Patent Document

This application incorporates by reference in its entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/042,639 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,195), filed Jan. 24, 2005. 
     I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application relates generally to control systems for arterial catheters. 
     II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As recognized in the above-referenced U.S. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,195), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, selectively blocking certain arteries for limited time can result in increased blood flow through other arteries for therapeutic purposes. As understood herein, automating some or all of the inflation protocol can provide additional advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is to be understood that placement of balloons on a catheter in accordance with present principles is not limited to, but can be in/on catheter positions described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,195 for augmenting arterial flow. 
     Accordingly, a control system for an arterial catheter operable to selectively impede blood flow in a first artery to increase blood flow in a second artery includes at least one processor, and at least one computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor. The computer readable storage medium bears instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute logic including receiving a first signal representing a physical parameter associated with a patient in whom the catheter is disposed, receiving a second signal representative of time, and causing inflation of a first balloon on the catheter to impede blood flow in the first artery. Based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a first condition, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon. Based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon regardless of whether the first signal satisfies the first condition. 
     In some embodiments, the first artery is a femoral artery and the second artery is a carotid artery. Also in some embodiments, the physical parameter may include blood pressure of the patient, pressure internal to the first balloon, amount of blockage of the first artery by the first balloon, and/or blood flow rate through the first artery. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, the catheter may include a second balloon, and the logic executed by the processor when accessing the instructions may further include inflating the second balloon and, based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a condition, causing deflation of the second balloon. The instructions may also include, based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, causing deflation of the second balloon regardless of whether the first signal satisfies the second condition. 
     Even further, if desired in some embodiments in the first and second balloons may be inflated simultaneously with each other while in other embodiments the first balloon is inflated before inflating the second balloon. In embodiments where the first balloon is inflated before inflating the second balloon, the first balloon may be distal to the second balloon but can also be proximal to the second balloon. 
     In another aspect, a control system for an arterial catheter operable to selectively impede blood flow in a first artery to increase blood flow in a second artery includes at least one processor, and at least one computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor. The computer readable storage medium bears instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute logic including receiving a first signal representing a physical parameter associated with a patient in whom the catheter is disposed, receiving a second signal representative of time, and causing inflation of a first balloon on the catheter to impede blood flow in the first artery. Based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon. Based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a first condition, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon regardless of whether the second signal indicates the elapse of the predetermined time period. 
     In still another aspect, a method includes receiving, at a control system for an arterial catheter operable to selectively impede blood flow in a first artery to increase blood flow in a second artery, a first signal representing a physical parameter associated with a patient in whom the catheter is disposed. The method also includes receiving a second signal representative of time and causing inflation of a first balloon on the catheter to impede blood flow in the first artery. Based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a first condition, the method includes causing deflation of the first balloon. Based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, the method includes causing deflation of the first balloon. 
     The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-5  are block diagrams of example catheter systems in accordance with present principles; 
         FIGS. 6-12  are exemplary flowcharts of logic to be executed by catheter systems in accordance with present principles; and 
         FIGS. 13-19  are exemplary user interfaces (UIs) to be presented on a display of a catheter system in accordance with present principles. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary system  10  includes a catheter control system  12 , a catheter  14 , and a reservoir  16  (sometimes referred to herein as a “fluid source”). First describing the catheter control system  12 , it includes a (e.g., touch-enabled) display  18  and one or more speakers  20  for outputting audio such as audible alerts in accordance with present principles. The catheter control system  12  also includes and at least one input device  22  such as, e.g., an audio receiver/microphone, keypad, touchpad, etc. for providing input and/or commands to a processor  24  (processors sometimes referred to herein as “controllers”) in accordance with present principles (e.g., to provide input according to the UIs of  FIGS. 13-19 ). Note that the processor  24  is understood herein as being configured for controlling the catheter control system  12  in accordance with present principles and indeed the operations of the system  10 . 
     In addition to the foregoing, the catheter control system  12  also may also include a network interface (not shown) for communication over at least one network (also not shown) such as the Internet, an WAN, a LAN, etc. under control of the processor  24  to e.g. communicate with another device such as a computer to e.g. provide alerts, status updates, and catheter information concerning the catheter control system  12  as disclosed herein to the other computer (e.g. a computer at a nurse&#39;s station separate from a patient&#39;s room in which the system  10  is disposed). In any case, such a network interface may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver. In addition to the foregoing, the catheter control system  12  includes a tangible computer readable storage medium  26  such as disk-based or solid state storage. The medium  26  is understood to store the software code and/or logic discussed herein for execution by the processor  24  in accordance with present principles. 
     Now in reference to the catheter  14 , it is to be understood that the exemplary catheter  14  may be in fluid communication with the reservoir  16  to inflate and/or deflate one or more balloons  28  on the catheter  14  in accordance with present principles via e.g. supply lumen  30  and return lumen  32 , and also to supply fluid and/or gas to other portions of the catheter  14  in accordance with present principles. It is to be understood that the reservoir  16 , though shown as being separate from the catheter control system  12 , may in some embodiments form part of the system  12  and/or be (e.g. mechanically) coupled thereto. The catheter  14  may also be in (e.g. electrical) communication with the control system  12 , either wireless (e.g., using respective transmitters/receivers on the control system  12  and catheter  14  not shown) or wired via the exemplary wire  34  shown for control of the catheter  14  by the control system  12  and/or for transmitting inputs between the catheter  14  and control system  12  (e.g., such as the biometric parameter data/input disclosed herein). Also note that the reservoir  16  may be in (e.g. electrical) communication with the control system  12  so that the control system  12  may control the reservoir  16  and supply of fluid to the catheter  14  in accordance with present principles. 
     Additionally, note that although a single supply lumen  30  and return lumen  32  are shown, it is to be understood that in some embodiments each of the balloons  28  may be separately and/or independently controlled (e.g. inflated and deflated) such that e.g. the balloons need not necessarily be in fluid communication with each other and both may be connected to their own respective supply and return lumens. Thus, there being two balloons  28  shown in exemplary  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments four lumens may be employed in such a two-balloon configuration, a first supply lumen and a first return lumen both communicating only with a first of the two balloons, and a second supply lumen and a second return lumen both communicating only with a second of the two balloons. Notwithstanding, also note that in exemplary embodiments a single lumen may act as both a supply lumen and return lumen, either for both balloons or for a single one of the balloons should they be independently controlled in accordance with present principles. 
     Additionally, before moving on to  FIG. 2  it is to be understood that the catheter  14  (including its configuration and its fluid and electrical communication with the control system  12  and reservoir  16 ) may be any of the catheters described herein and those incorporated by reference as set forth above. Thus, it is to be understood that the system  10  is exemplary and may be used in accordance with the principles and systems disclosed herein (as may any of the catheters/catheter systems disclosed herein or incorporated by reference). Thus, for example, even though not specifically shown in reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , one or more elements described in reference to  FIG. 1  but omitted from  FIGS. 2-5  may nonetheless be included in the systems of  FIGS. 2-5  though not specifically shown for clarity. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the controllers and/or processors described herein are configured for executing the logic described herein. Last before describing  FIG. 2 , note that as used herein, “proximal” and “distal” in reference to the catheter are understood to be relative to the system  12 . 
     Now describing  FIG. 2 , an exemplary system  38  including an exemplary catheter  40  is shown. The catheter  40  includes a distal balloon  42 , a proximal balloon  44 , and a distal tip  46 . A fluid source  48  is also shown and is understood to be in fluid communication with the catheter  40  via the supply/return line(s)  50  to e.g. inflate the balloons  42 ,  44 . A controller  52  is also show for executing logic in accordance with present principles to thus e.g. control the catheter and/or inflation and deflation of the balloons  42 ,  44 . The controller  52  is also understood to be configured for receiving input from a blood pressure monitor  56  that itself receives blood pressure input from one or more blood pressure sensors  54  (e.g. when the catheter  40  is disposed in an artery of a patient) electrically connected to the blood pressure monitor  56  to provide input thereto via e.g. at least one blood pressure line  58  extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the catheter  40  and between the sensor(s)  54  and monitor  56 . 
     As may be appreciated from  FIG. 2 , the sensor(s)  54  may be disposed against, along, or proximate to an inner side of a catheter wall of the catheter  40  that also includes an outer side e.g. in fluid contact with a patient&#39;s blood so that the sensor(s)  54  may thus sense blood pressure through the wall of the catheter. Alternatively or in addition to sensing blood pressure though the catheter wall, the catheter wall may include a port(s) so that the sensor(s)  54  may be positioned at or proximate to the port to thus be in fluid contact with the blood of a patient when disposed in the patient&#39;s artery to thereby sense blood pressure. Furthermore, note that the sensors  54  shown in  FIG. 2  are shown as being disposed longitudinally along portions of the catheter  40  that do not also include one of the balloons  42 ,  44  disposed there along and in some instances are thus disposed along the catheter  40  at portions between the balloons  42 ,  44 . Nonetheless, note that if desired one of more blood pressure sensors may be disposed longitudinally along a portion of the catheter including the balloon and may even be positioned within the balloon itself so that blood pressure may be sensed through a balloon wall in accordance with present principles. 
     Now addressing  FIG. 3 , a catheter  60  is shown as being disposed in an vessel/artery  62  of a patient in accordance with present principles. The catheter  60  includes a proximal balloon  64 , a distal balloon  66 , and a distal tip  68 . Also shown in an imagery probe  70  understood to be disposed within or proximate to the patient (e.g. but not inside the artery  62 ). The probe  70  is electrically connected to a controller  72  to provide input thereto via a line  74 . Thus, in accordance with present principles, the imagery probe  70  may be positioned in or near the patient at or proximate to the artery  62  such that occlusion (e.g., partial or full) of the artery  62  may be determined by the controller  72  based on imagery from the probe  70 . The controller  72  may thus provide an indication of occlusion (e.g. on a display such as the display  18  described above) in a percentage parameter (e.g. the amount of occlusion indicated as a percentage). The probe  70  may be, for example, an ultrasonic probe, or it may be a probe that senses radiopaque dye that has been injected either into the patient&#39;s bloodstream, or alternatively into the balloons, or it may be another appropriate imaging probe. 
     Continuing the detailed description in reference to  FIG. 4 , a catheter  76  is shown as being disposed in an vessel/artery  78  of a patient in accordance with present principles. The catheter  76  includes a proximal balloon  80 , a distal balloon  82 , and a distal tip  84 . Also shown are temperature and/or flow rate sensors  86  disposed against, along, or proximate to an inner side of a catheter wall of the catheter  76  that also includes an outer side e.g. in fluid contact with a patient&#39;s blood in the artery  78  so that the sensors  86  may gather input/measurements (e.g. temperature and/or blood flow rate) regarding cardiac output in accordance with present principles and provide the measurements to a controller  88  electrically connected thereto via line  90  extending longitudinally along the catheter  76 , it being understood that the controller  88  is also electrically connected to temperature controller  92  via line  94 . 
     Thus, for example, cardiac output (e.g. blood flow) may be measured using a temperature differential between two or more temperature signals from sensors  86  disposed along different portions of the catheter  76  and accordingly e.g. blood flow may be inversely proportional to the temperature differential/change in temperature. Nonetheless, note that ports may also be included on the catheter  76  along portions of the catheter wall where the sensors  86  are disposed such that the sensors  86  may be in fluid contact with the patient&#39;s blood via the ports to gather measurements in accordance with present principles. Further note that in embodiments where blood passes through e.g. a portion of the catheter  76  itself, measurements may be taken by the sensors according to temperature/flow within the portion (it being understood that similar observations apply to the measurements gathered using the catheter  40  described above as well). 
     Now addressing  FIG. 5 , yet another exemplary catheter  96  is shown. The catheter  96  includes a proximal balloon  100 , a distal balloon  102 , and a distal tip  104 . Also shown is at least one sensors  106  located inside a balloon(s) such as the distal balloon  104  for measuring (e.g. interior/internal) balloon pressure of the balloon in which the sensor  106  is disposed. The one or more sensors  106  are thus electrically connected to a pressure sensor unit  108  via line  110  that extends longitudinally along at least an inner portion of the catheter  96  to provide input thereto, where the pressure sensor unit  108  is itself electrically connected to a controller  112  via a line  114  for providing input thereto on balloon pressure (e.g. for the controller  112  to configure the catheter  96  and specifically one or more of the balloons for a desired inflation pressure, artery occlusion, and/or to address a catheter leak and/or to prevent the balloon from bursting or rupturing). Each balloon can have its own internal pressure sensor. 
     Continuing the detailed description in reference to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating at least a distal balloon of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown. Beginning at block  120 , the distal balloon is inflated at an (e.g. constant or pulsed) inflation rate. Then at block  122  the logic observes and/or monitors at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above (e.g., blood pressure, vessel occlusion, cardiac output, interior balloon pressure, etc.). Thereafter, at decision diamond  124 , the logic determines whether at least one of the biometric parameters has been satisfied—e.g., that it is out of (e.g., above or below) an acceptable, preferred, and/or normal level or range (e.g. as input by a physician to the system processor). If a positive determination is made at diamond  124 , the logic moves to block  126  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and even provides an alarm (e.g. a visual alarm via a display such as the display  18  described above and/or audible alarm such as a bell or emergency tone via a speaker such as the speaker  20  described above). If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  124 , the logic instead proceeds to decision diamond  128 . 
     At diamond  128 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied for inflation of the distal balloon (e.g. either or both of the maximum time that inflation is permitted or safe, and/or the maximum time that the balloon is permitted to remain inflated once a desired inflation pressure has been reached). If a positive determination is made at diamond  128 , then the logic proceeds to block  130  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and even provides an alarm as set forth above regardless of whether one or more biometric parameters are satisfied. If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  128 , the logic instead moves to block  132  where the balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to diamond  124  thereafter and proceeds from diamond  124 . 
     Now addressing  FIG. 7 , an exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating proximal and distal balloons of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown. Beginning at block  140 , the distal balloon of a catheter is inflated at an inflation rate. The logic then moves to block  142  where the logic observes and/or monitors at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above. Thereafter, the logic moves to decision diamond  144  where the logic determines whether the at least one of the biometric parameters has been satisfied for inflating the proximal balloon of the catheter (such as, e.g., cerebral blood flow over a baseline, there being an inadequate cerebral blood flow increase, or to reduce construction/occlusion using the distal balloon to thus not complete block an artery at or around the distal balloon). If at diamond  144  the logic determines that the at least one biometric parameter has not been satisfied for inflating the proximal balloon (e.g. a condition exists based on the biometric parameter where it is not appropriate/safe to inflate the proximal balloon), the logic moves to decision diamond  146 . 
     At diamond  146 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied for inflation of the distal balloon (e.g. either or both of the maximum time that inflation is permitted or safe, and/or the maximum time that the balloon is permitted to remain inflated once a desired inflation has been reached) regardless of whether a biometric parameter for the proximal balloon has been satisfied. If a positive determination is made at diamond  146 , then the logic proceeds to block  148  where the logic deflates distal balloon and provides an alarm as set forth above. If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  146 , the logic instead moves to block  150  where the balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to block  142  from block  150  and proceeds accordingly. 
     Continuing in reference to  FIG. 7  but referring back to decision diamond  144  for deciding whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for inflating the proximal balloon, should a positive rather than a negative determination be made thereat, the logic proceeds to block  152  instead of decision diamond  146 . At block  152 , the logic thus inflates the proximal balloon of the catheter and then moves to decision diamond  154 . At diamond  154  the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the proximal balloon in accordance with present principles. If a positive determination is made, the logic then moves to block  156  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and then moves to diamond  162 , which will be described shortly. 
     However, before describing diamond  162 , reference is again made to decision diamond  154  where, should a negative determination be made rather than a positive one regarding whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the proximal balloon, the logic instead moves to decision diamond  158 . At decision diamond  158 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied in accordance with present principles for deflating both the proximal and distal balloons (e.g., successively or simultaneously) e.g. regardless of whether a biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the proximal balloon or both balloons. If a positive determination is made at diamond  158 , the logic proceeds to block  160  and deflates both balloons and provides at least one alarm. If a negative determination is made, the logic instead moves to diamond  162 . 
     At decision diamond  162  and regardless of whether the logic proceeded thereto from block  156  or diamond  158 , the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the distal balloon. If a positive determination is made at diamond  162 , the logic moves to block  164  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and then moves to block  170 , which will be described shortly. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  162 , the logic proceeds to diamond  166  where the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied in accordance with present principles for deflating at least one of the proximal and distal balloons (e.g. regardless of a biometric parameter being satisfied). Note that if the logic proceeded to diamond  166  along a path including block  156 , then at diamond  166  the determination involves determining whether to deflate only the distal balloon since the proximal one was deflated at block  156 . Also note that if the logic proceeded to diamond  166  along a path including diamond  158 , then at diamond  166  the determination involves determining whether to deflate both the proximal and distal balloons because in such a case the logic has yet to deflate either one. 
     Regardless, if a positive determination is made at diamond  166 , the logic proceeds to block  168  where the logic deflates one or both balloons and provides at least one alarm. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  166 , the logic instead moves to block  170 . At block  170  and regardless of whether the logic has moved thereto from block  164  or diamond  166 , the logic continues to monitor at least one biometric parameter and/or time in accordance with present principles and regardless of the proximal and distal balloon configurations being inflated, deflated, or any combination thereof depending on which path may have been taken in the logic flow of  FIG. 7 . 
     Now in reference to  FIG. 8 , an exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating at least a proximal balloon of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown. Beginning at block  172 , the proximal balloon is inflated at an (e.g. constant or pulsed) inflation rate. Then at block  174  the logic observes and/or monitors at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above (e.g., blood pressure, vessel occlusion, cardiac output, interior balloon pressure, etc.). Thereafter, at decision diamond  176 , the logic determines whether the at least one of the biometric parameters has been satisfied—e.g., that it is out of (e.g., above or below) an acceptable, preferred, and/or normal level or range. If a positive determination is made at diamond  176 , the logic moves to block  178  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and even provides an alarm (e.g. a visual alarm via a display such as the display  18  described above and/or audible alarm such as a bell or emergency tone via a speaker such as the speaker  20  described above). If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  176 , the logic instead proceeds to decision diamond  180 . 
     At diamond  180 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied for inflation of the proximal balloon (e.g. either or both of the maximum time that inflation is permitted or safe, and/or the maximum time that the balloon is permitted to remain inflated once a desired inflation has been reached) regardless of the biometric parameter being satisfied. If a positive determination is made at diamond  180 , then the logic proceeds to block  182  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and even provides an alarm as set forth above. If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  180 , the logic instead moves to block  184  where the balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to diamond  176  thereafter and proceeds accordingly. 
     Turning now to the flow chart shown in  FIG. 9 , an exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating distal and proximal balloons of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown but, in contrast to  FIG. 7 , in  FIG. 9  the proximal balloon is inflated first. Thus, beginning at block  190 , the proximal balloon of a catheter is inflated at an inflation rate. The logic then moves to block  192  where the logic observes and/or monitors at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above. Thereafter, the logic moves to decision diamond  194  where the logic determines whether the at least one of the biometric parameters has been satisfied for inflating the distal balloon of the catheter. If at diamond  194  the logic determines that the at least one biometric parameter has not been satisfied for inflating the distal balloon (e.g. a condition exists based on the biometric parameter where it is not appropriate/safe to inflate the distal balloon), the logic moves to decision diamond  196 . 
     At diamond  196 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied for inflation of the proximal balloon (e.g. either or both of the maximum time that inflation is permitted or safe, and/or the maximum time that the balloon is permitted to remain inflated once a desired inflation has been reached). If a positive determination is made at diamond  196 , then the logic proceeds to block  198  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and provides an alarm as set forth above. If however, a negative determination is made at diamond  196 , the logic instead moves to block  200  where the balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to block  192  from block  200  and proceeds accordingly. 
     Continuing in reference to  FIG. 9  but referring back to decision diamond  194  for deciding whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for inflating the distal balloon, should a positive rather than a negative determination be made thereat, the logic proceeds to block  202  instead of decision diamond  196 . At block  202 , the logic thus inflates the distal balloon of the catheter and then moves to decision diamond  204 . At diamond  204  the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the distal balloon in accordance with present principles. If a positive determination is made, the logic then moves to block  206  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and then moves to diamond  212 , which will be described shortly. 
     However, before describing diamond  212 , reference is again made to decision diamond  204  where, should a negative determination be made rather than a positive one regarding whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the distal balloon, the logic instead moves to decision diamond  208 . At decision diamond  208 , the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied in accordance with present principles for deflating both the distal and proximal balloons (e.g., successively or simultaneously) regardless of whether a biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the distal balloon or both balloons. If a positive determination is made at diamond  208 , the logic proceeds to block  210  and deflates both balloons and provides at least one alarm accordingly. If a negative determination is made, the logic instead moves to diamond  212 . 
     At decision diamond  212  and regardless of whether the logic proceeded thereto from block  206  or diamond  208 , the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter has been satisfied for deflating the proximal balloon. If a positive determination is made at diamond  212 , the logic moves to block  214  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and then moves to block  220 , which will be described shortly. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  212 , the logic proceeds to diamond  216  where the logic determines whether a maximum time (e.g. threshold) has been reached/satisfied in accordance with present principles for deflating at least one of the proximal and distal balloons and regardless of a biometric parameter being satisfied. Note that if the logic proceeded to diamond  216  along a path including block  206 , then at diamond  216  the determination involves determining whether to deflate only the proximal balloon since the distal one was deflated at block  206 . Also note that if the logic proceeded to diamond  216  along a path including diamond  208 , then at diamond  216  the determination involves determining whether to deflate both the distal and proximal balloons because in such a case the logic has yet to deflate either one. 
     Regardless, if a positive determination is made at diamond  216 , the logic proceeds to block  218  where the logic deflates one or both balloons accordingly and provides at least one alarm. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  216 , the logic instead moves to block  220 . At block  220  and regardless of whether the logic has moved thereto from block  214  or diamond  216 , the logic continues to monitor at least one biometric parameter and/or time in accordance with present principles and regardless of the distal and proximal balloon configurations being inflated, deflated, or any combination thereof depending on which path may have been taken in the logic flow of  FIG. 9 . 
     Continuing the detailed description in reference to  FIG. 10 , an exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating at least a distal balloon of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown. Beginning at block  230 , the distal balloon is inflated at an (e.g. constant or pulsed) inflation rate. Then at block  232  the logic observes and/or monitors time (e.g. based on a threshold) in accordance with present principles, e.g. either time while inflating or total time from the beginning of inflation and continuing after inflation ceases but while the distal balloon is still in an at least partially inflated configuration once a desired inflation has been reached. The logic then moves to decision diamond  234  where the logic determines whether the time(s) described immediately above is “up” in that a determination is made (e.g., the time(s) described herein has transpired and/or expired such that a determination is made) as to whether the distal balloon should be deflated based on the time(s), e.g. as determined by a physician and input to the system executing the present logic. If a positive determination is made the logic then moves to block  236  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and provides at least one alarm in accordance with present principles. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  234 , the logic instead moves to diamond  238 . 
     At diamond  238  the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above has been satisfied for deflation (e.g., regardless of whether time(s) is up) in accordance with present principles. If a positive determination is made at diamond  238 , the logic proceeds to block  240  where the logic deflates the distal balloon and provides an alarm in accordance with present principles. If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  238 , the logic instead proceeds to block  242  where the distal balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to diamond  234  thereafter and proceeds accordingly. 
     Moving to  FIG. 11 , yet another flow chart is shown, this one pertaining to inflation and deflation of proximal and distal balloons based on time but also deflating the balloons regardless of time if one or more biometric parameters are satisfied. It is to be understood that as described below, balloon number one may be the proximal balloon of a catheter and balloon number two the distal balloon of a catheter, though present principles recognize that in other embodiments the reverse may be the case in that balloon number one may be the distal balloon while balloon number two may be the proximal balloon. Regardless, the logic of  FIG. 11  begins at block  250 , the logic inflates balloon number one for an inflation time in accordance with present principles. The logic then moves to block  252  where a do loop is entered while balloon number one is inflated. The logic thereafter proceeds to block  254  where the logic monitors at least one biometric parameter in accordance with present principles, and then moves to decision diamond  256  where the logic determines whether at least one of the at least one monitored biometric parameters is bad in accordance with present principles (e.g. outside of an accepted range for the biometric parameter during which it is still safe and/or preferable that the balloon be inflated). 
     If a positive determination is made at diamond  256  (e.g., that one of the biometric parameters is outside the acceptable range), then the logic moves to block  258  where the logic deflates balloon number one and provides an alarm in accordance with present principles. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  256 , the logic instead moves to block  260  where the logic inflates balloon number two e.g. after a change in time (e.g. at a time after the first balloon was inflated). Thereafter, the logic proceeds to block  262  where, while both balloons are inflated, a do loop is entered. 
     The logic then proceeds to block  264  where the logic monitors at least one biometric parameter (e.g. for each balloon using e.g. sensors in each balloon, where the biometric parameter being measured need not be the same type for each balloon but nonetheless may be if desired). After block  264 , the logic proceeds to decision diamond  266  where the logic determines whether at least one of the at least one monitored biometric parameters is bad in accordance with present principles (e.g. outside of an accepted range for the biometric parameter during which it is still safe and/or preferable that the balloon be inflated). 
     If a positive determination is made at diamond  266  (e.g., that one of the biometric parameters is outside the acceptable range), then the logic moves to block  268  where the logic deflates the balloons and provides an alarm in accordance with present principles. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  266 , the logic instead moves to block  270  where the logic maintains inflation of the balloons until such time each balloon should be deflated at the end of a deflation period (e.g. predetermined) for that particular balloon or for both balloons. 
     Before moving on to  FIG. 12 , note that in the context of  FIG. 11 , time may nonetheless also be monitored as described herein such that one or both of balloons one and two may be deflated based on time regardless of a biometric parameter being satisfied as determined at diamonds  256  and  266 . Furthermore, note that in addition to or in lie of making determinations based on biometric parameters at decision diamonds  256  and  266 , the determinations at these diamonds may be made based on time (and e.g. after such determinations based on time another determination may be made regardless of time based on one biometric parameter). 
     Now in reference to  FIG. 12 , another exemplary flow chart of logic for inflating at least a proximal balloon of a catheter in accordance with present principles is shown. Beginning at block  280 , the proximal balloon is inflated at an (e.g. constant or pulsed) inflation rate. Then at block  282  the logic observes and/or monitors time (e.g. based on a threshold) in accordance with present principles, e.g. either time while inflating or total time from the beginning of inflation and continuing after inflation ceases but while the proximal balloon is still in an at least partially inflated configuration once a desired inflation has been reached. The logic then moves to decision diamond  284  where the logic determines whether the time described immediately above is “up” in that a determination is made (e.g., the time(s) described herein has transpired and/or expired such that a determination is made) as to whether the proximal balloon should be deflated based on the time(s), e.g. as determined by a physician and input to the system executing the present logic. If a positive determination is made the logic then moves to block  286  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and provides at least one alarm in accordance with present principles. However, if a negative determination is made at diamond  284 , the logic instead moves to diamond  288 . 
     At diamond  288  the logic determines whether at least one biometric parameter such as those discussed above has been satisfied for deflation (e.g., regardless of whether time is up) in accordance with present principles. If a positive determination is made at diamond  288 , the logic proceeds to block  290  where the logic deflates the proximal balloon and provides an alarm in accordance with present principles. If, however, a negative determination is made at diamond  288 , the logic instead proceeds to block  292  where the proximal balloon inflation is maintained. The logic then reverts back to diamond  284  thereafter and proceeds accordingly. 
     Before moving on to  FIGS. 13-19 , it is to be understood that although not explicitly shown on the face of  FIGS. 6-12 , present principles recognize that when inflating one or more balloons in accordance with present principles at e.g. an inflation rate, inflation may be stopped once e.g. a specified (e.g., predetermined as input and/or determined by a physician prior to inflation) pressure in the balloon has been reached. Furthermore, present principles recognize that while inflating and/or once the specified inflation level/pressure has been reached, error checking may be performed by the processor executing the logic discussed above to e.g. identify balloon leaks and other mechanical and/or electrical (e.g. computer system) errors, and that upon identification and/or determination of an error, inflation may stop even if before the desired balloon pressure is reached. 
     Further in reference to  FIGS. 6-12  and although not explicitly shown in their face, it is to be understood that balloon inflation may be maintained in between steps of inflating and then deflating the balloons. Thus, e.g., the logic discussed herein may include inflating a balloon in accordance with present principles, then maintaining the current pressure (e.g. reached during inflation) for e.g. a threshold time and/or predetermined time, and then deflating the balloon(s) in accordance with present principles. 
     Continuing the detailed description in reference to  FIGS. 13-19 , exemplary user interfaces (UIs) that may be presented on e.g. a display of a catheter system such as the display  18  in accordance with present principles is shown. Thus, it is to be understood that the UIs of  FIGS. 13-19  may be used in conjunction with logic executed by a processor such as the processor  24  and as represented by the exemplary flow charts described above to undertake present principles (e.g., the UIs may be manipulated to provide input to a system processor such as the processor  24  to undertake/execute a function in accordance with present principles such as e.g. a distal balloon deflation based on time or user input). 
     Beginning first with  FIG. 13 , a UI  300  is shown. The UI  300  includes a prompt  302  regarding whether to begin inflation, along with a yes selector  304  selectable to cause inflation to begin for one or more balloons in accordance with present principles, and a no selector  306  selectable to provide input to the system to not begin inflation. 
       FIG. 14  shows a UI  308  including an indicator  310  that at least a first balloon is inflating. Also shown is a representation  312  of a catheter (e.g. an icon representation) that includes bi-directional arrows  314  vertically disposed within the representation  312  and pointing away from each other (e.g. up and down) to indicate that the first balloon of the representation in which the arrows  314  are disposed is inflating (e.g. in the present instance, indicating that the proximal balloon is inflating). Also shown is a cancel selector element  316  selectable to cancel and/or stop the inflation (e.g., a manual override) and/or to cause the balloon to deflate. Furthermore, the UI  308  includes a parameter indicator  318  indicating a (e.g. current) biometric parameter being monitored in accordance with present principles, and an elapsed time indicator  320  indicating e.g. the time elapsed since the start of the balloon inflation. 
     Moving on to  FIG. 15 , an exemplary UI  322  is shown for indicating that a second balloon of a catheter is inflating in accordance with present principles, in this case the distal balloon, as represented by indicator  324 . Also shown is a representation  326  of a catheter that includes bi-directional arrows  328  similar to the arrows  314  described above in that they indicate that a balloon is inflating, in this case the second, distal balloon. A cancel selector element  330  is also shown for canceling and/or stopping inflation of at least the second balloon, but may also be selectable for canceling and/or stopping inflation of both balloons and/or deflating them. Furthermore, the UI  322  includes plural parameter indicators  332  indicating respective (e.g. current) biometric parameters being monitored in accordance with present principles for each of the balloons (though in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, a cumulative biometric parameter and/or overall biometric parameter may be presented). Also shown is an elapsed time indicator  334  indicating e.g. the time elapsed since the start of the second balloon inflation, but in some instances may indicate the time elapsed since the beginning of inflation of the first balloon. 
     Continuing in reference to  FIG. 16 , a deflation UI  336  is shown for indicating that the first balloon is deflating, as indicated by indicator  337 . Thus, a representation  338  of a catheter includes bi-directional arrows  340  vertically disposed within the representation  338  and pointing toward each other (e.g. down and up toward the middle of the arrow) to indicate that the first balloon is deflating (e.g. in the present instance, indicating that the proximal balloon is deflating). Also shown is a cancel selector element  342  selectable to cancel and/or stop the deflation (e.g., a manual override) to thus maintain an at least partial inflation of the balloon, and/or to cause the balloon to re-inflate. Furthermore, the UI  336  includes a parameter indicator  344  indicating a (e.g. current) biometric parameter being monitored in accordance with present principles, and an elapsed time indicator  346  indicating e.g. the time elapsed since the start of the balloon deflation, though in other instances it may indicate the total time the balloons(s) has been at least partially inflated since its initial inflation began. 
     Now in reference to  FIG. 17 , an exemplary UI  348  is shown for indicating that a second balloon of a catheter is deflating in accordance with present principles, in this case the distal balloon, as represented by indicator  350 . Also shown is a representation  352  of a catheter that includes bi-directional arrows  354  similar to the arrows  340  described above in that they indicate that a balloon is deflating, in this case the second, distal balloon. A cancel selector element  356  is also shown for canceling and/or stopping deflation of at least the second balloon to thus maintain an at least partial inflation of the balloon, but may also be selectable for canceling and/or stopping deflation of both balloons and/or re-inflating one or both balloons. Furthermore, the UI  348  includes plural parameter indicators  358  indicating respective (e.g. current) biometric parameters being monitored in accordance with present principles for each of the balloons (though in addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, a cumulative biometric parameter and/or overall biometric parameter may be presented). Also shown is an elapsed time indicator  360  indicating e.g. the time elapsed since the start of the second balloon deflation, though in other instances it may indicate the total time the balloon(s) has been at least partially inflated since its initial inflation began. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 18 , a UI  362  is shown indicating that both the proximal and distal balloons of a catheter in accordance with present principles are inflated, as represented by indicator  364  and representation  366  of a catheter showing two balloons in an (e.g. at least partial) inflated configuration. Also shown on the UI  362  is a deflate both selector element  368  selectable to cause deflation of both balloons at the same time and/or sequential deflation of the balloons. Also shown is a deflate one selector  370  selectable for deflating only the first balloon if desired, and a deflate two selector  372  selectable for deflating only the second balloon if desired. Though not shown, it is to be understood that one or more parameter bio-indicators (e.g. for the balloons) such as those described above and an elapsed time indicator such as those described above may also be presented on the UI  362  though not specifically shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Concluding the detailed description in reference to  FIG. 19 , it shows an alarm UI  374  presentable when an alarm is to be provided in accordance with present principles. Thus, the UI  374  includes alarm indicators  376  on top and bottom central portions of the UI  374  and a balloon indicator  378  indicating that at least one balloon is deflating in accordance with present principles. The UI  374  also includes a representation  380  of a catheter including plural bi-directional arrows  382  that may be similar to the arrows  340  and  354  described above for indicating that the respective balloons in which they are shown as being disposed are deflating. In addition, the UI  374  includes a cancel selector element  384  selectable to cancel deflation of one or both balloons, though in other embodiments it is understood to be selectable merely to cause e.g. an audible alarm presented along with the UI  374  to cease sounding and/or to cause the UI  374  to no longer be presented on the display on which it is presented while nonetheless still deflating the balloons. Addressing simultaneous inflation of the balloons described herein, it is to be understood that in accordance with present principles, one balloon may be inflated while the other simultaneously deflated. Last, note that in exemplary embodiments stars  386  or other suitable icons indicating an alarm (such as e.g. alarm clock icons) may be presented on or proximate to corners of the UI  374  to further indicate an alarm is occurring. 
     Regarding any/all of the UIs described above, it is to be understood that these UN may include a total maximum or optimal inflation time, as well as maximum and minimum (e.g. optimal) biometric parameters. Furthermore, different times can be indicated on the UIs for each balloon (from the start of inflation of each balloon). Indeed, the UI elements described above (as well as the catheter system component and logic steps) may be combined, changed, and rearranged and thus the exemplary figures above are not to be construed as limiting on the claims (e.g., a logic step in accordance with present principles may be added to one figure though not specifically shown in that particular figure or shown at a different point in the logic than where it is to be added). Also, note that thresholds may be used in accordance with present principles such that, e.g., determinations are made based on biometric parameter and/or time thresholds being met. 
     Without reference to any particular figure, it is to be understood that the procedures and determinations detailed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/042,639, incorporated herein by reference, may be incorporated into the logic discussed herein. For example, during balloon inflation, if desired the processor executing logic in accordance with present principles may pulse the balloons to cause a periodic release of constrictions to “reset” the body and/or blood flow. As another example, orientation and positioning of a catheter may be checked by TEE, TTE, or ultrasound and these can even in part form biometric parameters in accordance with present principles. 
     Before concluding, it is to be understood that the inflation times and rates described herein can be different lengths of time and inflation rates in exemplary embodiments where, e.g. one balloon is inflated and then another is inflated. Addressing simultaneous inflation of the balloons described herein, it is to be understood that in accordance with present principles, one balloon may be inflated while the other simultaneously deflated. Also note that blood flow rate in accordance with present principles may be measured at various portions of the body if it is not based on cardiac output as described herein. Further still, note that fluoroscopic dye can be used in accordance with present principles (e.g. inserted into an artery/blood stream) to detect blood flow (e.g., blood flow augmentation) and accordingly blood flow may be a biometric parameter in accordance with present principles determined at least in part on (e.g. detection of) flow of fluoroscopic dye. Addressing simultaneous inflation of the balloons described herein, it is to be understood that in accordance with present principles, one balloon may be inflated while the other simultaneously deflated. 
     In addition to the foregoing, more than two balloons may be used in some instances (e.g., three) and may be controlled in accordance with the principles set forth herein. Further note that occlusion or construction of e.g. an artery using proximal and distal balloons in accordance with present principles may but need not necessarily be full occlusion and that partial occlusion may in some instances be appropriate. 
     Last, note that present principles recognize that the storage mediums discussed herein may store e.g. information specific to a patient and/or a procedure performed on the patient, and that therefore the logic discussed above may incorporate such information when inflating and deflating balloons (e.g. inflate a balloon to a certain level based on a previous inflation level previously applied to that particular patient in another procedure) in accordance with present principles. For instance, the results of each procedure (e.g. inflation rates, times, levels, etc.) may be stored for review by a physician when evaluating a particular patient that has undergone the procedure. 
     While the particular CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTERIAL CATHETER is herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Technology Category: 1