U.S. patent application number 16/363049 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-18 for variable displacement inflation devices and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Merit Medical Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to William Padilla, Brian Stevens, Steven Weir.
Application Number | 20190217068 16/363049 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50339565 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190217068 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stevens; Brian ; et
al. |
July 18, 2019 |
VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT INFLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
An inflation device that may comprise multiple plungers is
disclosed. The inflation device may have multiple configurations
wherein certain plungers are locked with respect to a body of the
inflation device while others are configured to be displaceable
within the body. Each plunger may be configured with a different
effective surface area, allowing a practitioner to vary the amount
of force required to attain certain pressures.
Inventors: |
Stevens; Brian; (Pleasant
Grove, UT) ; Padilla; William; (Sandy, UT) ;
Weir; Steven; (Sandy, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Merit Medical Systems, Inc. |
South Jordan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50339565 |
Appl. No.: |
16/363049 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15267541 |
Sep 16, 2016 |
10238843 |
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16363049 |
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14021054 |
Sep 9, 2013 |
9452279 |
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15267541 |
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61704299 |
Sep 21, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 25/10182 20131105;
A61M 2005/1787 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/10 20060101
A61M025/10 |
Claims
1. An inflation device configured to displace fluid within a
medical device, the inflation device comprising: a body member
defining a reservoir; a first plunger displaceable within the body
member, the first plunger configured to automatically transition to
a locked configuration wherein the first plunger is coupled to the
body member when a fluid disposed within the reservoir is at or
above a first pressure; a second plunger displaceable within the
body member; and a handle operably coupled to the first and second
plungers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of currently
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/267,541 filed on Sep.
16, 2016 and titled "VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT INFLATION DEVICE AND
METHODS OF USE," which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/021,054 filed on Sep. 9, 2013 and titled, "VARIABLE
DISPLACEMENT INFLATION DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE," now U.S. Pat.
No. 9,452,279, which, in turns, claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/704,299, entitled "VARIABLE
DISPLACEMENT INFLATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE," filed Sep. 21,
2012, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein
by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices used to
pressurize, depressurize, or otherwise displace fluid, particularly
in medical devices. For example, the present disclosure relates to
devices used to pressurize, depressurize, or otherwise displace
fluid along a line in order to inflate or deflate a medical device,
such as a balloon. In some embodiments, inflation devices within
the scope of this disclosure may comprise multiple plungers
configured to facilitate inflation at relatively high pressure.
Further, inflation devices within the scope of this disclosure may
be configured to selectively lock or deploy certain plungers to
control the forces required to reach particular inflation
pressures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully
apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings
depict only typical embodiments, which will be described with
additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an inflation
device.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device of
FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the inflation device of FIG.
1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top view of the inflation device of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a front view of the inflation device of FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 4, taken through plane 6-6.
[0010] FIG. 6A is a detail view of a portion of the inflation
device of FIG. 6.
[0011] FIG. 6B is a detail view of another portion of the inflation
device of FIG. 6.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 5, taken through plane 7-7.
[0013] FIG. 7A is a detail view of a portion of the inflation
device of FIG. 7.
[0014] FIG. 7B is a detail view of another portion of the inflation
device of FIG. 7.
[0015] FIG. 8A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a first position.
[0016] FIG. 8B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 8A.
[0017] FIG. 9A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a second position.
[0018] FIG. 9B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 9A.
[0019] FIG. 10A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a third position.
[0020] FIG. 10B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 10A.
[0021] FIG. 11A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a fourth position.
[0022] FIG. 11B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 11A.
[0023] FIG. 12A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a fifth position.
[0024] FIG. 12B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 12A.
[0025] FIG. 13A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a sixth position.
[0026] FIG. 13B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 13A.
[0027] FIG. 14A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in a seventh position.
[0028] FIG. 14B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 14A.
[0029] FIG. 15A is a first cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 1 in an eighth position.
[0030] FIG. 15B is a second cross-sectional view of the inflation
device of FIG. 15A.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
an inflation device.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device
of FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the inflation device of FIG.
16.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a top view of the inflation device of FIG.
16.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a front view of the inflation device of FIG.
16.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 19, taken through plane 21-21.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 20, taken through plane 22-22.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflation
device.
[0039] FIG. 24A is a top view of another embodiment of an inflation
device in a first position.
[0040] FIG. 24B is a top view of the inflation device of FIG. 24A
in a second position.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflation
device.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
an inflation device.
[0043] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device
of FIG. 26.
[0044] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the inflation device of FIG.
26.
[0045] FIG. 29 is a top view of the inflation device of FIG.
26.
[0046] FIG. 30 is a side view of the inflation device of FIG.
26.
[0047] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 29, taken through plane 31-31.
[0048] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 30, taken through plane 32-32.
[0049] FIG. 33A is a rear exploded perspective view of one
embodiment of a valve and one embodiment of an intermediate plunger
for use with an inflation device.
[0050] FIG. 33B a rear assembled perspective view of one embodiment
of a valve and one embodiment of an intermediate plunger for use
with an inflation device.
[0051] FIG. 33C is a rear front exploded perspective view of one
embodiment of a valve and one embodiment of an intermediate plunger
for use with an inflation device.
[0052] FIG. 33D is a front assembled perspective view of one
embodiment of a valve and one embodiment of an intermediate plunger
for use with an inflation device.
[0053] FIG. 34 is a side view of the assembled intermediate plunger
and valve illustrated in FIG. 33B and FIG. 33D.
[0054] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 34
taken through plane 35-35.
[0055] FIG. 36 is a top view of the assembled intermediate plunger
and valve illustrated in FIG. 33B and FIG. 33D.
[0056] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 36
taken through plane 37-37.
[0057] FIG. 38 is a cross-section view of an inflation device
similar to FIG. 31, but with the intermediate plunger and the valve
of FIG. 33B and FIG. 33D.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] Inflation devices may be configured for use in connection
with devices or procedures utilizing high inflation pressures. For
example, certain procedures, such as valvuloplasty, may be
performed at pressures up to, and exceeding, 6-12 ATM.
Simultaneously, displacement of relatively large volumes of fluid
may also be a part of such procedures. When using a single-plunger
syringe-type inflation device, larger diameter syringes may be
selected in order to meet fluid displacement needs; however, use of
large diameter syringes may also necessitate high input forces in
order to obtain high pressure. In other words, because the input
force required to reach a particular pressure is the product of the
pressure and the effective surface area of the plunger acting on
the fluid, large syringes may require large input forces. A smaller
diameter syringe may require less force at high pressures, but may
not be able to supply sufficient fluid volume without requiring the
syringe to be particularly long. In some instances, a practitioner
may utilize a 60 ml syringe, for example, to inflate a
valvuloplasty balloon to 6-12 ATM during therapy. Such pressure may
require in excess of 80 lbs of input force to the handle of a
single-plunger syringe.
[0059] As further detailed below, an inflation device may be
configured to utilize a larger plunger to displace large volumes of
fluid at low pressure, and a smaller plunger to pressurize the
fluid. In some embodiments, multiple plungers may be coupled to a
single handle, including embodiments wherein the inflation device
is configured to automatically toggle between a large plunger and a
smaller plunger. Further, the inflation device may be configured to
lock one or more plungers in place while another plunger is being
utilized. As further detailed below, use of a smaller plunger to
pressurize the fluid may result in a substantial decrease in the
force required to pressurize a medical device. For example,
generally pressurizing a 60 ml syringe to 6-7 ATM may require in
excess of 80 lbs; this force may be reduced to 15 lbs or less when
using a multiple plunger device.
[0060] Some inflation devices may be configured for high pressure
inflation through the use of locking mechanisms or advancement
threads. However, certain therapies may require rapid
inflation/deflation of a medical device, which may not be possible
through the use of a locking syringe. For example, in some
valvuloplasty procedures, a practitioner may inflate and pressurize
a balloon within a heart valve between heartbeats, then
depressurize the balloon during a heartbeat, and again
re-pressurize the balloon after the heartbeat. Attempting to reach
high pressures through the use of threads may not be possible in
such short time frames.
[0061] It will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the components
of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the
figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of
various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative
of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the
embodiments are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
[0062] The phrases "connected to," "coupled to," and "in
communication with" refer to any form of interaction between two or
more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic,
electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may
be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact
with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each
other through an intermediate component.
[0063] The directional terms "distal" and "proximal" are given
their ordinary meaning in the art. That is, the distal end of a
medical device means the end of the device furthest from the
practitioner during use. The proximal end refers to the opposite
end, or the end nearest the practitioner during use. As
specifically applied to the syringe portion of an inflation device,
the proximal end of the syringe refers to the end nearest the
handle and the distal end refers to the opposite end, the end
nearest the inlet/outlet port of the syringe. Thus, if at one or
more points in a procedure a physician changes the orientation of a
syringe, as used herein, the term "proximal end" always refers to
the handle end of the syringe (even if the distal end is
temporarily closer to the physician).
[0064] "Fluid" is used in its broadest sense, to refer to any
fluid, including both liquids and gasses as well as solutions,
compounds, suspensions, etc., which generally behave as a
fluid.
[0065] As used herein, the "effective surface area" of a component
is used in connection with pressure acting on a surface area. The
effective surface area of a component is equivalent to the surface
area of a flat surface with the same net force from the pressure
acting on the surface. In other words, angled surfaces may have
components of pressure that oppose each other and therefore cancel
out. The net pressure on an angled surface generates the same force
as the total pressure acting on a flat surface having a total
surface area that equals the effective surface area of the angled
surface.
[0066] FIGS. 1-15B illustrate different views of an inflation
device. Certain components may be shown in multiple views, but not
discussed in connection with every view. Disclosure provided in
connection with any figure is relevant and applicable to disclosure
provided in connection with any other figure. FIGS. 16-22
illustrate another embodiment of an inflation device. FIGS. 23-38
illustrate views of additional embodiments of inflation devices.
Any of the inflation devices shown or discussed herein may be used
in connection with any variety of medical devices configured for
inflation or fluid flow, such as balloons, bags, lines, and so
forth.
[0067] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an inflation device
100. This view illustrates an assembled configuration of the
inflation device 100, with a variety of components indicated by
reference numerals. More detail regarding each of these components
is provided in connection with subsequent figures. As shown in FIG.
1, the inflation device 100 may comprise a body member, such as
syringe body 110, and a handle 120. A shaft 125 may extend from the
handle 120 and into the syringe body 110. As further detailed
below, manipulation of the handle 120 with respect to the syringe
body 110 may displace fluid within the inflation device 100. Also
as detailed below, a locking sleeve 160 and locking rails 170 may
be configured to selectively toggle between multiple plungers
within the inflation device 100.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device
100 of FIG. 1. In the view of FIG. 2, the shaft 125 is shown
extending from the handle 120 and into the locking sleeve 160 and
syringe body 110. Further, an outer plunger seal 134 is shown in
connection with the syringe body 110. The outer plunger seal 134
may be configured, in connection with other components, to displace
fluid within the syringe body 110. The locking rails 170 are also
shown.
[0069] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the inflation device 100 of
FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the shaft 125 may extend from the
handle 120 and interact with other components within the syringe
body 110. A cap 118 may be coupled to the proximal end of the
syringe body 110. The cap 118 may comprise cap locking threads 119
configured to interact with, and selectively secure, other
components of the assembly.
[0070] The inflation device 100 may further comprise a volume
plunger that, in the illustrated embodiment, is comprised of an
outer plunger 130 and an intermediate plunger 140. The volume
plunger (130, 140) may be configured to displace a larger volume of
fluid in response to displacement of the handle 120 as compared to
the inner plunger 150. The outer plunger 130 and intermediate
plunger 140 may be collectively referred to as the "volume plunger"
(130, 140) in some descriptions herein. For clarity regarding
reference numerals, the "volume plunger" will simply be recited in
connection with both reference numerals (130, 140) of the
subcomponents, with the numerals in parentheses. The outer plunger
130 may be coupled to an outer plunger seal 134 configured to
provide a fluid seal between the inside diameter of the syringe
body 110 and the outer plunger 130. The outer plunger 130 may be
configured as a substantially hollow component, defining an
interior portion 136 therein.
[0071] The intermediate plunger 140 may be configured to be
disposed within the interior portion of the outer plunger 130. An
intermediate plunger seal 142 may be disposed such that it provides
a fluid seal between the inside diameter of the interior portion
136 and the intermediate plunger 140. The intermediate plunger 140
may also comprise an interior portion 147 within a portion of the
intermediate plunger 140.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate plunger 140
and the outer plunger 130 are both illustrated in connection with
seals 134, 142, which may comprise o-rings. In other embodiments,
the plungers 130, 140 may be comprised of a material (such as an
elastomeric material) that is self-sealing; thus, the seals 134,
142 may be integrally formed with the plungers 130, 140.
[0073] An inner plunger 150 may be disposed within the interior
portion 147 of the intermediate plunger 140. The inner plunger 150
may be configured with an inner plunger seal 152, configured to
provide a fluid seal between the inner plunger 150 and the inside
diameter of the interior portion 147 of the intermediate plunger
140. As with the other plungers, the inner plunger seal 152 may be
integrally formed with the inner plunger 150 or may comprise a
separate component such as an o-ring.
[0074] When assembled together, the outer plunger seal 134, the
outer plunger 130, the intermediate plunger seal 142, the
intermediate plunger 140, and the inner plunger 150 may
collectively form a fluid seal within the syringe body 110. Thus,
advancing these components, collectively or individually, may be
configured to displace fluid within the syringe body 110.
[0075] The inflation device 100 may further comprise a locking
sleeve 160 and locking rails 170 configured to couple one or more
of the outer plunger 130 and the intermediate plunger 140 to the
syringe body 110. The locking sleeve 160 may comprise slots 164
configured to receive the locking rails 170. Mating grooves 173 and
ridges 163 on these components may be disposed such that movement
of the locking rails 170 with respect to the locking sleeve 160 is
constrained. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, these
grooves 173 and ridges 163 constrain the locking rails 170 such
that they may only move radially inward or outward in the slots
164. In other embodiments these features may allow different types
of relative motion. For example the grooves 173 and ridges 163 may
be disposed at an angle to the radially outward direction.
[0076] The locking rails 170 may comprise locking rail threads 172
configured to engage the cap locking threads 119 of the cap 118. In
other embodiments other features, such as mating grooves and
ridges, may be used in place of threads. The locking rails 170 may
be configured to move in connection with locking rail angled
surfaces 175 that interact with intermediate plunger angled
surfaces 145. The relative position on these components may be
configured to selectively engage or disengage the locking rail
threads 172 and the cap locking threads 119.
[0077] In some embodiments, one or more axial tabs may be coupled
to the locking rails 170. For example, such tabs may be molded with
the locking rails 170 and may be disposed on one or more of the
angled surfaces 175. Such tabs may be configured to pass through
slots the intermediate plunger 140 and communicate with the shaft
125 and the inner plunger 150. The tabs may be configured to
prevent the locking rails 170 from releasing (or moving radially
inward) from the threads (or grooves) while the shaft 125 and inner
plunger 150 are advanced distally. The outer surface of the shaft
125 may be configured with grooves, or a reduced diameter along a
portion of the shaft 125, to accommodate the tabs when the locking
rails 170 are in the unlocked position. An embodiment with tabs may
be configured such that the shaft 125 must be pulled back
proximally to unlock the locking rails 170 and locking sleeve 160
to advance or retract the outer plunger 130. Thus, in the
illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism may be activated and
maintained by pressure; in an embodiment utilizing tabs as
described above, the locking mechanism may be activated by pressure
and maintained by pressure and the distal travel of the shaft 125
and inner plunger 150.
[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the locking sleeve 160 may
include a guide groove 169 configured to mate with a guide rail 149
formed on the intermediate plunger 140. The guide rail 149 and the
guide groove 169 may facilitate alignment during assembly of the
inflation device 100 and may also resist rotation of the
intermediate plunger 140 and the locking sleeve 160 relative to
each other.
[0079] The locking sleeve 160 may be disposed around the
intermediate plunger 140 when the inflation device 100 is
assembled. Windows 162 in the locking sleeve 160 may interact with
engagement arms 144 of the intermediate plunger 140 to selectively
engage these and adjacent components. Additionally, one or more
biasing elements 168 may be provided in connection with the locking
sleeve 160 and the other components. It will be appreciated by one
skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure that
many features, such as the windows 162, engagement arms 144, slots
164, and so forth, may be arranged symmetrically around the
circumference of the inflation device 100. As is further shown in
the cross-sectional views discussed below, in the illustrated
embodiment many of these components are present in pairs. In other
embodiments, additional iterations of any of these components may
be disposed around the inflation device.
[0080] The locking sleeve 160, the locking rails 170, the inner
plunger 150, the intermediate plunger 140, and the outer plunger
130 may each interact to vary which components are longitudinally
displaced in response to displacement of the handle 120 with
respect to the syringe body 110. The interactions of these
components are further detailed in connection with the figures
described below, including the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 6-7B.
It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art and having the
benefit of this disclosure that other combinations of components
and parts may be configured in differing ways to control these
components. Inflation devices configured to selectively displace
multiple plungers, including devices wherein the plungers are
displaced by a single handle, are within the scope of this
disclosure, notwithstanding differences in the particular
components and mechanisms utilized therein.
[0081] FIG. 4 is a top view of the inflation device 100, and FIG. 5
is a front view of the inflation device 100 of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and
5 illustrate the handle 120 and shaft 125 of the inflation device,
as well as the cap 118 and the syringe body 110. Further, the
relative positions of the locking sleeve 160, locking rails 170,
and window 162 are shown. FIGS. 4 and 5 further include section
planes 6-6 and 7-7, the cross-sectional planes of FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0082] FIGS. 4 and 5 further illustrate a volume reservoir 114
defined by the inside diameter of the syringe body 110 as well as
by the seals and plungers (the outer plunger seal 134, the outer
plunger 130, the intermediate plunger seal 142, the intermediate
plunger 140, and the inner plunger 150, all of FIG. 3) that may
collectively form a fluid seal within the syringe body 110. Thus,
displacing these seals and plungers with respect to the syringe
body 110 may displace fluid within the volume reservoir 114. Such
displacement may force fluid into or out of the reservoir 114
and/or pressurize fluid within the volume reservoir and anything in
fluid communication therewith.
[0083] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device 100
of FIG. 4, taken through plane 6-6. The cap 118 and syringe body
110 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 125 extends
distally from the handle 120 and the shaft 125 is fixedly coupled
to the inner plunger 150. The inner plunger 150 is disposed within
the interior portion 147 of the intermediate plunger 140. The inner
plunger seal 152 is positioned to provide a fluid seal between the
inside diameter of the interior portion 147 of the intermediate
plunger 140 and the inner plunger 150. The intermediate plunger 140
is disposed within the interior portion 136 of the outer plunger
130. The intermediate plunger seal 142 is disposed to provide a
fluid seal between the intermediate plunger 140 and the inside
diameter of the interior portion 136 of the outer plunger 130.
Finally, the outer plunger seal 134 provides a fluid seal between
the inside diameter of the syringe body 110 and the outer plunger
130.
[0084] Thus, the seals and plungers provide a fluid seal to define
the volume reservoir 114 in connection with the syringe body 110.
In some configurations, these plungers and seals (150, 152, 140,
142, 130, 134) may be configured to be advanced or retracted
together, or substantially together, in order to displace fluid
within the volume reservoir 114. The force required to advance
these components together is essentially the sum of the net
pressure forces acting on each component (neglecting friction, for
example). In other words, the effective surface area of each
component multiplied by the pressure within the volume reservoir
114 is essentially equivalent to the force required to advance the
components collectively.
[0085] The inflation device 100 may be disposed in a configuration
wherein all the plungers and seals (150, 152, 140, 142, 130, 134)
are configured to be advanced or retracted substantially together.
As further detailed below, this configuration is the "unlocked"
configuration, meaning the volume plunger (130, 140), comprising
the outer plunger 130 and that intermediate plunger 140, is
unlocked with respect to the syringe body 110. Also, it will be
understood by one skilled in the art and having the benefit of this
disclosure that displacement or locking of a plunger similarly
displaces or locks the seal or seals associated therewith.
Additionally, as further described below, in the unlocked
configuration, displacement of the handle, proximally or distally,
may displace both the volume plunger (130, 140) and the inner
plunger 150. In the unlocked configuration, the inner plunger 150
may be coupled to the volume plunger (130, 140). This configuration
may allow a practitioner to displace a large volume of fluid
quickly, for example, to initially inflate a balloon. In some
embodiments, this configuration may only be utilized to fill the
balloon or other device in relatively low pressure conditions.
[0086] The inflation device may also be disposed in a second
configuration, the "locked configuration" in which the volume
plunger (130, 140) is coupled to the syringe body 110. The inner
plunger 150 may be decoupled from the volume plunger (130, 140) in
the locked configuration, such that displacement of the handle 120
proximally or distally displaces the inner plunger 150 but not the
volume plunger (130, 140). In this configuration, the inner plunger
150 may be allowed to move longitudinally within the interior
portion 147 of the intermediate plunger 140. The inner plunger 150
and interior portion 147 may thus define a pressure reservoir 138
in fluid communication with the volume reservoir 114. As the inner
plunger 150 is advanced within the pressure reservoir, the inner
plunger 150 may thus increase the pressure within the pressure
reservoir 138 (and volume reservoir 114) by displacing fluid. The
force required to advance the inner plunger is essentially
equivalent to the pressure in the pressure reservoir 138 multiplied
by the effective surface area of the inner plunger 150. Thus,
displacing only the inner plunger 150, as opposed to the inner
plunger 150 and the volume plunger (130, 140) may decrease the
force required to increase the pressure within the pressure and
volume reservoirs 138, 114.
[0087] In some embodiments the inflation device 100 may be
configured such that a user can select the locked or unlocked
configurations manually. In other embodiments, the inflation device
100 may be configured to automatically change configurations in
response to pressure or forces on components of the inflation
device 100. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-15B is configured
to automatically change configurations, as detailed below.
[0088] The inflation device 100 of FIG. 6 is illustrated in the
unlocked configuration. The inner plunger 150 is fixedly coupled to
the shaft 125 of the handle 120. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, a
detail view of a portion of the inflation device 100 of FIG. 6, the
distal end of the shaft 127 may be disposed such that it contacts
the engagement arm 144 of the intermediate plunger 140. In the
unlocked configuration, a portion of the locking sleeve 160
prevents the engagement arm 144 from expanding radially; thus,
distal advancement of the handle 120 and shaft 125 distally
advances the intermediate plunger 140 in the unlocked
configuration.
[0089] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6B, a detail view of another
portion of the inflation device 100 of FIG. 6, in the illustrated
embodiment the locking sleeve 160 and intermediate plunger 140 are
releasably coupled to each other in the unlocked configuration by a
detent 166, 146. More specifically, a recess portion 146 and a nub
portion 166 of a detent couple the locking sleeve 160 and the
intermediate plunger 140. The nub portion 166 of the detent may be
positioned on a compliant nub arm 165 configured to deform
outwardly (thus decoupling the intermediate plunger 140 and the
locking sleeve 160) in response to a force or forces on these
components as further detailed below. In the unlocked
configuration, however, the nub arm 165 maintains the position of
the nub portion 166 within the recess portion 146.
[0090] Referring again to FIG. 6, the outer plunger 130 may be
fixedly coupled to the locking sleeve 160. Thus, in the unlocked
configuration, advancement of the handle 120 advances the inner
plunger 150 (as it is fixedly coupled to the shaft 125), the
intermediate plunger 140 (due to the interaction for the distal end
of the shaft 127 and the engagement arm 144), the locking sleeve
160 (due to the interaction of the nub 166 and recess 146 detent
portions), and the outer plunger 130 (as it is fixedly coupled to
the locking sleeve 160).
[0091] Additionally, in the unlocked configuration, retracting the
handle 120 retracts the inner plunger 150 because it is fixedly
coupled to the shaft 125. Further, the inner plunger seal 152 may
comprise a flange configured to interact with a distal shoulder 148
of the intermediate plunger 140. Thus, retracting the handle 120 in
the unlocked configuration also retracts the intermediate plunger
140. Further, retraction of the intermediate plunger 140 retracts
the locking sleeve 160 (due to the interaction of the nub 166 and
recess 146 detent portions), and the outer plunger 130 (as it is
fixedly coupled to the locking sleeve 160).
[0092] Therefore, in the unlocked configuration, a practitioner may
displace the volume plunger (130, 140) and the inner plunger 150
simultaneously, proximally, or distally by displacing the handle
120. This may allow a practitioner to initially fill or inflate a
medical device, such as a balloon, quickly by displacing a large
effective surface area. In some embodiments, a practitioner may
initially inflate, but not substantially pressurize, a medical
device with the inflation device in the unlocked configuration.
[0093] In the unlocked configuration, pressure within the volume
reservoir will exert a proximal force on the inner plunger 150, the
intermediate plunger 140, and the outer plunger 130. Proximal force
on the inner plunger 150 will be transferred to the handle 120 via
the shaft 125; thus, as long as a sufficient reactionary force
(e.g., due to the practitioner's hand) remains on the handle 120,
pressure within the volume reservoir 114 will not displace the
inner plunger 150 proximally. Similarly, a proximal pressure force
on the intermediate plunger 140 will be transferred to the handle
120 by contact of the engagement arms 144 with the distal end of
the shaft 127. Again, a reactionary force on the handle 120 will
maintain the position of the intermediate plunger 140.
[0094] A proximal pressure force on the outer plunger 130, however,
will be transferred to the locking sleeve 160, and then to the nub
166 and recess 146 detent portions. Once the force on the outer
plunger 130 is sufficient to overcome the force on the nub arms 165
maintaining the nub 166 within the recess 146, the outer plunger
130 and locking sleeve 160 will move proximally with respect to the
intermediate plunger 140, the inner plunger 150, the handle 120,
and the syringe body 110. This displacement of the locking sleeve
160 with respect to the other components shifts the inflation
device 100 from the unlocked configuration to the locked
configuration. In other embodiments, other types or configurations
of detents, locking features, ribs, catches, frangible members, or
the like may be utilized to associate the locking sleeve 160 and
the intermediate plunger 140 and other components.
[0095] Interaction of the window hook 161 of the locking sleeve 160
and the proximal shoulder 141 of the intermediate plunger 140 may
limit the extent to which the locking sleeve 160 may move with
respect to the other components. Once the locking sleeve 160 shifts
proximally to the locked configuration, the windows 162 of the
locking sleeve 160 move into alignment with the engagement arms 144
of the intermediate plunger 140. As shown in FIG. 6A, the
engagement arms 144 may be configured with an angled surface at the
point of interaction with the distal end of the shaft 127. Thus,
the reactionary force acting on the handle 120 and shaft 125 will
cause the engagement arms 144 to expand radially outward due to the
interaction of this angled surface and the distal end of the shaft
127, which may have a larger diameter than the inner plunger 150.
In the locked configuration, the window hook 161 of the locking
sleeve 160 may be constrained between the proximal shoulder 141 and
the expanded engagement arms 144 of intermediate plunger 140, thus
releasably coupling the intermediate plunger 140 to the locking
sleeve 160.
[0096] Thus, in the unlocked configuration, proximal displacement
of the handle 120 displaces only the inner plunger 150, as the
engagement arms 144 are no longer constrained into contact with the
distal end of the shaft 127. Once the inner plunger 150 is
advanced, any retraction of the handle 120 will retract only the
inner plunger 150, as long as the inner plunger 150 is not
sufficiently retracted to cause the inner plunger seal 152 to
contact the distal shoulder 148 of the intermediate plunger 140. In
other words, the inner plunger 150 may move within the pressure
reservoir 138 in response to inputs at the handle 120 in the locked
configuration.
[0097] In the locked configuration, the locking sleeve 160 may be
releasably coupled to the syringe body 110. FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional view of the inflation device 100 of FIG. 5, taken
through plane 7-7. FIG. 7 illustrates the locking rails 170. The
locking rails 170 may be configured with angled surfaces 175
configured to mate with angled surfaces 145 of the intermediate
plunger 140. Further, the locking rails 170 may be constrained to
only move radially with respect to the locking sleeve 160 due to
the interaction of the mating grooves (173 of FIG. 3) and ridges
(163 of FIG. 3) of these components. Thus, displacement of the
locking sleeve 160 proximally with respect to the intermediate
plunger 140--as the inflation device shifts to the locked
configuration--causes the locking rails 170 to move proximally with
respect to the intermediate plunger 140 as well. As the locking
rails 170 are thus displaced, interaction of the angled surfaces
175 of the locking rails 170 and the angled surfaces 145 of the
intermediate plunger 140 displace the locking rails 170 radially
outward. FIG. 7A, a detail view of a portion of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 7, illustrates the contact of these surfaces in
the unlocked configuration. As the locking rails expand outward,
the locking rail threads 172 engage the cap locking threads 119,
shown in FIG. 7.
[0098] Thus, in the locked configuration, the locking rails 170 are
locked with respect to the cap 118 and syringe body 110. This, in
turn, locks the locking sleeve 160 with respect to the syringe body
110 (due to the interaction of the mating grooves (173 of FIG. 3)
and ridges (163 of FIG. 3)). The outer plunger 130 is similarly
locked as it is fixedly coupled to the locking sleeve 160. Finally,
the intermediate plunger 140 is locked due to the window hook 161
of the locking sleeve 160 being constrained between the proximal
shoulder 141 and the expanded engagement arms 144 of intermediate
plunger 140.
[0099] FIG. 7B, a detail view of another portion of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 7, illustrates one of the biasing elements 168
of the locking sleeve 160. The biasing elements 168 may comprise
compliant tabs or extensions that interact with the thread rails
170. The biasing elements 168 may be configured to provide a
biasing force tending to keep the locking rails 170 from expanding
radially until the biasing force is overcome, and tend to return
the locking raids 170 radially inward when the device is shifted
from a locked to an unlocked configuration.
[0100] Again, in the locked configuration a practitioner may
displace the inner plunger 150 within the pressure reservoir 138 to
pressurize or depressurize a medical device. For example, a
practitioner may inflate (but not pressurize) a balloon in the
unlocked configuration. In the unlocked configuration the
practitioner may then pressurize and depressurize the balloon
multiple times without fully deflating the balloon or toggling the
device to the unlocked configuration. This may be used in therapies
where a balloon or other device must be pressurized and
depressurized multiple times during a treatment (for example,
between heartbeats).
[0101] When a practitioner desires to shift the inflation device
100 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration,
the practitioner may proximally displace the handle 120 (and thus
the inner plunger 150) until the distal end of the shaft 127 moves
proximally beyond the engagement arms 144. Once the distal end of
the shaft 127 is no longer forcing the engagement arms 144 radially
outward, the compliant engagement arms 144 may return radially
inward, again as the proximal end of the inner plunger 150 may have
a smaller diameter than the distal end of the shaft 127.
Interaction of the inner plunger seal 152 and the distal shoulder
148 of the intermediate plunger 140 may then cause proximal
displacement of the handle 120 (and thus the inner plunger 150) to
proximally displace the intermediate plunger 140 with respect to
the locking sleeve 160, moving the engagement arms 144 out of
alignment with the window 162, and reengaging the nub 166 and
recess 146 detent portions. Further, the angled surfaces 145 of the
intermediate plunger 140 move with respect to the angled surfaces
175 of the locking rails 170, allowing the biasing elements 168 to
radially retract the locking rails 170 and disengaging the locking
rails 170 and cap 118. The inflation device 100 is thus returned to
the unlocked configuration and ready to be used in this
configuration.
[0102] The inflation device 100 may thus be shifted between the
locked and unlocked configurations during a single therapy, reused
in one or both configurations in subsequent therapies, and so
forth. Further, the components shown and described in the
disclosure above may be alternatively formed in various shapes or
configurations in other embodiments. Particular angles, shapes, or
geometries shown are thus not intended to be limiting, but rather
illustrate potential embodiments of the components. Further, any
component described as "fixedly coupled" to another component may
be integrally formed in some embodiments.
[0103] FIGS. 8A-15B illustrate various positions of the inflation
device 100 during an exemplary procedure. Thus, while FIGS. 6-7B
illustrated only the unlocked configuration and described the
locked configuration, these subsequent figures show various stages
of both configurations. Each of FIGS. 8A-15B illustrates the
mechanism in each position in two cross-sections, one denoted "A"
and one denoted "B." The "A" cross-sections are along a plane
analogous to plane 6-6 of FIG. 4, and the cross-sections denoted
"B" are taken along a plane analogous to plane 7-7 of FIG. 5.
[0104] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 1 in a first position. Specifically, the
inflation device 100 is illustrated in the unlocked configuration,
with the handle 120, the volume plunger (130, 140), and the inner
plunger 150 all drawn back with respect to the syringe body 110.
The volume reservoir 114 is also shown. As the device is in the
unlocked configuration, the engagement arms 144 are not aligned
with the windows 162 of the locking sleeve 160 and the recess
portion 146 and nub portions 166 of the detents are engaged. The
locking rail angled surfaces 175 and the intermediate plunger
angled surfaces 145 are disposed such that the locking rail threads
172 of the locking rails 170 are not engaged with the cap locking
threads 119. The biasing elements 168 are not deflected
outward.
[0105] As described above, in the unlocked configuration,
displacement of the handle 120 with respect to the syringe body 110
displaces the volume plunger (130, 140) and the inner plunger 150.
In some exemplary procedures, a practitioner may first obtain the
inflation device 100 in the configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
prior to beginning a therapy.
[0106] In some therapies, the physician may then advance the volume
plunger (130, 140) and the inner plunger 150 (again by advancing
the handle 120) in order to evacuate any fluid from the volume
reservoir 114. FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of the
inflation device 100 of FIG. 1 in a second position, with the
volume plunger (130, 140) and the inner plunger 150 advanced within
the syringe body 110 as compared to the first position of FIGS. 8A
and 8B. The handle 120, the outer plunger 130, the intermediate
plunger 140, the inner plunger 150, the locking sleeve 160, and the
locking rails 170, as well as their related components--the shaft
125, the distal end of the shaft 127, the engagement arms 144, the
windows 162, the recess portion 146 and nub portions 166 of the
detent, the angled surfaces of the intermediate plunger 145 and the
angled surfaces of the locking rails 175, and the biasing elements
168--are in the same relative positions to each other as described
in connection with FIGS. 7A and 7B.
[0107] As part of a therapy, a practitioner may fully advance the
volume plunger (130, 140) and the inner plunger 150 in order to
fully evacuate any existing fluid (such as air) from the inflation
device 100. FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of the
inflation device 100 of FIG. 1 in a third position. In the position
of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the handle 120 has been advanced until the
outer plunger 130 contacts the distal end of the syringe body 110.
If the practitioner continues to displace the handle 120 after this
contact, the reactionary force on the outer plunger 130 arrests the
advancement of the outer plunger 130, but the force on the handle
120 may continue to advance the intermediate plunger 140 through
the contact of the engagement arms 144 and the distal end of the
plunger shaft 127. In this way, contact between the outer plunger
130 and the distal end of the syringe body 110 may exert a force
configured to shift the inflation device 100 from the unlocked to
the locked configuration. This response is analogous to the
situation described above wherein pressure resistance on the outer
plunger 130 precedes a shift to the locked position.
[0108] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the advancement of the inner
plunger 140 with respect to the inner plunger 130 and locking
sleeve 160 deflects the compliant nub arm 165 to deform outwardly
(thus decoupling the intermediate plunger 140 and the locking
sleeve 160 as the detent nub 166 becomes disengaged from the detent
recess 146). In the position of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the windows 162
have moved into alignment with the engagement arms 144; thus, the
engagement arms 144 are no longer constrained radially. Further
advancement of the distal end of the plunger shaft 127 will thus
force the engagement arms 144 radially outward. Further, the angled
surfaces 145 of the intermediate plunger 140 and the angled
surfaces 175 of the locking rails 170 cooperatively force the
locking rails 170 radially outward as the locking sleeve 160 is
displaced with respect to the intermediate plunger 140. Thus, the
locking rail threads 172 engage the cap locking threads 119,
coupling the thread rails 170, the locking sleeve 160, and the
outer plunger 130 with respect to the syringe body 110. The biasing
elements 168 are deflected radially outward as the locking rails
170 move radially outward.
[0109] In the position of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the volume plunger
(130, 140) is disposed to fully evacuate the volume reservoir (114
of FIG. 9A), though the pressure reservoir 138 may still contain
air. The physician may continue to advance the handle 120, which
advances only the inner plunger 150 in this configuration, to
evacuate the pressure reservoir 138 as well.
[0110] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 1 in a fourth position, with the inner plunger
150 advanced to fully evacuate the pressure reservoir (138 of FIG.
10A). In other words, the inner plunger 150 may be advanced such
that it fully evacuates the pressure reservoir (138 of FIG. 10A)
when the inner plunger 150 is fully extended.
[0111] As compared to the position of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the
engagement arms 144 are radially deflected by the distal end of the
shaft 127, again as the windows 162 are in alignment with the
engagement arms 144. The outer plunger 130, the intermediate
plunger 140, the locking sleeve 160, the locking rails 170, the
recess portion 146 and nub portions 166 of the detent, the angled
surfaces of the intermediate plunger 145 and the angled surfaces of
the locking rails 175, and the biasing elements 168 are in the same
relative positions to each other as described in connection with
FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0112] Once the inflation device 100 is fully evacuated, the
practitioner may draw back the volume plunger (130, 140) and the
inner plunger 150 in order to fill the inflation device 100 with a
desired fluid. Prior to retracting these components, the outlet of
the syringe body 110 may be placed in fluid communication with a
reservoir of a desired fluid, for example, saline, water, carbon
dioxide, contrast fluid, and so forth.
[0113] FIGS. 12A and 12B are cross-sectional views of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 1 in a fifth position, with the volume plunger
(130, 140) and the inner plunger 150 drawn back. As described
above, in drawing back the handle 120, the practitioner may shift
the inflation device 100 from the locked configuration to the
unlocked configuration as follows. The practitioner may proximally
displace the handle 120 (and thus the inner plunger 150) until the
distal end of the shaft 127 moves proximally beyond the engagement
arms 144. Once the distal end of the shaft 127 is no longer forcing
the engagement arms 144 radially outward, the compliant engagement
arms 144 may return radially inward, as the proximal end of the
inner plunger 150 may have a smaller diameter than the distal end
of the shaft 127. Interaction of the inner plunger seal 152 and the
distal shoulder 148 of the intermediate plunger 140 may then cause
proximal displacement of the handle 120 (and thus the inner plunger
150) to proximally displace the intermediate plunger 140 with
respect to the locking sleeve 160, moving the engagement arms 144
out of alignment with the window 162, and reengaging the nub 166
and recess 146 detent portions. Further, the angled surfaces 145 of
the intermediate plunger 140 move with respect to the angled
surfaces 175 of the locking rails 170, allowing the biasing
elements 168 to radially retract the locking rails 170 and
disengaging the locking rails 170 and cap 118. The inflation device
100 is thus returned to the unlocked configuration, and further
retraction of the handle 120 retracts both the volume plunger (130,
140) and the inner plunger 150.
[0114] The practitioner may then advance the handle 120 to displace
fluid within the volume reservoir 114, for example to inflate an
attached medical device. The practitioner may advance the handle
120 until the pressure within the volume reservoir 114 reaches a
particular pressure. Of course, the pressure within the pressure
reservoir 138, in fluid communication with the volume reservoir
114, is the same. FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of
the inflation device 100 of FIG. 1 in a sixth position. In the
position of FIGS. 13A and 13B the inflation device 100 is in the
unlocked configuration and the volume plunger (130, 140) and inner
plunger 150 have been advanced until the pressure within the volume
reservoir 114 is at a pressure, designated P.sub.1. The inflation
device may be configured such that, at P.sub.1, the pressure force
acting on the outside plunger 130 is sufficient to shift the device
to the locked configuration.
[0115] In other words, the pressure acting on the outside plunger
130 may cause the outside plunger 130 and the locking sleeve 160 to
shift proximally as the intermediate plunger 140 continues to
advance, deflecting the compliant nub arm 165 to deform outwardly
(thus decoupling the intermediate plunger 140 and the locking
sleeve 160 as the detent nub 166 becomes disengaged from the detent
recess 146). This is analogous to the shift caused by the force
exerted by the syringe body 110 on the outer plunger 130 as
discussed in connection with FIGS. 10A and 10B. As with those
figures, in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the windows 162 have moved into
alignment with the engagement arms 144; thus, the engagement arms
144 are no longer constrained radially. Further advancement of the
distal end of the plunger shaft 127 will thus force the engagement
arms 144 radially outward. Further, the angled surfaces 145 of the
intermediate plunger 140 and the angled surfaces 175 of the locking
rails 170 cooperatively force the locking rails 170 radially
outward as the locking sleeve 160 is displaced with respect to the
intermediate plunger 140. Thus, the locking rail threads 172 engage
the cap locking threads 119, coupling the thread rails 170, the
locking sleeve 160, and the outer plunger 130 with respect to the
syringe body 110. The biasing elements 168 are deflected radially
outward as the locking rails 170 move radially outward.
[0116] At this point in the therapy, the medical device may be
inflated, though not pressurized, and the locked configuration of
the device may allow the practitioner to pressurize and
depressurize the medical device quickly and easily as displacement
of the handle 120 will only displace the inner plunger 150 within
the pressure reservoir 138 (as long as the handle 120 is not pulled
back such that the distal end of the handle 127 allows the
engagement arms 144 to move radially inward).
[0117] FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 1 in a seventh position, with the device in a
locked configuration. As described above, in this configuration,
the practitioner may quickly pressurize and depressurize a medical
device by displacing the handle 120. For example, in vavuloplasty
procedures, this may allow a practitioner to pressurize a balloon
to a high pressure between heartbeats, with depressurizing during
each heartbeat. As compared to the illustration of FIG. 13A, in
FIGS. 14A and 14B, the inner plunger 150 has been advanced within
the pressure reservoir 138; thus, the pressure reservoir 138 (and
the volume reservoir 114 and any medical device in fluid
communication therewith) is indicated at a second pressure,
P.sub.2. Because the inner plunger 150 is distally advanced as
compared to the position of FIGS. 13A and 13B, P.sub.2 is greater
than P.sub.1. The pressure measurements indicated in FIGS. 13A-15B
assume the outlet of the inflation device 100 is in fluid
communication with a medical device to be inflated.
[0118] FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of the inflation
device 100 of FIG. 1 in an eighth position, with the device in the
locked configuration and the inner plunger 150 drawn back as
compared to the position of FIGS. 14A and 14B. Thus, the pressure
shown in the volume 114 and pressure 138 reservoirs is shown as
P.sub.3. As the inner plunger 150 is drawn back, P.sub.3 is smaller
than P.sub.2. This may be a position of the device between
heartbeats, for example.
[0119] In FIGS. 14A-15B, the device remains in the locked
configuration (as in FIGS. 13A and 13B), though the positions of
the inner plunger 150 and handle 120 change between FIGS. 14A-14B
and 15A-15B. Analogous to the discussion of FIGS. 11A and 11B as
compared to the position of FIGS. 10A and 10B, in FIGS. 14A-15B, as
compared to the position of FIGS. 13A and 13B, the engagement arms
144 are radially deflected by the distal end of the shaft 127. The
outer plunger 130, the intermediate plunger 140, the locking sleeve
160, the locking rails 170, the recess portion 146 and nub portions
166 of the detent, the angled surfaces of the intermediate plunger
145 and the angled surfaces of the locking rails 175, and the
biasing elements 168 are in the same relative positions to each
other as described in connection with FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0120] Various additional procedures may be performed using the
techniques and device positions described in connection with FIGS.
8A-15B. It is within the scope of this disclosure to use any number
of the positions or steps disclosed above (or intermediate
positions between those shown) in any combination or order as part
of a therapy. Further, though the inflation device of FIGS. 8A-15B
is configured to automatically shift between the unlocked and
locked configurations, in other embodiments the inflation device
may be configured to be manually shifted from one configuration to
another. For example, the inflation device may be configured such
that rotation of the handle or actuation of a button or trigger
shifts the device from one configuration to another. Additionally,
while the device disclosed above has two configurations (and thus
two combinations of plungers which are displaceable by the handle),
in other embodiments an inflation device may comprise more plungers
with more configurations. In some such embodiments, the device may
be configured to incrementally shift configurations (and required
input force) over a pressure range.
[0121] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
an inflation device 200. The embodiment of FIG. 16 may include
components that resemble components of FIGS. 1-15B in some
respects. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 16 includes a syringe
body 210 that may resemble the syringe body 110 of FIGS. 1-15B. It
will be appreciated that all the illustrated embodiments have
analogous features. Accordingly, like features are designated with
like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to
"2." Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly
identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover,
specific features of the inflation device and related components
shown in FIG. 16 may not be shown or identified by a reference
numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written
description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the
same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other
embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply
equally to the features of the inflation device and related
components of FIG. 16. Any suitable combination of the features,
and variations of the same, described with respect to the inflation
device and components illustrated in FIGS. 1-15B, can be employed
with the inflation device and components of FIG. 16, and vice
versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further
embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described
hereafter.
[0122] It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the inflation device 200 of FIGS.
16-22 may function in an analogous manner to the inflation device
100 described in the preceding figures. Thus, while specific
features and elements of the subsequent inflation device 200 will
be described below, disclosure above regarding the relationship of
components and the function of the inflation device 100 of the
preceding figures may be applied to the device 200 of FIGS.
16-22.
[0123] The inflation device 200 of FIG. 16 comprises a body
portion, syringe body 210 and a handle 220. As with the prior
embodiment, a shaft 225 extends from the handle 220. Locking rails
270 and a locking sleeve 260, analogous to similarly indicated
components in the prior embodiment, are also shown in FIG. 16.
[0124] Additionally, the embodiment of FIG. 16 comprises a gauge
mounting bracket 217 on the syringe body 210.
[0125] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device
200 of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 illustrates the handle 220 and the shaft
225 of the inflation device 200 as well as the locking rails 270,
locking sleeve 260, and syringe body 210 thereof.
[0126] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the inflation device 200 of
FIG. 16. The exploded view of FIG. 18 illustrates the various
components of the inflation device 200. Analogous to the previously
described inflation device 100, the inflation device 200 of FIG. 18
comprises a syringe body 210 and cap 218 which may be configured
with locking threads 219.
[0127] The inflation device 200 further comprises a handle 220 and
shaft 225 which are integrally formed with an inner plunger 250
which is coupled to an inner plunger seal 252. This arrangement
differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-15B in which the shaft 125
and inner plunger 150 were coupled, though not necessarily
integrally formed.
[0128] Similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 18, a locking sleeve
260 is integrally formed with an outer plunger 230, components
which were also not necessarily integral in the previously
described embodiment.
[0129] An outer plunger seal 234 may be provided in connection with
the outer plunger 230 which may further define an interior portion
236 of the outer plunger 230. An intermediate plunger 240 and an
intermediate plunger seal 242 may be configured to be disposed
within the interior portion 236 of the outer plunger 230. The
intermediate plunger 240 may also define an interior portion 247,
with the inner plunger 250 configured to be disposed therein.
[0130] As with the previous embodiment, the intermediate plunger
240 may comprise intermediate plunger angled surfaces 245
configured to function in connection with locking rail angled
surfaces 275 provided on the locking rails 270. Further, as in the
prior embodiment, the inflation device may be configured with
engagement arms 244 disposed on the intermediate plunger 240
configured to function in connection with windows 262 in the
locking sleeve 260.
[0131] The locking rails 270 may comprise locking rail threads 272
configured to engage the cap locking threads 219 of the cap 218.
The locking sleeve 260 may comprise slots 264 configured to receive
the locking rails 270. Mating grooves 273 and ridges 263 on these
components may be disposed such that movement of the locking rails
270 with respect to the locking sleeve 260 is constrained. Further,
biasing elements 268 may be coupled to the locking sleeve 270 and
configured to interact with the locking rails 270, analogous to the
components described in the prior embodiment.
[0132] The locking sleeve 260 may also include a guide groove
configured to mate with a guide rail formed on the intermediate
plunger 240, such as, for example, similar to the guide rail 149
and guide groove 169 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-15B.
[0133] The locking sleeve 260 may also comprise ribs 269a formed on
either side of the window 262. The ribs 269a may serve to add
structural stiffness to the locking sleeve 260 and prevent outward
bowing of the locking sleeve 260 under pressure.
[0134] Finally, the inflation device may comprise an intermediate
plunger cap 249 configured to be coupled to the proximal end of the
intermediate plunger 240 when the inflation device 200 is
assembled. The intermediate plunger cap 249 may be configured to
contact a shaft shoulder 229 on the shaft 225 when the handle 220
is retracted proximally. Contact between the shaft shoulder 229 and
the intermediate plunger cap 249 may be configured to likewise draw
back the intermediate plunger 240 when the shaft shoulder 229 and
intermediate plunger cap 249 are in contact with each other.
[0135] FIG. 19 is a top view of the inflation device 200 of FIG.
16, and FIG. 20 is a front view of the inflation device 200 of FIG.
16. FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate the handle 220, shaft 225, syringe
body 210, outer plunger 230, locking sleeve 260, and locking rails
270 of the inflation device 200. Additionally, cross-sectional
planes for FIGS. 21 and 22 are illustrated in these figures.
[0136] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device
200 of FIG. 19, taken through plane 21-21. The handle 220, shaft
225, syringe body 210, outer plunger 230, intermediate plunger 240,
inner plunger 250, and locking sleeve 260 are shown in this figure.
These elements interact and function analogously to the similarly
designated elements of the preceding embodiment. For example, a
window 262 is provided in the locking sleeve 260, in connection
with engagement arms 244 of the intermediate plunger 240.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, the distal end of the engagement
arms 244 may comprise a slight angle, to mitigate binding of the
mechanism when the engagement arms 244 expand and retract radially
through the windows 262.
[0137] Further, as with the preceding embodiment, the locking
sleeve 260 and intermediate plunger 240 are releasably coupled to
each other in the unlocked configuration by a detent 266, 246. More
specifically, a recess portion 246 and a nub portion 266 of a
detent couple the locking sleeve 260 and the intermediate plunger
240. The nub portion 266 of the detent may be positioned on a
compliant nub arm 265 configured to deform outwardly (thus
decoupling the intermediate plunger 240 and the locking sleeve 260)
in response to a force or forces on these components as further
detailed above. In the unlocked configuration, however, the nub arm
265 maintains the position of the nub portion 266 within the recess
portion 246.
[0138] In any of the embodiments described herein, the properties
of the nub arm 265 may be configured to control the force at which
the detent 266, 246 disengages. As described above, this
disengagement may be due to pressure within the syringe body 210.
Thus, the properties of the nub arm 265 may be configured to
control the pressure at which the inflation device 200 shifts
configurations. The nub arm 265 may be a cantilevered component
coupled to the locking sleeve 260 only at its base. Thus, the
length, the thickness, and the material properties of the nub arm
265 may each impact the force required to disengage the detent 266,
246. In some embodiments, this may be adjustable by a user. For
example, the nub arm 265 may be configured with a ring disposed
around a circumference of the locking sleeve 260, the ring
configured to be disposed about the nub arm 265. Moving the ring
distally may be configured to lengthen the effective length of the
nub arm 265 (adjusting the effective length of the cantilever),
while moving the ring proximally would shorten the effective length
thereof. Thus, the effective length of the nub arm 265, and thus
the force at which the detents 266, 246 disengage, may be
adjustable by a user. The ring may be displaced by rotating the
ring on threads, for instance.
[0139] Similarly, the nub arm 265 and associated components 266,
246 may be disposed at an alternate location on the inflation
device 200 to allow a user to adjust the nub arm 265 without
disassembling the inflation device 200. For example, nub arm 265
and associated detent 266, 246 may be posited near the proximal end
of the locking sleeve 260 and intermediate plunger 240. This may
allow a user to twist a ring disposed adjacent the intermediate
plunger cap 249, for example.
[0140] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 20, taken through plane 22-22. The handle 220, shaft 225,
syringe body 210, outer plunger 230, intermediate plunger 240,
inner plunger 250, and locking sleeve 260 are shown in this figure.
The locking rails 270 are also shown, along with the locking rail
angled surfaces 275, the intermediate plunger angled surfaces 245,
the locking sleeve threads 272, and the cap threads 219. Further,
the intermediate plunger cap 249 as well as the shaft shoulder 229
are illustrated. This cross-sectional view illustrates how the
shaft shoulder 229 and intermediate plunger cap 249 may interact to
pull the intermediate plunger 240 proximally when the handle 220 is
displaced proximally and the shaft shoulder 229 is in contact with
the intermediate plunger cap 249.
[0141] FIGS. 23-25 illustrate additional embodiments of inflation
devices having multiple plungers of differing effective areas. Any
inflation device utilizing plungers of differing effective areas is
within the scope of this disclosure, regardless of the particular
geometry or alignment of any such devices.
[0142] FIG. 23 is a top view of another embodiment of an inflation
device 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the inflation device 300
comprises a first syringe body 310a and a second syringe body 310b
with a first plunger 330 disposed within the first syringe body
310a and a second plunger 350 disposed within the second syringe
body 310b. The first syringe body 310a and the first plunger 330
have larger diameters than the second syringe body 310b and the
second plunger 350. The fluid reservoirs 314 and 338, associated
with syringe bodies 310a and 310b respectively, are connected such
that both are in fluid communication with each other and any
connected medical device. The plungers 330, 350 may also be coupled
to first 325a and second 325b handle shafts, respectively.
[0143] To facilitate the displacement of fluid using the inflation
device 300, the practitioner may advance and lock in place the
first plunger 330 then subsequently advance the second plunger 350.
As the second plunger 350 has a smaller effective surface area, it
may be easier to advance the second plunger 350 (as compared to the
first plunger 330) under high pressure. The first plunger 330 may
be locked in place manually or automatically, analogous to any of
the mechanisms discussed in any embodiment here. In some instances,
the first plunger 330 may be manually locked in place by rotating
the first handle shaft 325a. Thus, the practitioner may displace
fluid by advancing the first plunger 330 a shorter distance within
the first syringe body 310a than that which would have been needed
to displace an equal volume of fluid using only the second plunger
350 in the second syringe body 310b. Again, the decreased effective
surface area of the second plunger 350 with respect to the first
plunger 330 may allow the practitioner to continue increasing the
fluid pressure without needing to apply a force with as large a
magnitude as that which would have been needed to displace fluid
using the first plunger 330 alone. This process may also permit the
practitioner to displace fluid more quickly than by attempting to
advance either plunger alone.
[0144] FIG. 24A is a top view of another embodiment of an inflation
device 400 in a first position, while FIG. 24B is a top view of the
inflation device 400 of FIG. 24A in a second position. In this
embodiment, a first 430 and second 450 plunger may each
independently travel within a single contiguous syringe body 410.
In the illustrated embodiment, the two plungers 430, 450 have
different effective surface areas, with the first plunger 430
having a greater effective surface area than the second plunger
450. In the illustrated configuration, where the plungers 430, 450
travel within the syringe body 410, a practitioner may advance the
first plunger 430 to displace a first volume of fluid under
relatively low pressure. When the first plunger 430 has been
advanced (perhaps, though not necessarily, to the distal end of the
syringe body 410), the second plunger 450 may be advanced to
displace a second volume of fluid under higher pressure. In the
illustrated embodiment, the second plunger 450 is configured to
travel along a pressure reservoir 438a, 438b partially comprised of
an interior portion of the first plunger 450, portion 438a, and
partially comprised of an interior portion of the syringe body 410,
portion 438b. Disposing of a portion of the pressure reservoir
438a, 438b partially within the first plunger 430 may be configured
to create a longer travel path for the second plunger 450, without
increasing the overall length of the syringe body 410.
[0145] In other inflation devices (for example, the inflation
device 500 shown in FIG. 25), the plungers need not be positioned
parallel to each other. FIG. 25 illustrates the inflation device
500 in which two plungers 530, 550 are oppositely oriented such
that displacement of each plunger 530, 550 toward the other plunger
displaces fluid within the inflation device 500.
[0146] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
an inflation device 600. The embodiment of FIG. 26 may include
components that resemble components of FIGS. 1-15B and 16-22 in
some respects. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 26 includes a
syringe body 610 that may resemble the syringe body 110 of FIGS.
1-15B and the syringe body 210 of FIGS. 16-22. It will be
appreciated that all the illustrated embodiments have analogous
features. Accordingly, like features are designated with like
reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to "6."
Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified
features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific
features of the inflation device and related components shown in
FIG. 26 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in
the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description
that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or
substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments
and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the
relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the
features of the inflation device and related components of FIG. 26.
Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the
same, described with respect to the inflation device and components
illustrated in FIGS. 1-15B and FIGS. 16-22, can be employed with
the inflation device and components of FIG. 26, and vice versa.
This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments
depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.
[0147] It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure that the inflation device 600 of FIGS.
26-38 may function in an analogous manner to the inflation device
100 and inflation device 200 described in the preceding figures.
Thus, while specific features and elements of the subsequent
inflation device 600 will be described below, disclosure above
regarding the relationship of components and the function of the
inflation device 100 and inflation device 200 of the preceding
figures may be applied to the device 600 of FIGS. 26-38.
[0148] The inflation device 600 of FIG. 26 comprises a body
portion, syringe body 610 and a handle 620. As with the prior
embodiments, a shaft 625 extends from the handle 620. Locking rails
670 and a locking sleeve 660, analogous to similarly indicated
components in the prior embodiments, are also shown in FIG. 26.
Additionally, the embodiment of FIG. 26 comprises a gauge mounting
bracket 617 on the syringe body 610.
[0149] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the inflation device
600 of FIG. 26. FIG. 27 illustrates the handle 620 and the shaft
625 of the inflation device 600 as well as the locking rails 670,
locking sleeve 660, and syringe body 610 thereof.
[0150] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the inflation device 600 of
FIG. 26. The exploded view of FIG. 28 illustrates the various
components of the inflation device 600. Analogous to the previously
described inflation device 100 and inflation device 200, the
inflation device 600 of FIG. 28 comprises a syringe body 610 and
cap 618 which may be configured with locking threads 619.
[0151] The inflation device 600 further comprises a handle 620
coupled to the shaft 625. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft
625 is integrally formed with an inner plunger 650 and an inner
plunger seal 652. This arrangement differs from the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-15B in which the shaft 125 and inner plunger 150 were
coupled, though not necessarily integrally formed. This arrangement
also differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 16-22 in which the handle
620 and the shaft 625 were integrally formed. It should be
understood that the present disclosure encompasses integrally and
non-integrally formed variations of the illustrated
embodiments.
[0152] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 18, a locking sleeve 660
is integrally formed with an outer plunger 630. The locking sleeve
660 may include a guide groove configured to mate with a guide rail
formed on the intermediate plunger 640, such as, for example,
similar to the guide rail 149 and guide groove 169 in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-15B. The locking sleeve 660 may also comprise
ribs 669a formed on either side of the window 662. The ribs 669a
may serve to add structural stiffness to the locking sleeve 660 and
prevent outward bowing of the locking sleeve 660 under
pressure.
[0153] The inflation device 600, like the inflation device 100 and
the inflation device 200 may be configured to achieve a maximum
pressure of 6-12 ATM or more.
[0154] An outer plunger seal 634 may be provided in connection with
the outer plunger 630 which may further define an interior portion
636 of the outer plunger 630. An intermediate plunger 640, slidable
prong 680, and an intermediate plunger seal 642 may be configured
to be disposed within the interior portion 636 of the outer plunger
630. The intermediate plunger 640 may also define an interior
portion 647, with the inner plunger 650 configured to be disposed
therein.
[0155] The slidable prong 680 may comprise a ring 681 configured
for surrounding the recessed ring 641 of the intermediate plunger
640. The slidable prong 680 may comprise a gap 682. The gap 682 may
allow for temporary oval flexing of the ring 681 during assembly of
the inflation device 600. The two prong arms 688 may extend
proximally away from the ring 681. The prong arms 688 may be
configured to mate with the corresponding channel 648 formed in the
outer surface of intermediate plunger 640. Each of the prong arms
688 may comprise a prong tip 686 that may have a thickness less
than the thickness of the remainder of the prong arm 688.
[0156] Regarding the outer surface of intermediate plunger 640,
each of the two channels 648 may have the same depth as the
recessed ring 641. The deepest portion of the recessed portions 646
may be the same as the depth of the channels 648. The channels 648
may extend proximally beyond the recessed portions 646. Each recess
portion 646 may be circumferentially wider (meaning the width
around the perimeter of the outer surface of the intermediate
plunger 640) than the width of the corresponding channel 648.
Therefore, the entire proximal edge of the clip tip 666 may engage
the proximal edge of the recess portion 646, except for that
portion of the proximal edge of the clip tip 666 that lies in the
channel 648. The recessed ring 641 is longitudinally wide enough
(meaning the width along the longitudinal axis of the intermediate
plunger 640) to receive the ring 681 of the slidable prong 680 and
also the seal 642. The recessed ring 641 is also longitudinally
wide enough to allow travel of the ring 681 and the seal 642, both
proximally and distally, along the bottom surface of the recessed
ring 641. Each channel 648 is configured to allow a prong arm 688
to slide proximally and distally along the length of the channel
648. The purpose of the slidability of the prong arms 688 will be
discussed in more detail below.
[0157] As with inflation device 100 and inflation device 200, the
intermediate plunger 640 may comprise intermediate plunger angled
surfaces 645 configured to function in connection with locking rail
angled surfaces 675 provided on the locking rails 670. Further, as
in inflation device 100 and inflation device 200, the inflation
device 600 may be configured with engagement arms 644 disposed on
the intermediate plunger 640 configured to function in connection
with windows 662 in the locking sleeve 660.
[0158] The locking rails 670 may comprise locking rail threads 672
configured to engage the cap locking threads 619 of the cap 618.
The locking sleeve 660 may comprise slots 664 configured to receive
the locking rails 670. Mating grooves 673 and ridges 663 on these
components may be disposed such that movement of the locking rails
670 with respect to the locking sleeve 660 is constrained. Further,
biasing elements 668 may be coupled to the locking sleeve 670 and
configured to interact with the locking rails 670, analogous to the
components described in inflation device 100 and inflation device
200.
[0159] Finally, the inflation device 600 may comprise an
intermediate plunger cap 649 configured to be coupled to the
proximal end of the intermediate plunger 640 when the inflation
device 600 is assembled. The intermediate plunger cap 649 may be
configured to contact a shaft shoulder 629 on the shaft 625 when
the handle 620 is retracted proximally. Contact between the shaft
shoulder 629 and the intermediate plunger cap 649 may be configured
to likewise draw back the intermediate plunger 640 when the shaft
shoulder 629 and intermediate plunger cap 649 are in contact with
each other.
[0160] FIG. 29 is a top view of the inflation device 600 of FIG.
26, and FIG. 30 is a side view of the inflation device 600 of FIG.
26. FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the handle 620, shaft 625, syringe
body 610, outer plunger 630, locking sleeve 660, and locking rails
670 of the inflation device 600. Additionally, cross-sectional
planes for FIGS. 31 and 32 are illustrated in these figures.
[0161] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device
600 of FIG. 29, taken through plane 31-31. The handle 620, shaft
625, syringe body 610, outer plunger 630, intermediate plunger 640,
inner plunger 650, and locking sleeve 660 are shown in this figure.
These elements interact and function analogously to the similarly
designated elements of inflation device 100 and inflation device
200. For example, a window 662 is provided in the locking sleeve
660, in connection with engagement arms 644 of the intermediate
plunger 640. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the distal end of
the engagement arms 644 may comprise a slight angle, to mitigate
binding of the mechanism when the engagement arms 644 expand and
retract radially through the windows 662.
[0162] Further, as with inflation device 100 and inflation device
200, the locking sleeve 660 and intermediate plunger 640 are
releasably coupled to each other in the unlocked configuration by a
detent 666, 646. More specifically, a recess portion 646 and a clip
tip 666 of a detent couple the locking sleeve 660 and the
intermediate plunger 640. The clip tip 666 of the detent may be
positioned on a compliant clip arm 665 configured to deform and
maintain engagement with the recess portion 646 until the clip tip
portion 666 is pushed outwardly (thus decoupling the intermediate
plunger 640 and the locking sleeve 660) by proximal movement of the
prong tip 686 along the channel 646. In the unlocked configuration,
however, the clip arm 665 maintains the position of the clip tip
666 within the recess portion 646.
[0163] Unlike with the nub portion 166 and 266, the clip tip 666
may be configured to deform in the distal direction and still
maintain engagement with the recess portion 646. Each clip arm 665
may comprise a notch 666' formed in the outer surface of the clip
tip 666. The notch 666' reduces the mass of the material adjacent
the clip tip 666 and allows for movement of the clip tip 666
relative to the remainder of the clip arm 665.
[0164] Similar to inflation device 100 and inflation device 200,
the clip arms 665 are radially inset from the remainder of the
syringe body 610. In the embodiment of the inflation device 600 the
clip arms 665 are radially inset by a sigmoid curve-shaped bend. As
illustrated in FIG. 31, across the width of each channel 648, the
inner surface of the corresponding clip arm 665 may be separated
from the outer surface of the intermediate plunger 640 by the
corresponding prong tip 686. Other than across the width of the
channel 648, the inner surface of the clip arm 665 may lay upon the
outer surface of the intermediate plunger 640. Each prong tip 686
may be longer than the corresponding inner surface of the clip arm
665.
[0165] Turning now to operation of the slidable prong 680, the
slidable prong 680 may be configured to switch the inflation device
600 from the "unlocked configuration" to the "locked
configuration." When the slidable prong 680 is in the distal
position, as illustrated in FIG. 31, then the clip tips 666 may
engage with recess portions 646. In contrast, as the slidable prong
680 moves proximal, the prong tips 686 slide underneath the
respective clip tip 666. This pushes outward the proximal edge of
each clip tip 666 and disengages it from the corresponding recess
portion 646. Upon disengagement, the intermediate plunger 640 may
be able to move distally relative to the outer plunger 630 and
bring engagement arms 644 into alignment with the windows 662 and
move locking rails 670 outward into the locked configuration,
similar as discussed with analogous elements of inflation device
100 and inflation device 200.
[0166] The seal 642 may be configured to control movement of the
slidable prong 680 in the proximal direction. In an unpressurized
state, the seal 642 and the ring 681 of the slidable prong 680 may
be located distally in recessed ring 641, as illustrated in FIG.
31. As pressure increases inside the syringe body 610, small
volumes of pressurized fluid may pass between outer plunger 630 and
intermediate plunger 640 and pressurize seal 642. The seal 642 may
be an X-shaped elastomeric ring, such as a Quad-Ring.RTM.. As the
pressure builds (such as by distal advancement of the plungers 630,
640, and 650) the seal 642 may begin to slide proximal and push
slidable prong 680 in the proximal direction. At a given pressure,
such as at about 2-3 ATM, then the seal may move the slidable prong
680 proximal enough to disengage the detent 666,646.
[0167] Each detent 666,646 may be reengaged by retraction of the
intermediate plunger 640. The proximal lip of the slidable prong
680 may be configured to engage with an inner surface of the outer
plunger 630. Also, each of the prong arms 688, where the thickness
reduces to that of the prong tips 686, may be configured to engage
with the corresponding inner surface of the sigmoid curve of the
clip arms 665. As the intermediate plunger 640 is retracted and the
slidable prong 680 engages with the inner surfaces of the clip arms
665 and the outer plunger 630, the slidable prong 680 and the seal
642 (by virtue of location next to the slidable prong 680) are
moved to the distal end of the recessed ring 641. It should be
understood by reference to FIG. 31 that when the intermediate
plunger 640 is retracted sufficient to move the slidable prong 680
and the seal 642 to the distal end of the recessed ring 641, then
the proximal edge of the recess portions 646 may be
proximally-spaced away from the proximal edge of the clip tips 666.
As the intermediate plunger 640 is slightly distally advanced, the
slidable prong 680 and the seal 642 may stay at the distal end of
the recessed ring 641. Meanwhile, the proximal edge of the clip
tips 666 may reengage with the proximal edge of the recess portion
646, placing the components of the inflation device 600 back in the
position illustrated in FIG. 31.
[0168] It should be understood that the elements of the inflation
device 600 not specifically discussed that are analogous to the
elements of the inflation device 100 and the inflation device 200,
"lock" and "unlock" in a similar fashion.
[0169] It should be understood that any of the elements of any of
the embodiments disclosed herein may be substituted with different
elements configured to perform the same or similar functions as
those disclosed herein. Additionally, any of the embodiments
disclosed herein may include such structural elements as necessary
to accomplish the intended functions of the embodiments.
Accordingly, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may further
include structural elements such as ribs, ridges, grooves, flanges,
etc., as needed to accomplish the intended functions.
[0170] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the properties
of the clip arm 665 may be configured to control the force at which
the detent 666, 646 disengages. As described above, this
disengagement may be due to pressure within the syringe body 610.
Thus, the properties of the clip arm 665, the slidable prong 680,
and the seal 642 may be configured to control the pressure at which
the inflation device 600 shifts configurations. The clip arm 665
may be a cantilevered component coupled to the locking sleeve 660
only at its base. Thus, the length, the thickness, and the material
properties of the clip arm 665 may each impact the force required
to disengage the detent 666, 646. In some embodiments, this may be
adjustable by a user. For example, the clip arm 665 may be
configured with a ring disposed around a circumference of the
locking sleeve 660, the ring configured to be disposed about the
clip arm 665. Rotating the ring may be configured to adjust
compression of the clip arm 665 against the tip portion 686 of the
prong arm 688 to thereby modulate the frictional resistance to
proximal movement of the tip portion 686. Rotating the ring one
direction may increase (compression and rotating the ring the other
direction may decrease compression. Thus, the force required for
slidable prong 680 to push the tip clip 666 out of engagement with
the recess portion 646 may be adjustable by a user. The ring may
adjust compression by having a variable inner diameter, for
instance.
[0171] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the inflation device of
FIG. 30, taken through plane 32-32. The handle 620, shaft 625,
syringe body 610, outer plunger 630, intermediate plunger 640,
inner plunger 650, and locking sleeve 660 are shown in this figure.
The biasing elements 668 and locking rails 670 are also shown,
along with the locking rail angled surfaces 675, the intermediate
plunger angled surfaces 645, the locking sleeve threads 672, and
the cap threads 619. Further, the intermediate plunger cap 649 as
well as the shaft shoulder 629 are illustrated. This
cross-sectional view illustrates how the shaft shoulder 629 and
intermediate plunger cap 649 may interact to pull the intermediate
plunger 640 proximally when the handle 620 is displaced proximally
and the shaft shoulder 629 is in contact with the intermediate
plunger cap 649.
[0172] FIGS. 33A-38 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
inflation device 600 with an alternative intermediate plunger 640'
and a valve 690. The only difference between the intermediate
plunger 640' and the intermediate plunger 640 is that the distal
plunger face 640a includes the groove 640b recessed in the distal
end of the intermediate plunger 640'.
[0173] As illustrated in FIG. 33A-33D, the valve 690 may comprise
the perforated disk 691 and the seal 692. The proximal face of the
perforated disk 691 may comprise the protruding ring 694 configured
to mate with the groove 640b. The portion of the proximal face of
the perforated disk 691 radially extending beyond the protruding
ring 694 may be configured to mate with the distal plunger face
640a. The seal 692 may comprise a stem 694 configured for insertion
in a mounting hole 695 of the perforated disk 691. The stem 694 may
be comprised of an elastomeric material. The stem 694 may be
integrally molded with the rest of the seal 692. The stem 694 may
comprise a bulge region configured and located to retain the seal
692 flush against the proximal face of the perforated disk 691. The
disk 691 may be configured to be rigid and the seal 692 may be
configured to be flexible.
[0174] FIG. 34 illustrates a side view of the intermediate plunger
640'. FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the same along
the plane 35-35. FIG. 36 illustrates a top view of the intermediate
plunger 640'. FIG. 37 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
same along the plane 37-37. Referring to FIGS. 35 and 37, the seal
692 may have a diameter large enough to cover the inflow holes 693
formed in the perforated disk 691. The perforated disk 691 may
comprise a weep hole 697 formed therein. The weep hole 697 may have
a diameter of a few hundredths of an inch, such as, for example,
0.025th of an inch. The seal 692 may not have a diameter wide
enough to cover the weep hole 697.
[0175] FIG. 38 illustrates a cross-section view of the inflation
device 600 similar to FIG. 31, but with the intermediate plunger
640' and the valve 690 in place (and without the gauge mounting
bracket 617 visible).
[0176] Operation of the valve 690 will now be described. The valve
690 may be configured to prevent too rapid of pressurizing of
medical devices, such as balloons. For example, the valve 690 may
be configured to prevent the bursting of balloons during inflation,
but still allow rapid deflation. During the pressurizing of the
interior of the syringe body 610 by distal movement of the outer
plunger 630 and/or the intermediate plunger 640', the pressure on
either side of the valve 690 may tend to stay equal by virtue of
the weep hole 697. As the inflation device 600 shifts to the locked
configuration, there may be a tendency for the inner plunger 650 to
rapidly move distally and thereby rapidly increase the pressure
within the syringe body 610 and any attached medical device. With
the valve 690 in place, if the inner plunger 650 rapidly moves
distally, pressure may temporarily increase on the proximal side of
the valve 690 and then slowly bleed into the remainder of the
syringe body 610 through the weep hole 697. In that manner, an
attached medical device may be rapidly inflated, but then slowly
highly pressurized.
[0177] In contrast, the valve 690 may allow for rapid
depressurization and deflation. With the inflation device 600 in
the locked configuration, the inner plunger 650 may be rapidly
retracted (pulled back in the proximal direction), but not
retracted so far as to unlock the inflation device. The rapid
increase in volume on the proximal side of the valve 690 will cause
a pressure drop on that side. High pressure fluid on the distal
side of the valve 690 will push against the seal 692 through the
inflow holes 693. This may stretch stem 694 and/or deform the seal
692 sufficient to allow high pressure fluid flow through the inflow
holes 693 (i.e., open the valve 690). At the same time, at a lower
flow rate, high pressure fluid would flow through the weep hole
697. In this manner, a medical device may be rapidly depressurized.
Of course, the medical device may also be slowly depressurized by
slowing retracting the inner plunger 650 and relying solely upon
fluid transfer through the weep hole 697. The medical device may
then be slowly or rapidly deflated by retracting the handle 620
with the inflation device 600 in the unlocked configuration
[0178] Additionally, upon the switch of the inflation device 600
into the unlocked configuration, the pressure would drop on the
distal side of the valve 690 and the pressure on the proximal side
of the valve 690 would tend to keep seal 692 in place, blocking
fluid flow through the inflow holes 693. The pressure on the
proximal side of the valve 690 would tend to equalize with the
lower pressure on the distal side.
[0179] During rapid inflation of a medical device and prior to the
inflation device 600 switching to the locked configuration, enough
pressure may build up on the distal side of the valve 690 to
partially or fully open the valve 690. However, as soon as
pressures equalized and/or pressure increased on the proximal side
of the valve 690 (such as by the switch to the locked configuration
and distal movement of the inner plunger 650 continuing while the
outer plunger 630 and the intermediate plunger 640' have
substantially stopped moving), then the valve 690 would close.
[0180] The valve 690 may be configured to work with the
intermediate plunger 140 and the intermediate plunger 240 and vice
versa. Additionally, the valve 690 may be configured to work with
any number of inflation devices.
[0181] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled
in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present
disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments
disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and
exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present
disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in
the art that changes may be made to the details of the
above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying
principles of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the scope
of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their
equivalents.
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