Patent ID: 6104941
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
The combination of a pressure control system and a catheter constructed and arranged to be positioned in a passage or cavity in a human or animal body, said combination includingan elongate member,expandable means mounted on the member for expanding to engage tissue forming the margins of the passage or cavity upon being pressurized,pressure supply means coupled to the expandable means for expanding said expandable means, andmeans coupled to the expandable means for maintaining the pressure within said expandable means within preselected limits for indicating, maintaining and/or controlling the contact pressure between the expandable means and the tissue forming the passage or cavity within preselected limits to minimize the risk of tissue damage, patient discomfort or physiological reflex response,said means for maintaining pressure including an elastic diaphragm coupled to said pressure source and to said expandable means, the elastic member operable to expand to permit the flow of fluid from the expandable means when the applied pressure on the expandable means increases regardless of the speed of the pressure increase and to contract to return fluid to the expandable means when the applied pressure decreases.