Fluid source with physiological feedback

Abstract

A balloon resection method is disclosed generally including inserting a catheter with at least one balloon having an outer wall with a resecting, non-slip surface for resecting unwanted biological material, such as tissues or tumors, and supplying fluid thereto in pulsed fashion to repeatedly deflate and inflate the balloon. In certain embodiments, a pump controls the pulsed supply of fluid based on an established frequency or change in volume. In some embodiments, the a keyed connector is used to identify the balloon type, and in some cases, intra-lumen diameters and densities are calculated. In some embodiments, the balloon portion of the catheter includes multiple balloon segments, which in some cases, are inflatable separately from one another.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a supply of fluid to a balloon attached to a catheter, said system comprising: a pump having a connector for connecting to the catheter, said pump including: a processor; and at least one sensor for making at least one measurement; said pump configured to receive balloon profile data identifying the type of balloon attached to the catheter; and said pump configured to control the supply of fluid to the balloon based at least partially on the type of balloon and the at least one measurement.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said connector is an identification connector with which said pump identifies the balloon type.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said identification connector comprises: a balloon identification plate; and a key that orients said identification plate when said catheter is connected to said pump such that said pump identifies said balloon type using said identification plate.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said balloon identification plate utilizes an electro-optic identification scheme.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein said balloon identification plate utilizes an electro-mechanical identification scheme.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a sensor that is configured to determine a pressure of the fluid output to the balloon and a sensor that determines the flow of the fluid output to the balloon.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to calculate a diameter in a biological cavity based at least partially on the at least one measurement.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to determine an inflation frequency of, or change in volume in, the balloon based at least partially on the balloon profile data.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said pump is configured to control the supply of fluid to the balloon based at least partially on the determined inflation frequency or change in volume.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump further comprises a vacuum source.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said vacuum source is configured to evacuate resected material via a channel in the catheter or evacuate fluid from the balloon.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to control an inflation frequency of, or a change in volume in, the balloon.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said processor is configured to receive a frequency selection or a change in volume selection based on a user input to an interface.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a deflation valve and an inflation valve, wherein said processor is configured to control said deflation valve and said inflation valve to control inflation and deflation of the balloon.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the balloon profile data is stored in a look up table and upon identification of the connected balloon, said processor is configured to gather the balloon profile data corresponding to the identified balloon type.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump is configured to receive the balloon profile data via a user input to an interface.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to calculate a density of a tumor in a biological cavity based at least partially on the at least one measurement.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump further includes: an air tank; a compressor for pressurizing and supplying air to the tank; and a pressure regulator through which the fluid is supplied from the air tank to the balloon, wherein the pressure regulator supplies the fluid to the balloon at a particular pressure based on a signal generated by the processor.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said pump further includes a flow meter through which the fluid is supplied from the regulator to the balloon.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein: said pump further includes an additional pressure regulator at the output of the flow meter to the balloon; and the pump makes at least one measurement based at least partially on feedback from the flow meter and the additional pressure regulator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a front, partially schematic view of a resector balloon system in accordance with the invention.

(2) FIG. 2A is a front, partially schematic view of the balloon catheter of the system of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 2B is an end, partially cross-sectional view of the inflated balloon of the system of FIG. 2A.

(4) FIG. 2C is a partially cross-sectional view of the deflated balloon of the system of FIG. 2A.

(5) FIG. 3A is a front, partially schematic view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 2A employing multiple balloon segments.

(6) FIG. 3B is a side view of the balloon of the catheter of FIG. 3A with the center balloon inflated.

(7) FIG. 3C is a side view of the balloon of the catheter of FIG. 3A with the center balloon deflated.

(8) FIG. 3D is a partially cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 3A.

(9) FIG. 3E is a side view of the balloon of the catheter of FIG. 3A with the balloon segments spatially separated.

(10) FIG. 3F is a partially cross-sectional view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 3E.

(11) FIG. 4A is a side, partially schematic view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1 with an energy delivery assembly.

(12) FIG. 4B is a side, partially schematic view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 4A.

(13) FIG. 5 is a side view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1 with spring wires mounted to the balloon.

(14) FIG. 6A is a side, partially schematic view of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1 with an imaging device.

(15) FIG. 6B is an end view of the imaging device of FIG. 6A.

(16) FIGS. 7A-F are side, partially cross-sectional views of the balloon catheter of FIG. 1 being operated in a bodily cavity.

(17) FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the pneumatics of the pump of FIG. 1.

(18) FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the electronics of the pump of FIG. 1.

(19) FIG. 10A illustrates a front panel of the pump of FIG. 1.

(20) FIG. 10B illustrates a graphical display of the front panel of FIG. 10A.

(21) FIG. 10C illustrates a front panel of a remote for the pump of FIG. 10A.

(22) FIG. 11A illustrates a front panel of the pump of FIG. 1.

(23) FIG. 11B illustrates a rear panel of the pump of FIG. 11A.

(24) FIG. 11C illustrates a front panel of a remote for the pump of FIG. 11A.

(25) FIGS. 12A-B is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the resector balloon system of FIG. 1.

(26) FIG. 13 is an example of a typical plot of volume versus flow time characteristics before and after correction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(27) The basic components of one embodiment of a resector balloon system in accordance with the invention are illustrated in FIG. 1. As used in the description, the terms “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “beneath,” “on top,” “underneath,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “forward” and “backward” refer to the objects referenced when in the orientation illustrated in the drawings, which orientation is not necessary for achieving the objects of the invention.

(28) The system 20 includes a fluid source (22), such as an electro-pneumatic pump having controls on the front thereof, from which a physician or assistant can control the system (as well as a remote control unit), which is further described below. A balloon catheter (24) is connected to the pump (22), to which the pump (22) supplies a fluid, such as a gas, liquid, or mixture thereof. In certain cases, a cryogenic fluid is supplied by the pump (22) in order to further aid a particular procedure, such as tumor desiccation.

(29) As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the balloon catheter (24) includes a catheter (26) made of a polyethylene material and having an outer diameter of 1.8 mm and a length of about 1.2 to 3 meters. A bendable section (28) having a length of about 5 to 10 mm at the distal end of the catheter (24) serves as a safety tip. As a result, when the catheter (24) is inserted through the available opening of a bodily cavity, it will bend instead of puncturing the walls of the cavity.

(30) A balloon portion (30) made of latex or other suitable material is located near the distal end of the catheter (24) or at an otherwise desirable, predefined distance along the catheter (24). The balloon (30) comes in a variety of sizes and diameters, which can be selected to suit the particular application for which the device is being used. Typically, such balloons will have lengths of 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 50 mm and diameters of 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 or 50 mm. This variety of available balloon sizes allows the balloon catheter (24) to be used in bodily cavities of various diameters and dimensions, such as large and small bronchial branches, sinuses, and vessels, having different types of tumors and tissues to be treated. The pump (22) supplies the air at a pressure of approximately 2 atmospheres in order to be able to inflate such balloons to full size, ranging from 2.5 mml to 50 mml.

(31) In certain advantageous embodiments, the balloon (30) includes imaging markers (32), such as radio opaque rings, located at or near the ends thereof. Such markers can be selected and appropriately positioned in order to reflect the relevant waves of various imaging modalities (e.g., x-ray) in order to allow the use of such modalities to assist with the precise positioning of the balloon (30).

(32) Referring to FIG. 2B, which shows a cross-section of the balloon (30), the balloon is covered with a flexible resecting surface (34), which may, for example, comprise a fiber mesh affixed to the surface of the balloon (30). In certain advantageous embodiments, the resecting surface (34) comprises a textured surface approximately 0.2 mm thick that is an integral part of the balloon and which is incorporated therein during the molding process. In these cases, the resecting surface (34) is made by integrating into the balloon material a fine, fiber mesh, which can be made of lycra, polyurethane, composite springs, or other appropriate material. The crossover point of the mesh members produce outwardly-facing, small knots or dimples, which create micro-impacts on the tumor tissue (or other biological material to be resected) during the inflation/deflation cycles further described below. In other embodiments, dimensional surface structures or inflatable sinuses that are encapsulated in the surface substrate of the balloon (30) are employed. Such impregnated structures within the surface substrate of the balloon can mimic mesh-like structures, bumps, ridges, etc.

(33) Referring back to FIG. 2A, the balloon catheter (24) includes an inner lumen breakout Y junction (40) to facilitate the introduction of a guide wire, air bypass, drug delivery, or visualization conduit. The proximal end of the inner lumen (42) after Y junction (40) is terminated with a luer connector (44). The outer lumens are terminated at their proximal end with a keyed connector (46), which includes a key (48) and a balloon identification plate (50).

(34) The Y junction (40) serves several purposes. First, it brings out a separate, inner lumen (42) of the catheter (24) to a suitable connector, such as the aforementioned luer connector (44), in order to provide an independent passage, such as a two-way air passage between the distal and proximal ends of the balloon catheter (24), which can be critical in certain applications (i.e., bronchoscopy) when the balloon is inflated. Additionally, the Y junction (40) also includes a shut-off valve (not shown) for stopping the balloon (30) from deflating. This may be used, for example, when it is required to leave the inflated balloon in place for a lengthy period of time in order to treat chronic bleeding.

(35) As noted above, the catheter (24) is terminated at the proximal end with a keyed balloon identification plate (50). The purpose of this connector is to electronically detect the catheter (24) when it is inserted into the pump (22) and to identify the particular type of balloon catheter being used. The key (48) orients the connector (46) and the identification plate (50) in such a way that the balloon type can be identified by the pump (22) using electro-optical or electro-mechanical means.

(36) Each type of balloon (30) that can be used with the pump (22) is characterized, and balloon profile data is registered in lookup tables. By identifying the type of balloon (30) that is connected the pump (22), the appropriate profile data can be retrieved and used to ensure that the appropriate pressure, volume, flow, and timing adjustments can be made to safely and effectively operate the balloon (30). The balloon profile data contained in the lookup table, along with appropriate pressure and flow measurements (as further discussed below), allows one to make tissue density approximations. This balloon profile data and approximated lumen diameter and tissue density, as well as any user commands, are used to adjust the amount of gas the pump (22) delivers to the balloon (30) in order to achieve the desired inflation and deflation amounts.

(37) As shown in FIG. 2C, which shows a cross-section of the catheter (26) at the distal end where the deflated balloon (30) with the resecting surface (34) is located. In certain embodiments, the inner lumen (42) of the catheter (26) extends through the bendable section of the catheter tip (28) and is open at the distal end. As noted above, in certain applications, such as bronchoscopy, this inner lumen (42) serves as a passageway that allows the air to move freely in both directions from each end of the balloon (30) when it is inflated. Additionally, the inner lumen (42) can be used as a means for accurately positioning the balloon catheter (24), as it can be used as a conduit for a guide wire (63) when inserting the deflated balloon catheter (24) into the bodily cavity. In other applications, such as in treating coronary artery disease, bypass holes (not shown) to the inner lumen may be provided at an appropriate location after the proximal end of the balloon (30) and the inner lumen (42) is thereafter blocked such that a breakout junction therefor is unnecessary.

(38) The outer lumens (60) of the catheter (26) are used to inflate and deflate the balloon (30) through the holes (62) provided in the catheter's outer walls (64). These outer lumens (60) are blocked at the distal end of the balloon (30) so that air intended for inflation and deflation will not escape.

(39) In certain advantageous embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-B, the balloon catheter (24) includes a multi-balloon construct (70) at its distal end. This construct may include, for example, a proximal balloon segment (72), a center balloon segment (74), and a distal balloon segment (76). At the proximal end of the catheter (24), the Y junction (40) brings out another lumen (78) that supplies fluid to the proximal balloon segment (72) and the distal balloon segment (76) separately from the center balloon segment (74). The additional lumen (78) is connected to another keyed connector (80), similar to the keyed connected (46). In this way, the center balloon segment (74) is inflated and deflated independently of the proximal and distal balloons (72,76).

(40) Employing separate proximal and distal balloon segments in this way serves several purposes. First, one is able to inflate the proximal and distal balloon segments (72,76) to an amount appropriate to hold the catheter (24) steady where the tissue to be removed is located while the center balloon (74) is cyclically inflated and deflated to resect the unwanted biological material, as illustrated in FIGS. 3B-C. By doing so, one can prevent the balloon (30) from slipping and migrating during the procedure, and possibly causing damage to the bodily cavity itself, which is particularly important in cavities subject to significant backflow pressures and in applications where balloon catheterization is required for an extended period of time. Additionally, by inflating the proximal and distal balloons (72,76), one can prevent the resected material from escaping into the bodily cavity, and instead, can capture the loose tissue for easy removal. Finally, by employing multiple, independently inflatable bladders or sinuses in this way, one is able to more selectively and precisely tamponade different sections of the bodily cavity, measure their intra-lumen diameters and densities, and resect obstructive tissue.

(41) FIG. 3D shows how the outer lumens are used to inflate and deflate the three balloons (72, 74, 76). As noted above, the inner lumen (42) is used for air bypass and/or a guide wire conduit. The lower lumen (82) has inflation/deflation hole (84) in the catheter walls only at the position along the length of the catheter (24) where the center balloon (74) is located, while the upper lumen (86) contains inflation/deflation holes (88) only at the position along the length of the catheter where the proximal and distal balloons (72,76) are located. It should be noted that the proximal and distal balloon segments (72,76) can also be inflated/deflated independently from each other by further separating the outer lumen to include an additional lumen, and positioning the inflation/deflation holes at the appropriate locations along the length of catheter (24). Likewise, additional balloon segments could be added, which could each similarly be inflated independently from the others by increasing the number of lumens and adding a separate termination at the proximal end at the Y junction (40).

(42) Though the balloon segments illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C are shown adjacent one another, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3E, the different balloon segments may be spatially separated from each other. The balloon segments may be separated by, for example, a distance of about 1 cm, though this separation can be more or less depending on the particular application. By separating the balloon segments in this way, holes (90) can be provided to other lumens (92) in the catheter.

(43) As shown in FIG. 3F, the lumens (92) and holes (90) can be used to deliver, for example, a medicinal drug. In this way, with the proximal and distal balloons (72, 76) remaining inflated and the center balloon resecting the unwanted biological material (as further described below), the drug is contained in the targeted site and evenly distributed. It should be noted that, however, that in other embodiments, such drugs, nano-particulates, etc. may be dispersed through multiple distal tips or through orifices in the lateral walls of the balloon. Accordingly, such drugs can be released via a methodic and/or timed release.

(44) The lumens (92) and holes (90) can be used to deliver any number of things to assist with opening the cavity, circulation, aspiration, respiration, assisting the decomposition of an obstruction, or stimulating healing in the affected area, including air, aspirates, drugs, biologics, biogenetic agents, nano-particulates, solutions, stem cell and gene therapies, and stents and scaffolds. Specifically, the device could be used for the deployment and implantation of pro-generative vehicles and/or catalysts in the repair, treatment, and therapy of the targeted areas, including biologic, nano-particulate materials and/or biogenetic materials, structures, scaffolds, and similar devices and vehicles, including, for example, bone morphogenetic proteins, microcrystalline nano-particulates, collagens, de-mineralized bone chips, calcium based structures, poly glycolic acids, poly lactic acids, and hyaluronic acids. The device can likewise be used for the deployment and implantation of inert, inelastic, and semi-rigid materials, such as, for example, PEEK, ceramic, cobalt chrome, titanium, and stainless steel, and for the implantation of reinforcing constructs within, along, and/or around anatomic structures, which may be deployed and then impregnated, impacted, and otherwise filled, either prior to or after insertion, with inert materials including, for example, polymethyl meth-acrylate, bone cements, polyethylene, polypropylene, latex, and PEEK.

(45) Additionally, in some of these multiple-balloon embodiments, the above-described imaging markers (e.g., radio opaque rings), can be located at or near the ends of each balloon segment in order to facilitate the use of certain imaging modalities to assist with the precise positioning of the balloons.

(46) As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in certain advantageous embodiments, a flexible catheter (100) with electrically conductive wires (103) and electrodes (104) is used to deliver energy to a desired biological material to be treated. As shown in FIG. 4B, an access hole (106) is used to introduce the electrocautery electrodes (104) to the target site. The electrodes (104) are molded into the flexible catheter (100), and are electrically connected to conductive wires (103), which are also molded into the catheter (100) and electrically insulated from one another. The distal ends of the wires (103) are, in turn, connected to an energy generating device for supplying the requisite energy (108), such as, for example, a suitable electrosurgical unit.

(47) The electrodes (104) are made of suitable spring metals that are straight inside the lumen of the catheter (26), but spring into their original shape when pushed out through the access hole (106). The electrodes are deployed by pushing the catheter (100) in and out at the Y junction (40). The electrodes (104) are positioned in the desired position by rotating the balloon catheter (26) and incrementally inflating and deflating the balloon (30) as needed. It should be noted that both monopolar (one of the electrodes is remotely connected) and bipolar (both electrodes are localized) implementations may be employed. In this way, various forms and types of energy, such as radio-frequency and electrosurgical energy, can be supplied in a 360° fashion to perform ablation, cauterization, excision, decortications, and/or tissue modification in order to optimize hemostasis and resection. A similar energy delivery system can be constructed for delivery of ultrasound.

(48) In certain advantageous embodiments, the invention also includes insulating materials and insulation barriers along and within the surfaces of the balloon construct to insulate the balloon from the thermal, ultrasonic, and associated deleterious effects of the different forms energy delivered by the above described balloon catheter (24). Accordingly, the balloon (30) is protected against becoming deflated or otherwise comprised under the stress of the energy delivery process(es).

(49) As illustrated in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, straight, steel spring wires (110) are mounted on the balloon (30) in a cylindrical fashion. The wire ends are fixed to the balloon catheter (24) at the proximal end (112) of the balloon (30) such that they do not move with respect to the catheter (26). At the distal end (114), the wires (110) are not fixed and extend far into channels that are provided in the balloon catheter (26). Accordingly, when the balloon (30) is inflated, the spring wires (110) are forced by the inflation to take the shape of the balloon (30). In this way, another means of providing a resecting surface for the balloon (30) is provided by insulating the tips of the spring wires (110) from one another and by providing conductive wire (103) out through the Y junction (40), which can also be used as to provide monopolar or bipolar electrodes for electrocautery.

(50) In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, a fiber optic image bundle (120) is introduced through an access hole (122) or (124) to image the surrounding area. At the proximal end of the balloon catheter (26) the Y junction (40) provides access through ports (126) and/or (128). As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the fiber optic image bundle (120) is made of an incoherent fiber bundle (130) for illumination and a coherent imaging fiber bundle (132) at the core, and a lens (not shown). Two separate bundles, one for illumination and the other for image (not shown) can also be used. At the distal end of the fiber optic bundle (120), the imaging coherent fibers are separated from illumination fibers (not shown) and interfaced to an image sensor, such as CMOS or CCD, through appropriate optics (not shown). Similarly, the illumination fibers are interfaced to a light source (not shown). It should be noted, however, that other sources of illumination, such as light emitting diodes, may also be employed. It should also be noted that the image sensor (CCD or CMOS available today in 2 mm size) can be located at the tip of the imaging catheter assembly (not shown), eliminating the need for coherent imaging fiber bundle, thus increasing the image quality and reducing cost.

(51) In this sort of way, the physician can be provided with illuminated light, non-thermal illuminated light, and direct visual feedback of the area ahead of the balloon (30), along the sides of the balloon, and/or behind the balloon. The imaging sensor and illumination optics possess the ability to be translated linearly or rotationally through and/or around the balloon (30), thereby allowing for 360° visualization of the treatment area.

(52) The operation of the balloon (30) can be generally described with reference to FIGS. 7A-F. Referring first to FIG. 7A, after a visual inspection via an endoscope, x-ray, and/or ultrasound, a balloon catheter is selected, and the deflated device is inserted into position in a bodily cavity. This may be accomplished by using the working channel of an endoscope or, as previously noted, along a guide wire that is previously inserted into the body and inserting the proximal end of the guide wire which is outside the body into the inner lumen of the catheter. The catheter is connected to a pump (the components and operation of which are further described in detail below), at which time the pump determines the type of balloon catheter that has been inserted.

(53) Referring next to FIG. 7B, the balloon is inflated by the pump (which knows the type of balloon to which it is connected) at an air pressure of approximately 2 atmospheres for a fixed amount of time, and the flow is measured (after the physician presses an inflate button on the pump). The pump than calculates the initial approximation of the tissue density and the size of the opening in the tumor tissue, and displays the results for confirmation by the physician. As the pump is operated, this data is continuously updated and displayed.

(54) As shown in FIGS. 7C-D, when a pulse button on the pump is pressed, the balloon is deflated and inflated in a cyclical fashion, based either on parameters that were entered by the user, or on default parameters selected by the pump, which are based on the characteristics of the particular balloon (which has been identified as a result of the aforementioned balloon identification plate) and the diameter and/or density measurements made by the system. In this way, the pulse mode of the pump causes the balloon to pulsate according to a desired frequency or change in volume within the balloon, producing a periodically recurring increase and decrease in balloon size.

(55) Accordingly, the resecting surface of the balloon repeatedly comes into contact with the tissue growth, tumor, or other unwanted obstruction to create micro-impacts thereon. As the balloon is deflated and inflated, the resecting surface creates just enough interference fixation, concentrically, along with compressive force excitation and friction upon the unwanted biological material, to promote compressive force exhaustion and abrasion to elicit the decomposition and excision thereof, such that the targeted biological material is resected in a non-traumatic way. As the tissue is destroyed and removed, the balloon is inflated to a larger starting diameter and these steps are repeated until all the unwanted tissue is resected.

(56) Meanwhile, the pump continually monitors the balloon pressure and gas flow, and it updates a graphical display accordingly, as is further described below. This gives the physician an indication as to when to stop the pulse mode and evacuate the loosened tissue.

(57) Referring to FIG. 7E, once the tumor and/or tissue is broken up, the balloon is deflated (by pressing a deflate button on the pump), and the balloon is inserted further distally into the bodily cavity, past the location of unwanted tissue.

(58) A shown in FIG. 7F, the balloon is then re-inflated (by pressing the inflate button on the pump) and gently pulled towards the proximal end, bringing with it the loose tissue and debris to a point where it can be removed using forceps or suction. In a multi-balloon construct, the debris can be removed through one of the available lumens.

(59) For example, one particular application to optimize 360° lumen des-obstruction, des-occlusion, cleansing, and debris capture involves the use of four bladders in series. All four bladders are first inflated to des-obstruct the lumen. Then, the distal bladder is inflated fully, while the middle distal bladder is deflated completely and the middle proximal bladder is deflated partially. As the balloon catheter is retracted, the middle proximal bladder is optimally inflated, rotation of the middle proximal bladder is initiated, and the debris is thus resected from the inner walls of the lumen. The debris is then captured upon retraction upon the fully inflated distal bladder and contained within the middle distal and proximal bladders.

(60) These steps are repeated as many times as necessary until all of the unwanted tissue is removed. Typically, the procedure will between 5-45 minutes, depending on the density of the tumor or unwanted tissue.

(61) A pump (22) that controls the operation of the resector balloon described above will hereafter be described. FIG. 8 represents a block diagram of the pneumatic components and operation of the pump. The pump includes an air compressor (232) and a pressure tank (233), such as a Festo model CRVZS-0.1, which enable it to achieve up to 10 atmospheres of continuous pressure. The air pressure in the tank (233) is continuously monitored by a microcontroller (254), which is further described in connection with the electronics of the pump (FIG. 9) below. The microcontroller initiates the compressor (232) to operate via an electrical signal output (253) when the tank pressure drops below 4-5 atmospheres. The size of the tank (233) is selected such that at least one procedure can be completed without the compressor operating. The microcontroller calculates and displays the amount of air in the tank (233), which indicates to the user whether there is enough air to complete the procedure. A check valve (234), such as a Festo model H-1/8-A/1, is located between the compressor (232) and the tank (233) in order to prevent the pressured gas from flowing back into the compressor (232). In another variation of the pump (22), however, the above-referenced compressor and pressure tank are not included, and the pressurized air or carbon dioxide is instead provided from an external source, such as gas tank or the operating room walls commonly found in an operating room.

(62) The pressurized gas from the air tank (233) first goes through a pressure regulator (238), which is electronically controlled via an analog electrical output (0V-10V) signal (246) generated by the microcontroller to supply air to the balloon at an exact pressure, which can be set and changed by the physician. However, any pressures higher than the upper limit for the particular balloon being used will generate a warning signal. As explained above, different balloon catheters may be used depending on the application, which are identifiable via key connectors. Therefore, pressure, volume, and flow characteristics of different types of balloons are contained in lookup tables in order to optimize the operation of the balloons and to ensure their consistent performance.

(63) Accordingly, when the pressure is set higher than the balloon's upper limit, the detection of gas flow will cause the pump to stop and produce the warning, and the physician must then take a specific action to override this condition. Similarly, if there is no balloon pressure, the detection of gas flow will also generate a warning, as this may mean the balloon has ruptured. It should further be noted that the pump will also not operate if a catheter is not connected. Additionally, a balloon's operation when first removed from the packaging may vary from its normal operation, requiring that they are first exercised before use in the body. Therefore, the setup and preparation function of the pump allows for this variance.

(64) In certain advantageous embodiments, a vacuum source (239), such as a Festo model VN-05-L-T3-PQ2-VQ2-R01-B, is also included in the pump so that the balloon can be rapidly deflated in a consistent manner. This component also aids in achieving higher frequencies during the pulse mode of operation. The vacuum source (239) is turned on and off by the microcontroller via an electrical output signal (247).

(65) Two microprocessor-controlled solenoid valves—a deflation valve (240) and an inflation valve (241)—are used to control the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The appropriate balloon inflation size is achieved by keeping the gas pressure constant, using the balloon pressure, flow, and volume characteristics from the lookup table data, and timing the on/off activation periods of the valves (240, 241). Deflation valve (240) and inflation valve (241) are controlled by a deflate electrical signal (248) and an inflate electrical signal (249), respectively, which are generated by the aforementioned microcontroller.

(66) The gas pressure is continuously monitored by the microcontroller using pressure regulator (242) at the input from the tank (233), a pressure regulator (243) at the output of the regulator (238), and pressure regulator (244) at the output to the balloon. These pressure regulators, which may be, for example, Festo model SDET-22T-D10-G14-U-M12, provide to the microcontroller analog electrical signal (0V-10V) inputs (250, 251, 252) that vary proportionally to the pressure at the regulators (242, 243, 244). The gas passes through an electronic flow meter (245), such as a Festo model SFET-F010-L-WQ6-B-K1, and a filter (246), before being delivered to the balloon. The flow meter (245) provides an analog electrical signal input (254) to the microcontroller that indicates the amount of gas flow to the balloon.

(67) The pressure regulator (244) and flow meter (245), along with the known dimensions of the balloon, provide the feedback necessary to determine the tumor dimensions and resistance via circumferential force and depth resistance, from which a determination is made as to the diameter of the lumen and the density of the tumor. Using these parameters, the microcontroller makes the appropriate pressure and timing adjustments necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the balloon, provide the physiologic metrics of the affected and non-affected areas, and provide data points and indicators related to the specific dimensional and density characteristics of the intra-lumen anatomy and pathology aid the physician in safely determining and delivering treatment.

(68) In this way, the gas pressure is strictly monitored and maintained at 2 atmospheres in order to keep the balloon from bursting. The high gas input pressure (up to 10 atmospheres) is reduced to and regulated at 2 atmospheres electronically and under software control. However, the pressure delivered to the balloon can be increased or decreased under certain conditions via operator commands.

(69) In some embodiments, one or more temperature sensors are also employed to take continuous physiologic temperature readings of the tissues, tumors, membranes, or other intraluminal tissues and/or devices (whether organic or inorganic) in vivo, before, during, and after the application of cryogenic and/or thermal treatment modalities. In some embodiments, the system takes continuous temperature readings of a cryogenic or thermal treatment device, in vivo, and concurrently assess the temperatures, rates of temperature changes, and depth of energy penetration into the intraluminal tissues to facilitate control of the distribution and/or application of the cryogenic or thermal treatment modality in order to optimize tissue modification and/or dissection.

(70) FIG. 9 represents a block diagram of the components and operation of the electronics of the pump (22). The microcontroller (254) is a RISC processor and lies at the heart of the electronics. Connected to the microcontroller (254) through appropriate electrical signals are the usual static, dynamic, and flash memory (255) for firmware and data, lookup table (256), and an interface (257) for communication with external devices. This interface can be used for programming, updating, diagnostics, and/or control through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) (258). An interface to a remote control hand held unit (278), further described below, can also be established through the interface circuit (257). Additionally, the pump includes a real time date time integrated circuit (not shown).

(71) A digital-to-analog (D to A) converter (268) is used to control the pressure regulator that supplies air pressure to the balloon. The D to A converter (268) generates an analog electrical signal (269) from 0V to 10V that is proportional to the desired pressure. A series of analog-to-digital (A to D) converters (270) allows the microcontroller (254) to read the pressure signal (250) at the pressure air tank (233), the pressure signal (251) at the output of the pressure regulator (238), the pressure signal (252) at the output to the balloon, and the air flow (254) to the balloon.

(72) Another series of digital outputs with appropriate interface circuits (275) allows the microcontroller (254) to control the compressor (232) (ON/OFF) with command signal (253), the vacuum source (239) (ON/OFF) with command signal (247), the deflate solenoid valve (240) (Open/Close) with command signal (248), and the inflate solenoid valve (241) (Open/Close) with command signal (249).

(73) A series of input circuits (276) are connected to switches on the front panel of the pump (22) in order to input user controls, which is further described below. Additionally, a display driver circuit (277) interfaces the microcontroller (254) to the front panel LCD display, also described below.

(74) As shown in FIG. 10A, in certain embodiments, the pump (22) includes user control buttons in the form of soft keys (263) along the bottom and side of a graphical LCD display panel (264). The functions of the control buttons (263) are displayed on the LCD panel (264) and change depending on the mode of the pump. The buttons (263) can be used to enter a setup mode, display settings, recall collected data, or increase/decrease frequency and pressure. In addition to the soft key functions, the graphical LCD display (264) may show the pump's settings, pressure, frequency, and flow values, warnings, other information such as time, date, and elapsed time, and any other information that may be useful to the physician for conducting the procedure and for gathering procedural data, as shown in FIG. 10B.

(75) The front panel of the pump (22) includes a deflate button (259), an inflate button (260), and a pulse button (261) to change the mode in which the pump (22) is operating. The front panel also includes an On/Off switch (265), as well as an emergency stop button (266), which stops the airflow to the balloon by closing the inflate valve (241) and opening the deflate valve (240) and starting the vacuum source (239). Also included on the front panel of the pump (22) is one or more keyed receptacle(s) (267) for the aforementioned keyed connector(s) of the balloon catheter.

(76) In certain embodiments, the front panel of the pump (22) also includes an interface (210) for a handheld remote control (278), as previously described. This handheld remote control (278), shown in FIG. 10C, can be located in the sterile field, and can be hardwired or wirelessly connected to the pump (22) using readily available communication technologies, such as infrared or radio frequency (i.e. Bluetooth). Just like the front panel of the pump (22), the remote control (278) has three push buttons (259, 260, 261) for deflation, inflation, and pulse commands. The remote control (278) also has a ready light (262) that indicates when it is ready to accept a command.

(77) As shown in FIG. 11A-C, in another variation of the pump (22), the compressor, the pressurized air tank, and the vacuum source are not included. Even though the balloon could deflate faster with a vacuum source, the elasticity of the fiber mesh and latex balloon will still generate sufficient frequency to make it useful. As shown in FIG. 11A, the front panel of the device includes a pump On/Off switch (215), a balloon TYPE selector knob (216), a balloon OUTLET connector (217), a balloon inflation/deflation RATE selection push button switch (218), and rate L (low), M (medium), and H (high) indicator LEDs (219). As shown in FIG. 11B, the rear panel includes a VAC power inlet (220), PRESSURE control knob (221), pressurized gas INLET connector (222) and REMOTE control connector (223). The balloon pressure gauge is located on top of the unit.

(78) The operation of the system will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12A-B. An initialization step includes setting up and running diagnostic testing on all internal components, including pressure transducers, flow meters, solenoid valves, etc., and displaying any warnings or, if no problems are detected, displaying a system READY indication to the user (step 300).

(79) After initialization, the pump opens the deflate valve and closes the inflate valve to insure that there is no air pressure and flow at the outlet to the balloon catheter (step 302). The system will then read the internal tank pressure (step 304). If the pressure is too low (decision block 306), the system will display the amount of air available and wait for user confirmation to start the compressor (step 308). Alternatively, if an internal compressor is not available, the air pressure at the inlet will be read and a warning will be displayed to connect external pressured air.

(80) The system will then display a message and wait for a balloon catheter to be connected. When the balloon is connected, it will be detected through electro-optical or electro-mechanical means (step 310) and display a message to the user to confirm the balloon type (step 312). If confirmed with the user (decision block 314), the system will then display a message to the user to confirm that the balloon should be tested (step 316) and, if confirmed by the user (decision block 318), the balloon will be tested and pre-exercised (step 320). The system will then display a message to the user (step 322), and upon receiving confirmation from the user (decision block 324), will scan for a command from the front panel, the remote control, or a serial interface (step 326). During the operation of the system and while waiting for a command, receipt of the emergency stop command will cause the rapid deflation of the balloon.

(81) Each “inflate” command (command 330) will inflate the balloon by an incremental amount based on the type of balloon that is connected (step 332). This incremental inflation is accomplished by opening the inflate valve for a set amount of time while the deflate valve remains closed. In this way, the balloon is inflated to the size desired by the user. Alternatively, pressing and holding the inflate button will inflate the balloon in a continuous fashion.

(82) While inflating, the flow of gas (ml/sec) is measured (step 332). After closing the inflate valve, the balloon pressure is measured, and an approximation of the volume V is made based on the ideal gas law (V=nRT/P) and the lookup table, which contains balloon characteristics and universal constants (step 334). Here, T is assumed constant at 310K (body temperature can be measured and entered into the equation as well), R is a gas law constant, n is moles of gas, which is proportional to the measured flow, and P is the measured pressure. With each incremental inflation, V is recalculated, and the relative volume change (V2-V1) is displayed (step 336). Knowing the shape of the balloon from the balloon identification, and using the data from the lookup table, the relative change in balloon diameter (D2−D1) is also calculated and displayed. As shown in FIG. 13, typical volume versus flow time characteristic data can be depicted in a graphical format. A typical characteristic performance curve of the balloon (400) is translated to an actual linear performance (401).

(83) Similarly, each “deflate” command (command 340) incrementally deflates the balloon by opening the deflate valve for set period of time while the inflate valve remains closed (step 342).

(84) When the pump receives a “pulse” command (command 350), the balloon is inflated and deflated in a pulsed fashion based on set parameters (step 352, decision block 354, step 356, decision block 358), which include an inflation priority. In the pulse mode, this aspect of the inflate/deflate cycles can be set as desired. The pump has a feature to control this function based on change in volume (delta volume) or frequency priority. Because the gas pressure is maintained at a constant value (i.e., 2 atmospheres), the time it will take to inflate the balloon to the desired size will vary due to the different sizes and volumes of the types of balloons. Therefore, in the delta volume priority, the maximum and minimum frequencies are calculated and set for the particular balloon used in order to maximize the delta volume between the inflated and the deflated states. In the frequency priority, the maximum and minimum delta volumes are calculated and set for the particular balloon in order to maximize the frequency of the inflate/deflate cycles.

(85) Delta volume and/or frequency is calculated for each inflation/deflation cycle, and the display is updated accordingly. If the “Inflate” button is pressed during this pulse mode, the pulse mode is stopped with the balloon in the inflated state. Likewise, if the “Deflate” button is pressed during the pulse mode, the pulse mode stops with the balloon in the deflated state.

(86) If the user wishes to change the set frequency and/or delta volume for the pulse mode, this can be done by pressing the Up/Down soft keys located on the LCD display panel (command 360, steps 362-364). The user can also press soft keys located on the display panel to enter the status and setup displays (command 370, steps 372-374). These include screens to set up and enter initialization data into the system, and to displaying data accumulated during the procedure.

(87) It should be noted that, during all states of operation of the pump, the vacuum source is turned on and off to achieve faster deflation and higher inflation/deflation cycles.

(88) It should be noted that, while the described embodiments have at times been described with respect to use on tumors and tissue, the system may also be employed in other applications. Similarly, while the present invention has been described with respect to the pulsation mechanism of action described herein, such action is not exclusive. That is, other mechanisms of action may be employed in addition to pulsation as needed, such as linear translation of the balloon along the catheter, as well as rotation. Such motion may be particular useful in cases, such as, for example, plaque excision and mucosa resection in ENT applications.

(89) Another example in which the above-described system can be usefully employed is to remedy the decompression of compressed articulations in restoring articular joint spaces, heights, and functions in a minimally invasive fashion. The decompression balloon includes a wide variety of shapes and dimensions to address and replicate the broad anatomic joint dimensions found in human and other mammalian bodies, including the spine, knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, wrist, hands, fingers, feet, toes jaw, ribs, clavicle, and related articulations. An application of this art would be as a minimally invasive method to deploy an interspinous process spacer comprised of a unique geometric, dimensional balloon construct that possessed the ability, when inflated, to decompress the interspinous process articulation. The balloon construct could be inserted under endoscopic, radiographic, and/or ultrasound visualization via a small incision and/or via wire guidance. Then, the balloon spacer would be inflated to provide the requisite decompression of the interspinous process. As a result, the stress shielding and failure modalities often witnessed using current materials and methods can be mitigated. This method is widely applicable to the many articular joints in the human and mammalian bodies.

(90) The above-described system can be used for minimally invasive interventional treatment for Facet Joint fusion. A unique dimensionally shaped balloon that mimics the articular surfaces of the facet joint is deployed to the facet joint via wire guidance under endoscopic and/or fluoroscopic visualization and then inflated. The abrasive mesh-like surface of the balloon is concentrically and radially pulsed to create micro-abrasions upon the articular cartilage, and ablative energy is then applied to the conductive ridges atop the exterior surface of the balloon, eliciting decomposition and decortication of the articular surface. Any bleeding is tamponaded by inflating the balloon to create compression and/or via application of electrosurgical energy that is transmitted via the conductive ridges atop the exterior surface of the balloon. The balloon is then rotated to further decorticate and widen the articular space. The balloon is then deflated, and an inert implant, bone dowel, or other osteo-conductive and osteo-promotive biologic implant is then inserted along the deflated catheter and/or guide wire and into the articular joint space to create an interference fit and promote fusion. An iteration of this procedure would also include the deployment of a facet joint replacement implant. This procedure has broad application across the broad spectrum of articular joint fusion and articular joint replacement.

(91) It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that obvious modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, reference should be made primarily to the accompanying claims, rather than the foregoing specification, to determine the scope of the invention.