Method and apparatus for deflation of an intra-aortic balloon

Details

Inventors: Zantos, George N.;
Assignee: Belmont Instrument Corporation (Billerica, MA)
Primary Examiner: Jastrzab; Jeffrey R.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morse & Altman

A method for decreasing the deflation time of an intra-aortic balloon comprises removing a portion of the gas from the closed pneumatic system during balloon inflation and then restoring the removed gas to the system at or near the end of balloon deflation. An apparatus for decreasing the deflation time of an intra-aortic balloon comprises an auxiliary chamber connected by an auxiliary valve to the pneumatic system near the volume chamber. The auxiliary valve is controlled to open and close the auxiliary chamber to the pneumatic system at predetermine points in the balloon inflation/deflation cycle. Removing a portion of the gas from the pneumatic system increases the pressure gradient from the balloon to the volume chamber, increasing the gas flow from the balloon, and decreasing deflation time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for rapid deflation of an intra-aortic balloon.
Another object is to provide a method for rapid deflation of an intra-aortic balloon that utilizes internal deflated pressures at or above atmospheric pressure.
A further object is to provide an apparatus that provides for rapid deflation of an intra-aortic balloon.
The present invention includes a method for decreasing the deflation time of the intra-aortic balloon while using a fill pressure at or slightly above atmospheric pressure, rather than the below atmospheric pressure used in IABPs of the prior art to augment the deflation rate, as described above.
The decreased inflation time is achieved by increasing the gradient across the tubing and catheter over that of the prior art during the deflation time.
This is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas from the pneumatic system during balloon inflation and then restoring it to the system at or near the end of balloon deflation.
Just before or during balloon inflation, an auxiliary chamber is opened to the pneumatic system so that a portion of the gas from the system flows into the chamber.
At a particular point during balloon inflation, the chamber is closed to the system, removing the gas in the auxiliary chamber from the system.
The auxiliary chamber remains closed during the time that the balloon is inflated and during balloon deflation.
By removing a portion of the gas from the pneumatic system, the pressure gradient from the balloon to the volume chamber is increased over the prior art, increasing the gas flow from the balloon, and decreasing deflation time.
This works because the system is closed, that is, the amount of gas in the system, including the auxiliary chamber, does not change after it has been initially filled.
After the balloon is deflated, the auxiliary chamber is opened to the system to readmit the gas.
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following drawings and detailed description of the invention

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