Patent ID: 6241706
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method for inflating and deflating a medical device, said medical device being connected to a conduit including a tubular inflation extender portion having a lumen, a tubular deflation extender portion having a lumen, and a tubular catheter portion having a lumen, said lumens of said inflation and deflation extender portions being larger in diameter than said lumen of said catheter portion, said catheter portion and said medical device being connected in series with said inflation and deflation extender portions so that one end of said catheter portion is connected in flow communication both to one end of said inflation extender portion and to one end of said deflation extender portion and another end of said catheter portion is connected in flow communication to said medical device, said method comprising:applying a working gas to said inflation extender portion to develop an inflation pressure therein while interrupting flow communication between said inflation extender portion and said catheter portion, whereby said working gas is prevented from flowing into said catheter portion and said medical device;establishing flow communication between said inflation extender portion and said catheter portion while interrupting flow communication between said deflation extender portion and said catheter portion, whereby said working gas flows from said inflation extender portion through said catheter portion to said medical device to substantially fully inflate said medical device to a working pressure lower than said inflation pressure; andestablishing a deflation pressure less than said working pressure in said deflation extender portion and establishing flow communication between said deflation extender portion and said catheter portion while interrupting flow communication between said inflation extender portion and said catheter portion, whereby said working gas flows from said medical device through said catheter portion to said deflation extender portion to substantially fully deflate said medical device.