Balloon catheter inflation pressure and diameter display apparatus and method

摘要

An apparatus for determining fluid pressure and inflation diameter in the balloon of a dilation catheter includes a pressure sensing transducer in fluid communication with the interior of the catheter balloon. The transducer provides a balloon pressure signal which is processed by a microcomputer to determine a balloon diameter or circumference as a function of the balloon pressure. The microcomputer produces a signal representing the balloon diameter or circumference. A digital display responds to the pressure signal and diameter signal to display both balloon pressure and diameter in order to provide an added degree of safety and control to a vascular physician conducting balloon angioplasty or similar procedures.