Balloon catheter inflation

Abstract

A balloon catheter comprising a fluid dispensing device. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber for retaining, in use, balloon inflation fluid. An outlet attaches, in use, to a catheter inflation lumen, and dispensing means dispenses fluid, in use, from the chamber via the outlet into the catheter lumen. An indicator indicates when a predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed from the outlet.

1 . A balloon catheter comprising a balloon arranged to be inflated, in use, by fluid delivered thereto via a lumen fluid dispensing device attached to the lumen and comprising: 
 a housing defining a chamber for retaining, in use, balloon inflation fluid;    an outlet attached to the lumen;    dispensing means for dispensing fluid, in use, from the chamber via the outlet into the catheter lumen; and    an indicator for indicating when a predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed from the outlet.    
   
   
       2 - 3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the indicator comprises an internal sensor attached to an external display.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing means is a plunger which is attached, in use, to an external removable plunger key to prevent inadvertent dispensing of fluid.  
   
   
       6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the plunger has biassing means associated therewith.  
   
   
       7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing means is provided with a lock.  
   
   
       9 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising an inlet valve so that fluid can be inserted into the chamber, in use, to prime the device.