Balloon occlusion diameter and pressure measuring devices and methods of use

Abstract

The invention provides a device having first and second balloons. Each of the first and second balloons communicates with an inflation lumen. A differential pressure gauge communicates with both inflation lumens. Each of the inflation lumens also communicates independently with a pump for inflating the balloon. The pressure gauge may include a shut-off valve for terminating inflation in the second balloon when the pressure within the first balloon exceeds the pressure in the second balloon. The pressure gauge may also include a pressure limiter. Methods of using the devices for measuring diameter and pressure of a balloon occluder deployed in a vessel or body cavity are disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A balloon occlusion inflation apparatus, comprising: 
 a first balloon which communicates with a first inflation lumen;    a second balloon which communicates with a second inflation lumen; and    a pressure gauge communicating with the first inflation lumen and independently and simultaneously communicating with the second inflation lumen to permit a comparison of a detected pressure of the first balloon with a detected pressure of the second balloon.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second balloons are elastomeric.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second balloons are non-elastomeric.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first pump that communicates with the first inflation lumen and a second pump that communicates with the second inflation lumen, wherein the first and second pumps are syringes.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the syringes are tandem acting syringes.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure gauge includes a shut-off valve, operably associated with the second inflation lumen.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure gauge includes a pressure limiter.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure gauge is a differential pressure gauge.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a first pump communicating with the first inflation lumen and a second pump communicating with the second inflation lumen.