Patent ID: 7951111
Filing Date: 2011-05-31
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A medical device comprising: an elongated tubular member having a proximal end connectable to a fluid delivery device and a distal end; and, a balloon disposed on a distal end of said elongated tubular member and in communication with the fluid delivery device; said balloon having a non-compliant region and a semi-compliant region, said semi-compliant region comprising an elastomeric material returning said semi-compliant region to a predetermined configuration upon deflation; said non-compliant region having a first diameter at a first pressure and said semi-compliant region having a second diameter at said first pressure, said second diameter being smaller than said first diameter; a pressure system in communication with an interior of said balloon; said pressure system configured for: causing dilation of leaflets of a valve by expanding said non-compliant region in an aortic sinus; determining expansion of said semi-compliant region; and determining contact of said semi-compliant region with a valve annulus based on measurement of pressure within said balloon during contact.