LOW VOLUME SYRINGE AND METHOD FOR INFLATING SURGICAL BALLOONS

摘要

A low volume syringe provides easy, precise delivery of a small amount of fluid for proper inflation of a low volume surgical balloon. The syringe includes a stop which limits both the intake and the expulsion of fluid contained in the syringe and a locking member which locks the plunger in a desired location. The locking member advantageously allows the plunger to move a predetermined distance before it is locked into position. This allows the syringe to inject a known amount of fluid into a balloon and it eliminates guessing or estimating how much fluid has been injected by the syringe. Preferably, the known volume of fluid to be injected by the syringe is matched to a balloon of a given size and shape so that balloon is properly inflated. The syringe may also include a spring with a spring constant selected to prevent over pressurization of the balloon and damage to the blood vessel.