Balloon catheter with improved pressure source

摘要

A balloon catheter is disclosed which includes a fluid displacement rod at least partially and slidably disposed in an elongate tubular member with a balloon connected to the distal end of the tubular member. A seal connected to the proximal end of the tubular member creates a liquid tight seal between the inside of the tubular member and the displacement rod. Accordingly, longitudinal actuation of the displacement rod causes the balloon to expand and/or contract. The balloon catheter may be a fixed wire, an over-the-wire or a single-operator exchange type balloon catheter. In addition, a pressure gauge may be connected to the proximal end of the tubular member. A one-way valve is also disclosed which allows the balloon catheter to be prepped via the guide wire lumen. Accordingly, the present invention negates the need for both an inflation device and an inflation lumen which results in a significant improvement in catheter performance and cost savings.