摘要 |
A method for purging a dilatation catheter begins with providing an inflatable balloon at a distal end of a hollow shaft which has a longitudinal lumen defined therein, an inlet in communication with the interior of the balloon and extending to a lumen outlet distally of the inlet. To purge the catheter of gas before use, the lumen is filled with liquid from a proximal end of the shaft until liquid is forced out of the lumen through the lumen outlet. A guide wire is then advanced distally through the lumen, and a liquid-tight seal is formed about the guide wire distally of the inlet. With the seal maintained, the liquid is then withdrawn from the balloon, thereby deflating the balloon for introduction into a patient and ultimately, for reinflation and dilatation.
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