monitor, display and record inflation pressure applied to said member and the duration of inflation by performing the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals which represent a numerical value of the duration of said inflation pressure; electronically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; and automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; data memory means for storing the digital data derived by said digital processor means for later retrieval and output; program memory means for storing machine-readable instructions utilized by said digital processor means to carry out said programmed steps; and display means, electrically connected to said digital processor means, for outputting a visual display of the magnitude of said applied fluid pressure and the corresponding length of time said pressure is applied to said member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said transducer means comprises a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as defined in claim 2 wherein said transducer is mounted to said syringe so as to form an integral part thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as defined in claim 3 further comprising an electrical cable attached at one end thereof to said transducer and comprising at the other end thereof a connector for attachment to said digital processor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
A system as defined in claim 4 wherein said cable comprises a first length permanently attached to said transducer mounted on said syringe, and a second length of cable detachably connected to the first length, such that after said cable is connected to said digital processor means, said syringe and first length of cable may be disconnected from said second length of cable at a point along said cable that is intermediate said syringe and said digital processor means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system as defined in claim 1 wherein said display means is included within a controller.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as defined in claim 6 wherein said converting means, said digital processor means, said data memory means, and said program memory means are all included within said controller.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said controller comprises a control panel and wherein said display means comprises a digital readout on said panel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as defined in claim 8 wherein said display means further comprises means for outputting said digital data to a printer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
121 words
A system as defined in claim 9 wherein said control panel comprises: first switch means for selecting a menu display for presentation at said digital readout at least one of the following optionally selectable functions to be performed by said digital processor means: a. retrieving and reviewing all previously stored digital data; b. clearing all digital data previously stored in said data memory means; c. setting a maximum positive inflation pressure value; d. setting a maximum inflation time value; e. initializing date and time; f. selecting units of inflation pressure; g. printing data stored in said data memory means; and second switch means for entering to said digital processor means data identifying choices selected with respect to any of said functions.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
329 words
A system for generating a series of discrete balloon catheter inflations and for automatically displaying and recording inflation data corresponding to each said discrete inflation, comprising: a control syringe connected to a balloon of said balloon catheter through tubing, said syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger selectively operable to first apply and then remove positive fluid pressures to said balloon through said tubing by sliding the plunger within the barrel; a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer connected in fluid communication with said fluid pressures applied to said balloon such that said transducer senses fluid pressures applied to said balloon and generates an electrical signal proportional to the sensed fluid pressure; and a controller electrically connected to said transducer, said controller comprising: means for amplifying said signal output by said transducer; means for converting said amplified signal from an analog to a digital form; digital processor means for processing said digital form of said signal so as to electronically monitor, display and record inflation pressure applied to said balloon and the duration of inflation by performing the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals which represent a numerical value of the duration of said inflation pressure; electronically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; and automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; data memory means for storing the digital data derived by said digital processor means for later retrieval and output; and program memory means for storing machine-readable instructions utilized by said digital processor means to derive, store, retrieve and display said digital data and to optionally display a series of functions for selection at said display means; and display means for visually identifying a numerical value for each discrete inflation together with corresponding numerical values of said inflation pressures and duration thereof.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
329 words
A system for generating a series of discrete balloon catheter inflations and for automatically displaying and recording inflation data corresponding to each said discrete inflation, comprising: a control syringe connected to a balloon of said balloon catheter through tubing, said syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger selectively operable to first apply and then remove positive fluid pressures to said balloon through said tubing by sliding the plunger within the barrel; a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer connected in fluid communication with said fluid pressures applied to said balloon such that said transducer senses fluid pressures applied to said balloon and generates an electrical signal proportional to the sensed fluid pressure; and a controller electrically connected to said transducer, said controller comprising: means for amplifying said signal output by said transducer; means for converting said amplified signal from an analog to a digital form; digital processor means for processing said digital form of said signal so as to electronically monitor, display and record inflation pressure applied to said balloon and the duration of inflation by performing the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals which represent a numerical value of the duration of said inflation pressure; electronically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; and automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; data memory means for storing the digital data derived by said digital processor means for later retrieval and output; and program memory means for storing machine-readable instructions utilized by said digital processor means to derive, store, retrieve and display said digital data and to optionally display a series of functions for selection at said display means; and display means for visually identifying a numerical value for each discrete inflation together with corresponding numerical values of said inflation pressures and duration thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as defined in claim 11 wherein said transducer is mounted on said barrel so as to form an integral part thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 11 wherein said display means comprises a digital readout and means for outputting said digital data to a printer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
121 words
A system as defined in claim 13 wherein said controller further comprises: first switch means for selecting a menu display for presentation at said digital readout at least one of the following optionally selectable functions to be performed by said digital processor means: a. retrieving and reviewing all previously stored digital data; b. clearing all digital data previously stored in said data memory means; c. setting a maximum positive inflation pressure value; d. setting a maximum inflation time value; e. initializing date and time; f. selecting units of inflation pressure; g. printing data stored in said data memory means; and second switch means for entering to said digital processor means data identifying choices selected with respect to any of said functions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a system for generating a series of discrete balloon catheter inflations and for automatically recording inflation data derived from an electrical signal corresponding to each said discrete inflation, an improved control syringe comprising: a barrel connected through tubing to a balloon of said balloon catheter; a plunger slidably mounted within said barrel and operable to selectively apply and then release fluid pressure on said balloon by movement of the plunger within said barrel; a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer mounted on said syringe barrel and in fluid communication with the interior of said syringe barrel through a hole formed in a side of said syringe barrel such that changes in fluid pressure applied to said balloon by sliding said plunger are sensed by said transducer, which in turn generates an electrical signal proportional to the sensed positive fluid pressure; and means for preventing said syringe plunger from occluding said hole.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a system for generating a series of discrete balloon catheter inflations and for automatically recording inflation data derived from an electrical signal corresponding to each said discrete inflation, an improved control syringe comprising: a barrel connected through tubing to a balloon of said balloon catheter; a plunger slidably mounted within said barrel and operable to selectively apply and then release fluid pressure on said balloon by movement of the plunger within said barrel; a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer mounted on said syringe barrel and in fluid communication with the interior of said syringe barrel through a hole formed in a side of said syringe barrel such that changes in fluid pressure applied to said balloon by sliding said plunger are sensed by said transducer, which in turn generates an electrical signal proportional to the sensed positive fluid pressure; and means for preventing said syringe plunger from occluding said hole.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
200 words
In a system comprising an inflatable balloon member connected through tubing to a syringe barrel and wherein a plunger slidably mounted within said barrel is moveable to selectively apply and then release fluid pressures exerted on said balloon member so as to selectively inflate said balloon member one or more times, a method of monitoring, displaying and automatically recording inflation data comprising the steps of: selectively increasing fluid pressure applied to the balloon member by pushing said plunger into said syringe barrel; sensing the fluid pressure applied by said syringe and outputting an electrical signal proportional to the sensed fluid pressure; automatically electronically digitally processing the output electrical signal once a selected threshold level of the applied fluid pressure is reached so as to automatically derive and automatically record therefrom electronic digital data representing the magnitude of the applied fluid pressures and the length of time said fluid pressures are applied to the balloon member; electronically outputting a visual display of the magnitude and the corresponding length of time that said fluid pressures are applied to the balloon member; and releasing the fluid pressure applied to the balloon member by pulling said plunger toward the rear of the syringe barrel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
200 words
In a system comprising an inflatable balloon member connected through tubing to a syringe barrel and wherein a plunger slidably mounted within said barrel is moveable to selectively apply and then release fluid pressures exerted on said balloon member so as to selectively inflate said balloon member one or more times, a method of monitoring, displaying and automatically recording inflation data comprising the steps of: selectively increasing fluid pressure applied to the balloon member by pushing said plunger into said syringe barrel; sensing the fluid pressure applied by said syringe and outputting an electrical signal proportional to the sensed fluid pressure; automatically electronically digitally processing the output electrical signal once a selected threshold level of the applied fluid pressure is reached so as to automatically derive and automatically record therefrom electronic digital data representing the magnitude of the applied fluid pressures and the length of time said fluid pressures are applied to the balloon member; electronically outputting a visual display of the magnitude and the corresponding length of time that said fluid pressures are applied to the balloon member; and releasing the fluid pressure applied to the balloon member by pulling said plunger toward the rear of the syringe barrel.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the step of repeating each of said steps in connection with a second inflation of the balloon member.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the steps of: electronically selecting and storing a maximum magnitude of positive fluid pressure to be applied to said balloon member; and electronically outputting an indication to a system user that signals when said maximum fluid pressure is applied to said balloon member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as defined in claim 16 further comprising the steps of: electronically selecting and storing a maximum duration for which said fluid pressures are to be applied to said balloon member; and electronically outputting an indication to a system user that signals when said maximum duration has been reached.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
279 words
In a system comprising a balloon catheter connected through tubing to a syringe barrel and wherein by movement of a plunger through the barrel fluid pressure applied to the balloon catheter may be selectively increased or decreased, a method of electronically monitoring, displaying and recording the applied fluid pressure each time the balloon catheter is inflated, the method comprising the steps of: inflating a balloon of the balloon catheter a first time by pushing the plunger into the syringe barrel so as to apply a positive inflation pressure to the balloon; sensing any applied fluid pressure using a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer placed in fluid communication with the applied pressure, and generating at said transducer an electrical signal proportional in magnitude and duration to said applied pressure; converting said electrical signal to a series of corresponding digital signals and inputting said digital signals to a digital processor; processing the digital signals using said digital processor to carry out a programmed method comprising the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals once the applied pressure reaches a selected threshold level, said data representing a numerical value of the duration of said positive inflation pressure; electrically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; deflating the balloon by withdrawing the syringe plunger so as to remove the positive fluid pressure applied to the balloon; and repeating each of the above-recited steps for a second inflation of the balloon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
279 words
In a system comprising a balloon catheter connected through tubing to a syringe barrel and wherein by movement of a plunger through the barrel fluid pressure applied to the balloon catheter may be selectively increased or decreased, a method of electronically monitoring, displaying and recording the applied fluid pressure each time the balloon catheter is inflated, the method comprising the steps of: inflating a balloon of the balloon catheter a first time by pushing the plunger into the syringe barrel so as to apply a positive inflation pressure to the balloon; sensing any applied fluid pressure using a piezoresistive semiconductor transducer placed in fluid communication with the applied pressure, and generating at said transducer an electrical signal proportional in magnitude and duration to said applied pressure; converting said electrical signal to a series of corresponding digital signals and inputting said digital signals to a digital processor; processing the digital signals using said digital processor to carry out a programmed method comprising the steps of: deriving data from said digital signals which represents a numerical value of the magnitude of said applied pressure; deriving data from said digital signals once the applied pressure reaches a selected threshold level, said data representing a numerical value of the duration of said positive inflation pressure; electrically storing all said derived data for later retrieval and output; automatically displaying said numerical values in a visually perceptible manner to a system user once said applied pressure exceeds a selected threshold level; deflating the balloon by withdrawing the syringe plunger so as to remove the positive fluid pressure applied to the balloon; and repeating each of the above-recited steps for a second inflation of the balloon.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
113 words
A method as defined in claim 20 wherein said digital processor is housed within a controller which comprises a control panel having a digital readout, and wherein prior to said inflating step said digital processor performs the step of presenting a visual display at said digital readout of at least one of the following optionally selectable functions: a. retrieving and reviewing all previously stored digital data; b. clearing all digital data previously stored in said data memory means; c. setting a maximum positive inflation pressure value; d. setting a maximum inflation time value; e. initializing data and time; f. selecting units of inflation pressure; g. printing data stored in said data memory means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as defined in claim 20 wherein prior to said inflating step said digital processor performs the steps of: electronically sensing whether said transducer is electrically connected to said digital processor; and when sensing that said transducer is not so connected, said digital processor outputting to a system user a signal to that effect.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as defined in claim 20 wherein prior to said inflating step said digital processor performs the steps of: presenting an optionally selectable input for determining a maximum positive inflation pressure; and electronically storing digital data corresponding to said maximum positive inflation pressure in response to a user-determined input.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as defined in claim 23 wherein said method carried out by said digital processor further comprises the step of presenting to a system user an indication of when said selected maximum positive inflation pressure is applied to said balloon.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
60 words
A method as defined in claims 20 or 23 wherein prior to said inflating step said digital processor performs the steps of: presenting an optionally selectable input for a maximum duration during which positive inflation pressure is to be applied to said balloon; and electronically storing digital data corresponding to said selected maximum duration in response to a user-determined input.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as defined in claim 25 wherein said method carried out by said digital processor further comprises the step of presenting to a system user an indication of when said selected duration is reached.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
CA545415A
Cited
US404105A
Cited
US466125A
Cited
US577682A
Cited
US383940A
Cited
US730054A
Cited
US1661818A
Cited
US1707880A
Cited
US2656836A
Cited
US2672866A
Cited
US2699168A
Cited
US2736315A
Cited
FR1242737A
Cited
US3080866A
Cited
US3388941A
Cited
US3491757A
Cited
US3478937A
Cited
US4057050A
Cited
US4063662A
Cited
US4254773A
Cited
US4267846A
Cited
US4466426A
Cited
US4444335A
Cited
US4858615A
Cited
US4651738A
Cited
US4743230A
Cited
US4758223A
Cited
US4715854A
Cited
US4710179A
Cited
US4781192A
Cited
US4872483A
Cited
US4872483B1
Cited
US4901731A
Cited
US4896671A
Cited
US4877035A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-04 | 1996-02-03 | 1996-08-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-04 | 2000-02-03 | 2000-08-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-04 | 2004-02-03 | 2004-08-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |