NZ625010B2 - Apparatus for preventing over inflation of the retention balloon in medical catheters and airway devices - Google Patents

Abstract

apparatus for limiting fluid pressure in a medical catheter retention balloon includes a body that has a fluid inlet port 42 for receiving pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port 44 connected to the retention balloon. A first passage 40a, 40b, 52, 54 connects the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. A second passage 46a, 46b in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path 48 and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve 50, 60 prevents fluid flow through the first passage 52 54 when actuated by a pressure-responsive member 60 and is movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. The ball check valve 56 allows fluid to be withdrawn from the balloon by way of suction applied to inlet port 42. outlet port. A second passage 46a, 46b in the body is connected to the balloon fluid return path 48 and is at the pressure of the retention balloon. A valve 50, 60 prevents fluid flow through the first passage 52 54 when actuated by a pressure-responsive member 60 and is movable to a position to obstruct fluid flow in response to fluid pressure in the second passage exceeding the predetermined level. The ball check valve 56 allows fluid to be withdrawn from the balloon by way of suction applied to inlet port 42.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING OVER INFLATION OF THE RETENTION BALLOON IN MEDICAL ERS AND AIRWAY DEVICES CROSELREFERENCE T0 RELATED APWJCATIONS Primity i3 ciaimeti an vaisima’i Patent Appiicatian Serial No, EIL-‘SéGflSQ, flied Nevembm‘ 16; 201 I‘ OUND OF THE {NVENTION FIELD (3F TIE-IE ENVENTICIN The present invention re‘laieS to medical devices. with i‘nflmabis: reliemian baiimms and were particuiarly to an away-(3mg fer ting; over Inflation 0f the catheter rats-2min}: baiimms in. a fist: a I. manageman 1' 5ystem or an endmraci} $21!. tuba EESCRIPTEION OF PRIOR ART INCLUDING INFORMATION 23 Fecal mzmagement Sygt‘enm Such as; this fine disciosad in US. Patem No. é, iasued September 2'3, 20“ to Christopher C.“ Gregory, which patent i3 inmmm‘ated herein by refaremce, are kmwn in the art. The sysiem discIusad in the Gregor}; patent: is a mfiéicai appliance formed (3f an eiangated flexible mbuiar elemem or catheter having a digtai and designed m be introduced mm a Tandy cavity, such as the rectum {firmg1} the am! sphincter. The proximaI and of er is connected m a receptafle for the ion of fiscal waste.

Affixed m the exterior surface 0'1" the distai and BMW catheter is an inflatable n. which serves to retain the distai end of the catheter within the bed}; sax-tit}: The banana is inflatefi m a. suitabke {iiamcter with fluid, such as air, water or 532m {11101.1in a. fluid suppIy mine 01' Tamer), after it is inserted into the 13061ij cavity? The supply imnen is ed to a source of pressurized inflatiam fim‘dj such as a syfings. The ge is aiso use-{I m aw fire. inflation fluid through me suppiy human :10 deflate the haiku-1L A sesame! Iumen may be provided In deiiver inigation fluid to the body cavixy. One. and of in-igatien tamer} extends through a pm in the distai end of the cathetea'. The other end is connectizd to a swarm: ofim‘igafion fluid.

The distal end of the catheter and the retention balloon are both made entirely of soft, compliant material, for example, silicone, so as not to injure any body tissue.

The retention balloon surrounds the distal end of the catheter and preferably has a toroidal shape when fully inflated. The wall of the balloon may be fabricated in its fully ed shape of material that allows the balloon to be inflated to its final shape.

Fecal management systems using an inflated retention balloon must be used carefully because they can create too much pressure on the rectal tissue if the retention balloon is over ed. That pressure is a result of the balloon being filled, with a volume of fluid greater than the space available in the body . Accordingly, all fecal management systems have an indicated maximum volume for the retention balloon that each manufacturer has established as safe. However, this maximum balloon volume can be exceeded by over inflating the balloon, resulting in damage to the soft tissue surrounding the balloon. rly, endotracheal tubes have affixed to the exterior surface of the distal end of the catheter an inflatable balloon which serves to retain the distal end of the er within the body cavity and create an air seal to the trachea. The balloon is inflated to a suitable diameter with fluid, such as air, through a fluid supply tube or lumen, after it is inserted into the trachea.

The supply lumen is connected to a source of pressurized inflation fluid, such as a syringe. The syringe is also used to withdraw the ion fluid through the supply lumen, to deflate the balloon. In an acheal tube, the retention balloon surrounds the distal end of the catheter and preferably has a toroidal shape when fully inflated. The wall of the n may be fabricated in its fully inflated shape of material that allows the balloon to be inflated to its final shape. acheal systems using an ed retention balloon must be used carefully because they can create too much pressure on the mucosal tissue in the trachea if the retention balloon is over inflated. That pressure is a result of the balloon being filled with a volume of fluid greater than the space available in the trachea. Accordingly, all acheal tubes have an indicated maximum volume for the retention balloon that each manufacturer has established as safe or re monitoring mechanisms. However, this maximum balloon volume or pressure can be exceeded by over inflating the balloon, resulting in damage to the soft tissue nding the balloon.

Although one commercially available fecal management system (Flexi-Seal® SIGNAL™ FMS) can be obtained with an indicator that tells the clinician when the balloon is properly filled, there continue to be cases where clinicians have initially over inflated the retention n, or have added more fluid to the balloon after the catheter has been in use, resulting in a potentially hazardous situation.

Another disclosed system employs a catheter with a pressure relief valve. However, that approach has not proved to be practical because in use there are frequently brief periods of muscle contraction in the rectum that result in high pressure in the balloon. In the trachea there are periods of high re during the respiratory cycle. If the inflation fluid were allowed to escape under those high pressure conditions, the retention of the device would be compromised and the catheter expelled or the seal lost. ingly, neither of these ches has proved successful. r possible approach to the over inflation problem would be to electronically e the amount of inflation fluid provided to the balloon. Accurate measurement of the volume of a g fluid through a tube requires the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid and of the time during which the fluid is flowing. Those values can then be multiplied to ate the total volume of fluid that has passed through the tube. This is typically done through real time electronic measurement of the flow rate which utilizes the cooling ability of the fluid across a heated probe, and a microprocessor completing the calculations.

For tion of the delivery of too much fluid, the result of this calculation then has to control a valve or e an alarm to prevent additional fluid from being added to the balloon.

Clearly, devices using this method of ating the amount of fluid used to inflate the balloon are complex and costly. Moreover, they have difficulty in taking into account the fact that the fluid can and needs to be able to be withdrawn from the balloon, as well as ed to the balloon, because they cannot easily differentiate between the flow directions. Simpler and less expensive options are desirable, and are provided by the present invention.

The present invention relates to an apparatus ed for use as part of a fecal management system or endotracheal tube of the type including a catheter with an inflatable retention balloon. The apparatus is ed as part of the fluid inflation system and several different device configurations and modes of operation are disclosed which prevent over inflation of the retention balloon by limiting the flow of inflation fluid to the catheter balloon to a specific volume or pressure.

The discussion of the background to the invention included herein including reference to nts, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included to explain the context of the present invention. This is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country as at the priority date of any of the claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Viewed from one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for limiting fluid pressure in a medical er retention balloon designed for use with a source of pressurized fluid having a connector associated therewith, wherein a catheter has a supply fluid path from the apparatus for filling the medical catheter retention balloon and a return fluid path communicating with the l catheter ion balloon connected to the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body with a fluid inlet port for receiving the connector associated with the pressurized fluid source and a fluid outlet port; a first passage connecting said fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of said body; a second passage connected to said return fluid path; and means for ting fluid flow through said first passage when the fluid re in said second passage exceeds a predetermined level.

Two different basic approaches are ed to t over inflation of the catheter retention balloon. One approach involves ring the fluid pressure in the balloon as it is filled from a source of pressurized fluid and preventing onal fluid from entering the balloon after a predetermined pressure level in the balloon is reached. The other approach involves monitoring the volume of fluid provided to the balloon and preventing additional fluid from entering the balloon after a predetermined volume of fluid has been provided to the n.

In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention using the pressure monitoring approach, the tus is incorporated in the fill port of the catheter to t over inflation of the catheter retention balloon by monitoring the pressure in the balloon. It utilizes the pressure in a fluid connection to the balloon, which connection includes a return lumen separate from the supply lumen, to close a valve in the fill line to stop the flow of fluid into the balloon when the pressure in the balloon exceeds a pre-determined level.

Fluid under pressure is supplied to the inlet port of the apparatus body. A valve in the pressure cap of the body is secured to the base of the body to create a path to carry fluid from the inlet port of the body to the outlet port of the body, the latter of which is connected to the supply lumen of the balloon. The valve utilizes a pressure responsive deformable member which moves to a position to press on a flexible membrane to seal the fluid flow path to prevent over filling of the retention balloon.

The deformable member has an area significantly larger than the flow area under the membrane to permit the lower re in the balloon to stop the higher pressure fluid flow.

Preferably, the moveable member which presses on the membrane is a dome or other ure which deforms suddenly when a predetermined pressure level is reached. Most ably, the ure incorporates or is made as a snap dome which is bi-stable such that it can move between two positions, one of which is remote from the membrane, and thus does not block the fill line, and the other of which bears on the membrane to block the fluid flow.

The aoparams body is buiir our oi-‘mo moided parts that. do not have fluid flow passing between them except through the er balloon. An integrated indicator that s prior to or simuimoeous with the who closing off may he provided.

A check waive is, used to eonrroi the flow path to permit removal of r1 uid from the bauooo. through the Supply lumen to deflate the baiioon. The. check valve oiement may be a bail, flap. duck hi“, or umbreria vaivc, as dcscribed in {121215} below. The check rah-'6 element may also consist of two or more separate flow chaoneio emoloyed in conjunction with the fiexibie membrane, as disclosed in one version of tho preforrod. embodimoots.

Preferabiy, the deformable structures of the apparams are molded siiioone rubber, poiyurerhane or other themropiasric eiaoromer.

More specificafly. apparatus ibr provonting over ini‘iorion ofr’he catheter retention halioon of a. fooai managomrim system is pr‘m-*id€d. The: feta} management system is of the. type. {resigned for 135:2. with a source of oross’urizod fluid having an asstosiared tor. The retention honour}. has a. fluid. port to rho suppiy iine and a fluid port {o the roturn fine. The apparatus body has a fluid inlet. port for rewiring rho commuter associated with the pressurized fluid source and a 2E} fluid outiei port connector! i0 the fluid supply line of the n. The body has a first flow 1321553gr. which connects the: fluid inler pot; and rho fluid cutter port. to permi 1' fluid to be providori to the retention borrow} during ion and ren'rovod from the reremion hailoon during on.

A. second chamber in the. body is connecred to the fin-id ratxrrrr oft‘he baliooo by a return lumen such that it. is or or very dose '10 the some fluid pr‘egsrtre as the retention . The chamber maintains a. pressure very close to the baiioon pressure. since. there is very iitfio flow in the return line resulting in minimal. re drop 'L‘I'rrough the return line. Means are pyrwided for preventing fluid flow through the first passage of the body when the fluid pressure in the second chamber ohm body s a pro—determined? pressure revel.

The fluid flow preventing means may take: a variety of forms. In one preferred ment, movoabio means are providofi for dividing the. secomi or return chamber into a first porrion connected to the fluid forum. porr of“ the bar _ Jon and a second portion. The moveobie means is movahie between. a first position, wherein fluid flow through the first e is; not oho-imcted, and a second pooirion, wherein fluid flow through the first pagsage is prevented. The movesbie met-ms is moved fiom its first on to its seeom’i position in response to fink! pressure in, the first person of the second chamber ing the precietermioed pressure ievei.

F’iexibie means are heated in the second portion of the second chamber. The fiesiMe means (iefiues a mommy open passion of the. first fluid passage. That n of the first ems passage: is missed by the '1nox-rea’me means beefing on the e means when the mm-‘eable means is in its second position.

The first e focludes a. first section connected to the fluid iniet pen: of the body and a. second section connected to the fluid omelet port of‘t‘he body. The nonneily open portion of the first fluid passage at {east partially defines a connection between the first section of the first passsge and the seems? n of‘ihe first passage The moveabie means is situates} either in the fires position or in the second position Means are. associated with the. moveebie means for urging the n‘xm’esbie means towers its first. position.

In one version of this preferx’ed embodimenL the moveable means takes the. form of a domeshaped member. The doom-shapes member is formed of rigid or se1ni~rigid material. 2E} The flexible means may take me fimn of a membrane. Means situated in the second portion of the second passage are ed for coneemm'afing the. eff-act of the move-(115k: means on the flexihie means“ Means for venting the. second portion of the S‘s-com? cherishes are provided to silow air that wooid otherwise be trapped in the. second portion of the sewed chamber under {the moseahie means to escape, such that the moveebie means can move from its first on to its second position.

A ose~way check waive is situated between the sections of the first passage» ‘1‘th van-e prevents fluid flow from the first section of the first. passage to the second section of the first passage, except through the connection defined by the e means, when the pressurized fluid source is connected to the fluid iniet post to inflate the ion bafioon.

Pressure indicafing means may be associated with {he first portion of said second chamber, In one-{her version of {he first preferred embodiment, the sections of the first passage are each divided into first and second branches, The connection between the. sections of the first passage is a mnneminn between {he first ’brnnttlt of the. first section anti the first branch of the. second section. A ure including a surface situated. ever the branches, is prmsided to support the. flexible means. The surface has pens aligned with the first and secund branches of the first. eectinn. and with the first, and seminal inane-hen at the second neetinm renneetively: A retainer is provided fer bottling the flexible means- in place an the. structure surface The retainer has a first epening situated over the pens aligned. with the first branch. 0f the first section and the. first branch of the seennd section. The mmen’ble means causes; the membrane to close the connection between the part aligned with the first. branch of the first section and the port aligned. with the first ln'anen of the second section. when the morenbie means is in the d pnsitien.

The. flexible meann hat: a link: situated ever the port. alignetl with the seennd branch 0f the named seetinn. The retainer also includes a secnnd ripening situated Over the hole in the flexible means: The multiple branch structure eliminates the necessity nt‘ a discrete fill check valve lac-ween the sections at” the first passage. lt. allnws the moveable means and flexible. means In prevent fluid flow through the first. passage when the. given pressure level is exceeded. and at the 2E} same time allows fluid In be withdrawn from the ballet)“ to deflate the n when the le means is in its first mli lit the second pteffi‘recl ment of the present im-‘entinn. the till. volume is set. during bal‘leen int‘latien and fluid ing in excese pressure is allewed tn eseanel bin :31in during the. inflatinn s. This preventn ever tinn of the tetentinn ballnnn by limiting the nmnunt of fluid retained. in the. balloon according to the pressure in the. balloon. During the inflation pmcenst fluid in the balloon has access to a pressure relief valve but the ballnnn fluid is isolated from the relief valve once the inflation process is ended. Thus, surges in pressure during normal use. {in net deflate the balletm and the device remains viable.

The preferred cettfignratinn is to not melee the connection between the pressure relief rattle and the. balloon through the supply lumen as the pres sure drop t’ltrnnglt the supply lumen is very large g inflatinn. This large pressure drop would easily result. in lliti fluid flowing (mt. ef the. presgure relief valve, rather then re the retention bellman. ln nne version the ineertinn into the fluid inlet. pert of the burly of the tm‘ ated with the source. of pressurized fluid. typically a syringe, npenn rwn valves. The first valve is situated in the fluid passage between the syringe and the retention n. That valve prevents the fluid from spilling out of the balloon once the syringe is removed. The second valve is situated in a return passage from the balloon, in series with the return line and the re relief valve.

The second valve is held open only when the syringe is received in the port. Holding the second valve open enables the pressure relief valve to prevent overpressure in the balloon.

The dual syringe actuated valves are connected mechanically but the fluid path from one to the other flows through the balloon when open. When the second valve is closed, the flow of fluid to the pressure relief valve is stopped. The pressure then equalizes throughout the system and flow between the two valves s irrelevant.

The mechanical opening of the second valve can be done by an external element of the syringe pressing against a mechanical element. This introduces some probability of user interference with the mechanism, so shielding of these elements can be used to prevent user interference with the mechanism.

In a specific configuration, the mechanism that moves when the syringe forces the first valve open extends on to act as the driving element for the second valve. In a syringe actuated valve, during tion the syringe tip presses on the stem of the valve pushing the stem’s sealing e away from the valve seat thus opening the valve and allowing fluid to pass through. The valve stem has a return and sealing force from a spring located or ated behind the stem.

There is an ion to the stem that extends through the core of the spring, and passes through an opening in a wall in the body with a seal into another chamber. In the second chamber, the ed stem tip interfaces with a second seal. When the syringe tip pushes the stem in, the motion continues through to the second chamber and the extended tip lifts a second seal off of its seat. Opening this second valve opens the path to the pressure relief valve.

The seal between the two chambers is only relevant when the syringe is connected. To ensure that seal, the stem has a conforming feature that seals the opening n the chambers as the stem moves to its open position. Disconnecting the e allows the stem to return to its normal position, sealing both valves, and ing the pressure relief valve from the return flow path.

In another version, the ism that moves when the syringe forces the first valve open extends on to act as the driving element for the second valve which is in the form of a ill” valve. In a syringe actuated valve, during connection the syringe tip presses on the stem of the valve pushing the stem’s sealing surface away from the valve seat thus opening the valve and allowing fluid to pass through. The valve stem has a return and sealing force from a spring located or ated behind the stem.

In this n, there is an extension to the stem that s through the core of the spring, passes through a wall with a seal into another chamber. In the second chamber, the extended stem tip interfaces with the side of a duckbill valve. When the syringe tip pushes the stem in, the motion continues through to the second chamber and the extended tip deforms the duckbill valve, opening it. Opening this second valve opens the fluid flow path to the pressure relief valve. The seal between the two chambers is only relevant when the syringe is connected. Disconnecting the syringe allows the stem to return to its normal position, sealing both valves and ing the pressure relief valve from the return flow path.

In another version, if the pressure in the return line exceeds a predetermined limit, it can force a path through a pressure relief la valve but only if it can then pass on h a flow valve in the fluid escape path. The flow valve, which takes the form of a “duckbill” valve, is opened only when the fluid supply system (syringe) is attached. Connecting the syringe depresses a lever that drives a pin through the duckbill, forcing it open to allow fluid flow out of the system. The duckbill valve could also be replaced by a spring actuated flow valve that prevents flow out of the system unless the pin pushes the valve open. The flow valve and the pressure relief valve can be interchanged in order on the return line without detrimental effect to the oning of the system.

In another version, the pressure in the return line is used to close a valve on the fill port preventing the overfilling of the balloon. The flow in the return line to the second chamber pressurizes the area under the dome. Once the pressure is sufficient to overcome the moving membrane return forces and the dome return force, the stem is pulled forcing it against the second valve seat stopping flow. The high pressure in the first chamber would force the stem into the closed position if it were not for the counterbalancing effect of the two moving membrane gems. The 031%}; fbrcea 216th:g cm the. Siam is the. pun from. the membrane dome and the spring force of the: membrane gems.

In another embndiment. the pressure in the return line is used m inflate a return halioon that activates a waive system. 1:0 stop flow 3.11m the retention “. The reruns. bafimm expands under re and pufis the Sign]. closing the valve and 320mm flew to me retention {33119911.

Further fluid suppiied through the Luer valve miy {firms the: semnd vaive mere Eighth: clused.

Puiliing fluid mat of the supply passage wiil create enmxgh vacuum 10 overcame the seaiing {if the secnnd waive. (waning i: and afiuwing the fluid to be extracted from the catheter.

The remm bafioon prefarah’iy bag a toroidai 0r aimuim' shape, with the. stem passing through. the center g. (Ether configurations of the return. balluon are. just. 213 viabic such as a nearly dosed “C” Shape to 339w e335: aasembiy. in r version of this embodiment, the. prassure in the. return line is used ta . a. return. baiimn than (2111131133 3 piece. m‘.‘ tubing in Tim fluid suppiy paih. The return fluid pressure expands the return baflocn. The expanding rectum baileon pi‘efises a. pressure piate against the bend fifths. suppiy tubing crimping it and stopping flow. The 13i‘gfl arm. nfthe mum 13330013 and 28 the 3mm} area of the supply 'iubiug allow the low return pregsure to black the. high pressure supmy tubing. A separate y valve gtmtmcting the fluid input side Bf the supply tubing with the return line ailmws fluid 10 be withdrawn freem the system reducing the pressure in the return bailaan and thus ing the suppiy tubing.

In a fimher maimdimen’i, the pressure in the whim line is used :0 defleci a fiexfibie t. The flexible. 616mm}: fbrces a waive 10 c1936 against a. pm: in the retention halimn on lines. The flexibie Semen”: can be connected to {he \saive via a push {065. The push red may {13' may nut be fixed ’83 either (he flexibie elemem m“ the valve. The waive may be a poppet valve with a stem, where the stem includes sealing means that prevents Itakage of fluid 0m 0f the system.

Altematix-‘eiy. me {give may be seaied by means of a, flexibm diaphragm, a balloon, 03‘ any flexible fitment rim deforms with suffitzimxt {bite when pressurized 10 amp}3* sea 1&1 g fines. to the valve. The fiexiifie eiemem can hear against an over—center spring that is dispiaced when. a predetmmined force is apmied m it. The Spring anew-s the valve to remain open until i1: is forced closed under ent :3an pressure.

The spring may be 21 disc, a dome, a hat“ spring. or an}! Spting mnfigmatimifi than. can be. significantly displaced when a predetermined fame. is d. The spring may be configured to return to its rest position once applied farce chaps- beiuw the old ievei. Or it may he a bi— stabie spring that. tequims manila? resetting- This cmfigum‘tim altows the waive t0 stay {titty span regardtefis of fit! pressure {31‘ till flaw mtre. and causes it ta dose rapidiy when the ratsntion batman teaches the desired prefisurc. regardless offili re or flaw rate. ing now ta whims iimiiitming appmaches, rather than iiwotva eiectronics. in one pmfen‘ed emhgdimmt a paddie wheel flow indicator is used tn drive a mechanism that. cantmls a. vaive. at! the flaw in and Gut of the baliioon is famed. to pass through a. paddle wheat or similar mmptment. The fluid fimving through forces the wheel. ti.) tum. Tf‘the fluid is incompressible and cammi leak around the whee}. the amount ofmtmictt wiii be an exact indication of the amnunt of fluid that has passcd through the device. The. martian Offl‘tt‘l wheel is than mad to drive. a valve Stem that smug at? the. flow time a predetarmined mm} tr'tiittme is achieved. There is an iatm 0f flexihte construe-flan between the whee?! and the . so that enmigh fluiti can ht: aw} {fmm the accumulator) \ivith. the valve CiOSfid SD that the wheci £3.11 open the. wit-'6 for 2E} fluid W‘ititdmwai. in. another premixed entbmtiment, the retentimi batten}?! i3 supiiiiett in a timed flirt“ with this maximum aflmvabie Eimfmm 0f inflation fluid aireafiy in the system. 'ii'he inflatimi sygtettt has a. i‘GSEI‘V‘GiE that i5 pemiaziemty came-med t0 the. suppiy Etna. Once the ion batman is inserted, the; fluid is ‘ert‘ed {mm the. externai reservoir m the internal retentitm batman and an interconnecting waive. is ciosed. For i‘flmoval, the. fluid is titans fined back {mm the retantion batman. to the exteri‘iat reservoir. As the device needs to be te~inflatahie5 this ss can be repeated, A number of Structures can be: used m act as the reservoir. The temawtiir may be. a coiiapsibie structure which the cfiinician Squeezes 0t applies pressure to in ordar :0 three the fluid into the manual} batmon. The mitapsibie tesatvoit is either spring matted or of a spring back structure: so that. it can draw the fluid Out, fifti‘ i‘fimmai. This mniigumtimi can. aim he committed with a presgute 'respc‘snsive indicamr allowing mismmiaation 0f the fit] whims. with 35 the totai fluid in this reservoir.

In an alternate version the reservoir is similar to a syringe with a bellows-like portion.

The clinician applies force on the bellows-like n to push the fluid into the retention balloon or remove fluid from the ion balloon. The syringe is permanently attached so a valve or clamp is used to hold the fluid in the reservoir or n.

The present invention may also be used with other medical catheters to limit the fill volume to a specific volume or pressure wherein the medical catheter has a fluid filled balloon requiring prevention from ll.

Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as ying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the ce of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS The t invention relates to an apparatus for preventing over inflation of the catheter retention balloon in a fecal management system or in an endotracheal tube as described in detail in the following ication, and embodiments of the invention, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a typical fecal management system with the over inflation preventing apparatus of the present ion; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter of the fecal management system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first n of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third version of the first preferred embodiment of the present ion; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a fourth version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 6; Figures 8a-8c are images g the details of the branches and flow paths of the fourth version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a first version of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a first version of the third preferred embodiment of the present ion; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third version of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth version of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15 is a sectional view of a first version of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the second version of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present ion; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a first version of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing same during and after ion of the balloon; Figure 19 is a sectional view of a second version of the fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is an elevation view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the apparatus during inflation; Figure 21 is an ion view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, g the apparatus after inflation; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the sixth preferred ment of the present invention; Figure 23 is an exploded view of the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 is a ed view showing the cam follower member of the sixth preferred embodiment of the t invention in the closed position; Figure 25 is a detailed view showing the cam follower member of the sixth red embodiment of the present ion in the open position; Figure 26 is a perspective view of the h preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the collapsible oir prior to inflation; Figure 27 is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the collapsible reservoir after the balloon is inflated; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment of the t invention, showing the collapsible reservoir during deflation of the balloon; Figure 29 is a perspective view of the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a sealed syringe fluid source prior to inflation; and Figure 30 is a perspective view of the eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the sealed syringe fluid source during balloon ion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ION The present invention is designed for use as part of a r medical device which utilizes an inflatable ion balloon. The basic components of one such system are illustrated in Figure 1. The system is a medical appliance formed of an elongated flexible tubular element or catheter, generally designated A, having a distal end 10 which is introduced into a body cavity, such as the rectum through the anal sphincter or the trachea through the mouth. The proximal end 12 of catheter A is connected to a receptacle, generally designated B, for the collection of fecal waste or a respiratory management system for an endotracheal tube. Affixed to the exterior surface of the distal end 10 of catheter A is a low-pressure inflatable retention balloon 14, shown in its ed state.

Balloon 14 is inflated to a suitable diameter with fluid, such as air, water or saline, through a fluid supply lumen 16 after the balloon is inserted into the body cavity such that the distal end of the catheter is retained in place within the body cavity. One end of the supply lumen 16 is connected to a Sfl‘qu-fii 0f rized inflafion flight shown in me figure as a syringe 13. The syringe- is aim used to: withdraw the jnflatim fluid, to deflate the ha‘ilQom thmugh supply Miner: 16) Other type s of fluid may be used instead, Of a syringe; such as a caliapsihie reservoir 01‘ a mechanjcai pump.

An irrigatim) Emmern 2O may be prmided to deliver irrigatim} fluid in the 'imdy cavity. Om: and of irrigation hxmfln 20 extends t33.1‘0ugh 3 mm at the distal end IQ 0f cathatcr A. The. other end is cmmectfied to a games of irrigation fluid {mt Shawn}.

The {fistai and M} of catheter A and 192130011 £4 are hath mafia antimiy 0}“ soft, ‘cmzmpiiant materiafh fm' exampie, siiicone, 55"?) as not to injure anyhofiy tigsue.

Balboa {4 surmtmds the diam}. end IQ of catheter A and prcfm'abiy has a. tm‘okial shape when fuMy inflakzd. Supply lumen ’16 is cmmecwd {0 1351110933 M ‘ihr§;)‘ugh a fluid ixflet 24 pmximate the distal and H} m? the catheter to permit the. inflation fluifi to be introduced into bafimn $4 to inflate. the baiimm and m be rammed from the haiioon to deflate {he bails-m1.

The apparatus of the present inventiml, gene-rail}! designate-d C5 is connected between this SQUI’CE of pressurized inflation fluid, in. this case syringe ES, 3116 the. other and 24 of the. suppiy 28 lumen. The pressure ofthe fluid within balloon 14 is: Iimiwd to a predetermined re ievei by apparatus C, Such that 133:: bailmm came? apply a pressure beyond a. predetemiined iwei cm the sun’mmding tiSSue which wiift injure the patient. As the batman is inflated by the. infiation fluid apparatus CT: avoids aver inflation of the balkoom by ing adfiitéonai fluid frmu being dad 10 the baiimm when me fluid prwsm‘e 0f the Wilma reaches a preset ievei.

In the prefermd ments :31? this t im‘ention which use the pressure monitoring é-lpprmcht apparatus; C is connected to 1331300}: N by a second, x‘a'mm lumen 36 through a fluid return per: ‘28 in the baihmn such that apparatus C can monitor the pressure in the n. As best seen in Figure l whfich is a tress—semen of catheter A supp§y inman 56 and return human 26 extend between apparatus C and the {33130011, separately, in side~by~side reiation, preferably within the e profile of the cameter. in. some of {he preferred mnbodimems m“ the imemmn, the: m in. the rétum line is used to deflect a flexiifie element which t’uncticsns as a vaixre. The flexibie element faxes a seal which 020383 to 1310c}; 1338 {331100;} inflai‘im} fine when 1% pressure in realm human ‘26: and thus; in 13313901) I 4%; exccfids a pre‘demmimd lava}, The va‘ive may be. sealed by means {}fai11£‘.l‘1‘ibl'3fl€, a diaphragm, a balloon, or any flexible element that deforms with sufficient force when pressurized to apply sealing force to the valve.

The flexible element can act with an over-center spring member that is displaced when a predetermined force is d to it. The pressure responsive spring member allows the valve to remain open until it is forced closed under sufficient balloon pressure. The spring member may take the form of a disc, a dome, a leaf spring, or any spring configuration that can be significantly displaced when a predetermined force is applied.

The spring member may be configured to return to its rest position once the applied force drops below the threshold level. Or it may take the form of a bi-stable member that requires manual resetting. This configuration allows the valve to stay fully open less of fill re or fill flow rate, and causes it to close rapidly when the balloon reaches the desired pressure, regardless of fill pressure or flow rate. An alternate flow path may be supplied with a one-way check valve to allow fluid to be removed from the system to deflate the retention balloon when ary.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a configuration of a first version of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus takes the form of a body 30 which includes a base 32 and a pressure cap 34. Body 30 is connected to both supply lumen 16 and return lumen 26 of a balloon catheter.

Base 32 includes a first passage 40 which includes ns 40a and 40b. Passage 40 extends the entire length of body 30, n a fluid inlet port 42 which is designed to accept a connector associated with the source of pressurized fluid, and a fluid outlet port 44, which is connected to end 24 of supply lumen 16. It provides a fluid connection between the source of rized inflation fluid and fluid inlet 22 of the balloon. A valve (not shown in this figure) is d into the socket which forms inlet port 42 to allow coupling of the body to a fluid supply device such as syringe 18.

Pressure cap 34 has a second chamber 46 which includes sections 46a and 46b. Passage section 46a is connected to a return port 48 which in turn is connected to return lumen 26, and hence to balloon 14 through fluid return port 28. Thus, the fluid pressure in passage 46 is essentially the same as the pressure in the balloon. The flexible valve element is situated under chamber section 46b, as explaimfi bekow. A ping 36 i5 {136:} {‘0 seal an mpening in. pregame cap 34 at the and of sec-flan. 463 which is ed t0 witbdraw a. maid care.

In this preferred embodiment, the flexible: t takes the form of a flexih‘ie mix-re irmmbmne 51’) 'w'i‘iich is glued to the mp surface 01? base ‘32 5115111313? when prawns: cap 38 is fitted we: base 32 membrane 50 is situated under sec-Kim 45%). Within base 3'2 are sysacedi parafi‘el chmmds 52, and 54 extending firm} passage suctims 46a and 40h, mspcctiwly. Channeis 52 and 54 terminate a: spaced Eucations under menfiarang 50; Accordingly; a fluid summation n passage section 40;: and paSsage section 4% h wanna} 52} under membrane 50, and thmugh channel 54: is fomwd. in normak fifling, fluid flows into passage sadism £103 .fi‘a‘m {he pmssmiized fluid scarce through the inserted waive (mt ShQ’Wfl in this figure) in iniet part 42. This pressure :‘bmes 21 m} cizsck waive baii 56 within passage saws-inn 40:3 t 111613011“ batsmen passage s 40a and. 40%; timing that 9am. That. forces fluid 10 flaw up thmugh channel 52 under membrane 5.0 fiver am? back down i 54 to the passage- <emion 40b, The fluid i‘hcn flows out par: 44 and through. supply lumen 36 to the cathet‘cr bailmm. 2E} Return prtassure came; back fi‘om the baihmn to agipas‘ams; C through return lumen ‘26.

The refum 311mm} connects into return port" 48 0f the. body Such that chamber 462.1 receives the pressure {mm hafiom} 14; The pressure buiids in the chamber '} 46%) untii the critical {ex-d for an indicator pap dame SS Simawd on the top e ed“ the pressure can is; reachad. A: that paint; sigma. 58 expands Gun-yam indicating [113$ the appmpriate measure has been reached.

Situated within chamber sectinn 46b is a domed-Shaptzd pmssure-‘respensive valve member (30, Men'xbev 60 is heated mar membrane 5i} and divides r section. 4813 into {WU pmfiung {3+2 and {3%. Pmfim 62 of passage gection 46b is cmmected to {he return iumen through chamber section 469; and pan 48.

As im‘iafimfit of the reiemion balimn continues: the premurra‘. in iOl} 62 0f chamber n 46b increases anti} the pressm‘e—respensiwe rah-‘63 member 63 calf-(1mm pressing rmmbranc 50 (lawn againsi the {top surface afbascc 32.1 at z: point between 131a finds ~01“ ci‘umneb 5?. anti S4 in close the fluid. (201111322103 between channeis 52 and 54, smpping fluid flew the baiiucn.

To aih‘m—r member 60 m coilapae, the air under member 60 must he alimved 1:0 escape; This is done through a pressure relief channel 66 which vents portion 64 of chamber section 46b to the environment.

To empty the balloon, fluid is drawn from inlet port 42. The reduction in pressure draws the fill check valve ball 56 away from the port between passage sections 40a and 40b, allowing fluid to flow out directly from passage n 40b to e section 40a around ball 56. This also creates suction which will collapse the membrane against the top surface of base The pressure-responsive member 60 can be made as or joined with a bi-stable structure, such as a snap dome or any of the other embodiments described herein. Preferably, the pressure-responsive member is constructed to enable a tive snap shut off of flow, making the difference between open and closed states of the valve more distinct and consistent as the flow path will be either totally open or totally closed when the target pressure is reached, regardless of how quickly the balloon is filled. It is also possible to fabricate such a bi-stable member to make a sound indicating to the user that the valve is .

Member 60 may act in concert with a separate spring element 68, as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. This version is similar to the first version shown in Figure 3 with the addition of haped spring element 68 situated under member 60. Element 68 may have several openings n, as shown. Element 68 urges member 60 towards the position shown in the drawing, remote from membrane 50.

To aid in positive closure of the connection between channels 52 and 54 as member 60 is moved by excess pressure in portion 62 of chamber section 46b to a on against membrane 50, a protrusion 70 may be provided on member 68. sion 70 concentrates the force of member 60 on the membrane 50 at the point of the fluid connection between channels 52 and 54. This force-concentrating function could be performed by a te component, an element integral with member 60, or a protrusion integral to the spring element, as shown.

High pressure fill is shut off through the mechanical advantage of the large pressure-responsive valve member 60 countering the small open area under membrane 50.

The pressure of a syringe fill can reach 1000 mmHg so if the desired shutoff pressure is 35 mmHg, a ratio of 29 or more is required. If the ls 52 and 54 are 2mm in diameter, for example, the open area under the membrane can be d to about 18 square mm. This means that the area of the pressure-responsive member should be about 522 square mm or a diameter of about 13 mm. Smaller ratios would be acceptable as the snap shutoff would be a distinct enough change to indicate that filling should stop. Larger ratios may be desirable if a snap action spring element is employed, as additional force may be needed to change the state of the spring t.

Figure 5 rates a third version of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. This version of the apparatus is r to that of Figure 3, with the following exceptions. Base 32 and re cap 34 each have a somewhat different shape. In particular, cap 34 has a protruding top portion 59 enclosing a “V” shaped pressure indicator 58. The member 60 and separate spring element 68 are ed by a bi-stable pressure-responsive valve member 61 in the form of a snap dome with a ted conical shape. Further, in this version, a separate concentrating disc 72 is situated over ne 50.

In a fourth version of the first preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 6 and 7, two separate flow paths between fluid inlet port 42 and fluid outlet port 44 are created, one for inflation and a second for deflation. Creating separate fluid flow paths eliminates the necessity for having a discrete check valve, such as fill check valve ball 56, with passage section 40b.

In this version, body 30 of the apparatus takes the form of a hollow cylindrical member 30a which has a rigid top surface 80 upon which the flexible element, in the form of membrane 50, is supported. Surface 80 has four openings or ports therein which are situated over the ends of branches of the channels which connect passage sections 40a and 40b, as ned below. In this version, membrane 50 has an opening 82 therein.

A rigid or semi-rigid disc-like retainer 84 is situated over membrane 50 to hold the membrane in place on surface 80. Retainer 84 may be fixed in place in any suitable manner, such as with fasteners, a snap fit, or by bonding it to body 30a. The retainer maintains sealing contact between membrane 50 and surface 80 of body 30a. It includes features that define the areas within which the membrane can flex and allow flow beneath it between desired branches.

In ular, er 84 has an oval-shaped opening 86 that permits the membrane to flex and allow flow beneath the membrane between branches 52a and 54a and therefore from the inlet 42 to the outlet 44. Furthermore, er 84 has an oval shaped relief 88 in its bottom surface that permits the membrane to also flex and allow flow beneath the membrane n branches 54b and 52b and therefore from the outlet 44 to the inlet 42.

As is best seen from Figures 8a-8c, directional control of flow between passage sections 40a and 40b may be achieved by creating two separate flow paths. In order to do that, each of the channels 52 and 54 is separated into two branches 52a, 52b, and 54a, 54b, respectively, as illustrated in Figure 8a.

The flow paths under membrane 50, between branches 52a and 54a, and between branches 54a and 54b, are separated from one another, either by retainer 84 or by selective bonding of the membrane to the valve seat surface 80. Opening 82 in membrane 50 is aligned with the end of branch 52b, as shown in Figure 7. The area above the membrane between branches 54b and 52b is enclosed by relief 88, which prevents fluid that passes through opening 82 from escaping this area.

As is best seen in Figure 8b, during inflation, fluid can flow from branch 52a to branch 54a, under the portion of membrane 50 aligned with opening 86 in retainer 84. Once the target fluid pressure in the ion balloon is d, that pressure is present in portion 62 of passage section 46b (see Figure 7), and causes member 60 to move to its normal position remote from membrane 50 shown in the drawing to a second position, t the urging of spring 68. Movement of member 60 and spring element 68 to that position causes protrusion 70 on spring 68 to move through opening 86 in retainer 84, ng the aligned portion of membrane 50 toward e 80, and cutting off the flow from branch 52a to branch 54a, in the same manner as in the aforementioned versions of this preferred embodiment. Alternately the protrusion 70 may be mounted to the top surface of the membrane, tric with branch 52a.

Once the connection between branches 52a and 54a is obstructed, fluid pressure is ed through branch 52b and opening 82 in membrane 50. That pressurizes the surface of ne 50 above branch 54b and bounded by relief 88, preventing fluid flow into branch 54b. In this condition, fluid flow out of outlet port 44 is prevented.

When fluid is withdrawn from the balloon, as shown in Figure 8c, the fluid flows into body 30a from outlet port 44, passes through branch 54b, under membrane 50 into branch 52b, and out of fluid inlet port 42. Under this condition, negative pressure in branch 52a holds the ne 50 t surface 80, and flow through the body is conducted between branch 54b and branch 52b, and tely to passage section 40a and inlet port 42. Under this condition, g 82 in membrane 50 causes pressure on either side of the membrane to equalize. This prevents the membrane from blocking flow between branches 54b and 52b.

A first version of a second preferred ment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 9. In this version, the body 30b of apparatus C has a fluid inlet port 42, a fluid outlet port 44 connected to the fluid inlet of n 14 by supply lumen 16, a passage 40 extending from fluid supply port 42 to fluid return port 44, a passage 46 and a return port 48 connecting passage 46 to balloon 14 by return lumen 26, as in the first preferred embodiment, but with a somewhat different layout.

However, in the second preferred embodiment, a pressure relief valve 90 is located in passage section 46b to allow excess fluid to escape from the balloon, but only during inflation of the balloon. Fluid flow from the balloon, through return port 48 and passage n 46a into passage section 46b is prevented by a pair of valves 92 and 94. Valves 92 and 94 are mechanically ted to work together by a connector 96 which extends through a channel 98 between passage 40 and passage 46.

The first valve 92 is situated in e section 40a between fluid input port 42 and passage section 40b which in turn is connected to fluid outlet port 44. The second valve 94 is situated in channel 98 between passage sections 46a and 46b, thus between return port 48 (and thus the fluid outlet 28 of the balloon) and re relief valve 90. Connector 96 causes first valve 92 and second valve 94 to move together from a closed position to an open position (shown in the drawing) in response to the connector ated with the pressurized fluid source shown in this figure as the tip of syringe 18, being ed in fluid inlet port 42 of the body.

Connector 96 may take the form of mechanical means ing between passage section 40b and passage section 46b. A seal 100 is provided for sealing channel 98 such that fluid cannot flow from passage section 40b to passage section 46b.

Spring means 102 associated with valve 92 are ed for urging valve 92 and valve 94 to move from the open position toward the closed position.

In a second version of the second preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 10, valve 94 is replaced by a “duckbill” valve 104 which is opened through lateral deformation of the valve. Otherwise, the structure and operation of the apparatus is essentially the same as in the first version of the second preferred embodiment.

In a third red embodiment, the pressure relief valve is ated and the valve in chamber section 40a is no longer actuated to open in response to the insertion into fluid inlet port 42 of the connector associated with the pressurized fluid source. However, there is still a spring-loaded valve 110, including a spring 112, associated with fluid inlet port 42 to t fluid from escaping through that port when the connector is not present.

In the first version of the third preferred embodiment, rated in Figure 11, the fluid flow preventing means includes a normally open valve 114 situated in passage 40 n the fluid input port 42 and the fluid outlet port 44. A portion of the external wall of the body 30c which defines chamber 46, has an opening 116. ed within g 116 in the body wall is a flexible means, such as a membrane or a diaphragm 118, which is moveable between the position shown in the drawing, to an extended position in the direction of the arrow. There is also an g 120 in the wall which defines passage 40 and an opening 122 between passage 40 and passage 46. Openings 120 and 122 are aligned with each other and with opening 116.

Flexible seals 124 and 126 are provided to seal openings 120 and 122, respectively.

A connector 128 extends between flexible means 118 and valve 114 such that valve 114 moves with flexible means 118. In the position shown in the g, valve 114 opens passage 40 and allows fluid flow between fluid inlet port 42 and fluid outlet port 44 to permit inflation of the balloon. However, when the pressure in the balloon, and hence in chamber 46, exceeds a pre-determined level, flexible means 118 will move to its extended position, in the direction of the arrow. That will cause connector 128 to close valve 114, preventing additional fluid from entering the balloon. Connector 128 can move freely through openings 120 and 122 without any fluid er h those gs due to seals 124 and 126.

In a second version of the third preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 12, normally open valve 114 is still present in passage 40 and still permits inflation of the n until the predetermined pressure level is reached. However, in this version, valve 114 is mounted on a flexible seal 115, and opening 116 in the external body wall and flexible means 118 are replaced by flexible means 130, situated in chamber 46, which is moveable between its normal open on and a second position, the latter position being illustrated in the drawing. Means 130 in this version may take the form of a diaphragm.

Connecting means 128 connects flexible means 130 and valve 114 for closing valve 114 when flexible means 130 is moved from its normally open position to the second position, shown in the drawing, by the fluid pressure in chamber 46 ing the predetermined level.

In a third version of the third preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 13, flexible means 130 takes the form of bi-stable means, preferably a dome-shaped member 132. The dome-shaped member 132 may be formed of rigid or semi-rigid material. In this figure, valve 114 is shown in its normally open position but is moved to a position g passage 40 in response to the pressure in passage 46 exceeding the predetermined level.

In a fourth version of the third preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 14, flexible means 130 takes the form of a diaphragm 130 which is situated between the dome-shaped member 132 and chamber 46. In this figure, dome-shaped member 132 is shown in its flexed position, closing valve 114 such that no additional fluid can be supplied to the balloon though passage 40.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present ion, an inflatable return balloon, connected to retention balloon 14 through return lumen 26 and fluid return port 48, is situated within passage 46 of body 30c of the apparatus. The return balloon controls the fluid flow through passage 40. When the return balloon is inflated by a pressure exceeding the pre-determined re level in the retention balloon, it ts further fluid from flowing through e 40 to balloon 14.

The first version of the fourth preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 15, is similar in structure to the versions of the second preferred embodiment except that return balloon 140 replaces flexible means 118 of Figure 11, diaphragm 130 of Figure 112, dome-shaped member 132 of Figure 13 or the dome-shaped/diaphragm ation of Figure 14, as the means for moving the valve within passage 40.

As shown in Figure 15, return n 140 is connected to return port 48 and hence to balloon 14 h return lumen 26 and balloon return port 28. The fluid flow ting means includes valve 114 situated in passage 40, between the fluid inlet port 42 and the fluid outlet port 44. Connector 128 extends n the return balloon 140 in passage 46 and valve 114 such that the valve is closed by the inflation of the return balloon 140, when the fluid pressure in the fluid outlet 128 of the retention balloon exceeds the given pressure level.

Prei‘erabiy, return balloon .140 has a mmidal shape and definea a. central opening.

Cmnectoi‘ 128 extends timugh the. central Opening in the whim baiimn.

A second versinn oftiie fourth 'preferreii Embudiment is iiiustrated in Figure 16, which is a croswseciionai view of a different Ci'mflgmiaiiiim apgarams bad}; 3&1 and Figm‘e '17 which skews the agiparatus in, p‘ei‘speciive View. i3} this versian, passage 46 takes the farm 9f {-1 fiexibie tubs: i422. Tim return. baiiuon HQ in passage 46 times fiexibic tube ME to cut off fluid flew m retention baiiuun 14 when i‘emm baiimn 140 is inflated by ized fluid in the fluid outiet 28 0f the retentian baiimm exceeding the predetemnined pi‘eizsure have}.

Pi‘eferabiy, flexible tube 142 has first and semnd suiismntialiy paraiiei sections 2423 and MZb. ”flies. iei sections 14221 and MZB are. cmnmcied by a “W shaped n £44. The main: haiioon 140,‘Wi1€€1}. inflawd with fluid beyand i213 predetermined presgure ievei) presses on pamiiei sactiims i423, 14% of tube Hi} K) singe- ihe. tube anti prevent further fluid flew to rim refeniicm haiiflmi.

A pressure- piatc 146 may be interposed between the return haiioon HO and flexibie tube 142, adjacent ei sections 142-3 and i421). A pressure. indicator 148 assoc-izfied with pressure 2E} piate 146 “my be used as a visual mr ofihe finici Ul‘E in the i‘etem‘iun balloon.

The fifth prei‘hfied mnbmiimem of 'ihfl present. invention. is iilusirated in Figures 38 and. ii}. in this; en'ibodimem. a valve 350 is assnciaied with fluid inlet port 5&2. Waive 150 is imiimaiiy in ii closed. position. The waive. is moveabis to an spam pasi’ticn when a Luei‘4we cmmectm 15:2 asamciaiied wiih a rized fluid E is received in the fluid inlet pm: 4E 03“ the body. in the. first verfiion Of this fifth prihrrcd cm‘bndimmm iliustrated in Figure iii, the. over inflation preventing means incindes a pen 154 in passage 46. A duckbiii check waive 186 is; assaciated with pen“. 1:34. A pivot EUR] 158 is actuated by the. Liner—mpg commenter 15:3 associated with the rizefi fluid source g received in the fluid iniet port 42 oi‘fim body to open the duckhiii check vahse 156. Opening the duckhiii cheats}: vain-‘3 ifsti ailuws excess fluid to escape passage 46 and hence prevent Liver inflation iif the. imi balimn, Figure 19 iiiusti‘ams a semiid version m“ the fifth pi'e‘farred enibodin‘ierit 0f the. prawn: imr‘emiim. This n is similar t0 the vergion iiiusn'ated in Figure 18 excegit that an umi‘il‘fllifi pressure reiiei’ valve 160 is situated in passage 46 n the fluid outlet of the retentimi 13313901) and duckbiii check vaive 156. The flexible structure of iigmbtreiia mix-*6 160 urges the. umbreiia valve Inward the closed pgxs'ition. Hmweves’, when the ptessum in the retention b31100}: exceeds the ptedetennined pressure {eve}: umhrelia va‘ive .160 win open ailowing excess fluid to pass and be expei’ied during infl Mien, WhEH the Later-type cmmectar is ed in fluid inks: pen 4;}, opening the duckbjli. valve 3.56. in all Bf the abeve preferred embodimeum the (semester assuciared with. the pressurized fluid source may take the form Ufa portiun vi" a syringe m a c co.n.11cct0r. Further, means for visuaiiy inflicming when the pressure of the fluid in the. retention bailmn exceeds the pie—— detemained pressure 12421 may be employed. For exampie, as saw in Figures 3 4 and 5, the re ing means may take the form of a. means assnuiaieci with the wail 0f passagfi 46 which is mambie between a normal prm‘sit'ien and am extended pmsition. The pregame httdicafing means s {mm its 110mm! pasitiun is its exiandad pagitmn in I‘espanse to the fluid pressure in the second e exceeding; the priz-detmmimzd kiwi in the mlume 11mm ; approach to {he m-‘er infiafion prabiamw three differem ed ments are: described, as fmicnws.

The sixth preferred embodiment of the pmsemt invemiun is mummified in Figums .2!) 2E} through 25‘. Figures 20 and 21 ShOW the arrangenwm of the compenems of thia embodiment, befare am? afier baiiomn inflation, respectiveiy. A paddle wheel is used. 1'0 monitor the. mhgme of fluid pmvjded m and rammed fmm reten'timl baiimm '14. Pa‘cidie whesi NO is: connected to a manua‘iiy actuated syringe 1:8. Associamd with paiidle whee! 1’50 ii: a pressure accumuiatm 172.

The ; whats} W2 mi‘aticm uperaiea a vai've 174 sinsaatefi between the paddia whee? and 31mph" 111mm 16, Va'ive 1374 is chased t0 prevent additiunal fluid fmm being pmvidfid m the. retention baflmn when the xv‘oiume 0f fluid in {he halimn ‘ex‘ceedx a m‘ade‘iermmed level Ali fluid flaw into and em (if the retentiun {35310011 is famed t0 pass through. paddie whee} 1'76. The: paddte wheel 378 is mutated by the fluid flow, {1“ the fluid is mssihier, the paddie whee? rotation HEM-'31! accurately1113111th the ammmt Gffiuid passing through the paddie whee}.

When the desired amount of fluid is in the retention balloon, the. accumulamd rofation of the pifldic whee}. causes valve 174 m clusa ing additmml fluid flow flaw-mg film the maxim) 1333300211 and hence we: inflation, of the Tasman bal'iom.

Figum '28 shows that say: force is apyiied m the phmger 0f syringe ES fluid flows through the paddie whfiei housing 180, rotating thfi paddle wheai £70 therein, and through vaive 1‘74 which is open, up the supply lumen 16 and into retention balloon 14. As shown in Figure 21, as additional force is applied to the plunger of syringe 18, the paddle wheel continues to rotate until the predetermined volume of fluid has been provided to the retention balloon. At that point, the accumulated rotation of the paddle wheel results in valve 174 being closed, preventing further fluid from entering the retention balloon.

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the ents of this embodiment in greater detail. Figure 23 is an exploded view of the components. s 24 and 25 show in detail the mechanical connection between the paddle wheel and the valve.

The paddle wheel 170 is situated in a g 180. Housing 180 has an inlet port 182 connected to receive fluid from the syringe and an outlet port 184 connected to the retention n through supply lumen 16 and valve 174. In this ment valve 174 takes the form of a sleeve valve. Valve 174 has a cylindrical housing 183 and an internal valve body 185 which rotates within housing 183.

A cam follower member 186 is fixed to the end of the rotatable valve body 185 such that rotation of the cam follower member causes the valve body to rotate within the valve housing.

The valve body 185 is hollow and has aligned fluid ports 188 on either side, only one of which is visible in Figure 23. When the valve body is in the position shown in Figure 23, the valve is closed and no fluid can flow from the syringe to the retention balloon. When the valve body is rotated by the cam follower member 90 degrees, ports 188 of the valve body align with port 184 of valve housing 183 and supply lumen 16 such that fluid can flow from the syringe to the retention balloon.

Valve cam 190 is situated on the end of housing 180. It has a cylindrical configuration with an open end which faces the paddle wheel within housing 180. As seen in the cut-away n of the valve cam in Figure 23, the interior surface of the side wall of valve cam 190 has a ferential channel 190 with an L-shaped end, best seen in Figures 24 and 25.

Valve cam 190 is rotated by cam drive gears 192 between a valve closed position shown in Figure 24 and a valve open position shown in Figure 25. The valve cam is normally in the valve open position as fluid is ed from the syringe to the retention balloon and paddle wheel 170 is d. The diaphragm 194 of accumulator 172 allows a limited volume of fluid to collect in the lator. The fluid stored in the accumulator allows enough fluid volume to be withdrawn to permit the paddle wheel to rotate in a reversed direction sufficiently for the valve to reopen.

Figures 24 and 25 show the “L” shaped end of channel 196. When valve cam 190 moves from the valve open position of Figure 25 to the valve closed position of Figure 24, cam follower member 186 is rotated one quarter turn in the counterclockwise ion. That causes valve body 185 to rotate to close valve 174 and prevent additional fluid from ng the balloon. When the plunger of the syringe is withdrawn from the syringe body to deflate the retention balloon, the vacuum caused by the withdrawal of the plunger causes the paddle wheel 170 to rotate in the te direction, which in turn causes the valve cam 190 to return to its valve open position. That opens valve 174 and allows the fluid in the retention balloon to flow back into the syringe.

A h preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 26, 27 and 28 which show the apparatus prior to balloon inflation, after balloon inflation and during balloon deflation, respectively. In this preferred embodiment, the fluid system is closed, meaning that a fixed amount of fluid remains in the system but is transferred between a collapsible reservoir and the retention balloon.

As seen in these figures, this embodiment of the apparatus includes a fluid reservoir 200 with a rigid bottom housing 201 having one n with a collapsible top 202. Applying re to top 202 s the or volume of the reservoir forcing fluid from the housing into retention balloon 14 through supply lumen 16. ed within the other section of housing 201, between the section with collapsible top 202 and the connection to the supply lumen, is a set of three pressure indicators 206 which indicate when the pressure in the retention balloon is low (L), medium (M) or high (H). A manually actuated valve 204 is located between reservoir 200 and the supply lumen.

Figure 26 shows the tus prior to inflation. In that state, collapsible top 202 has a dome-like configuration.

The balloon is inflated by applying pressure to the flexible top 202 of reservoir 200 such that fluid is forced out of reservoir 200 and into the retention n through pressure indicator 206, open valve 204 and lumen 16. As seen in Figure 27, when pressure is applied to top 202, it collapses into the housing to force the fluid into the retention balloon. When the pressure inglicaxor 206 indicates that {he pressure in the» balloon has reached the desired. level} be ‘amso a sufficient volume of fluid has been ed to fully mflme tho balloon, the operator closes valve 204.

As seen. in Figure 28? during dol‘lai‘ion, valve Elle; is opened by the operator and the force applied to the top 203-: of the: rose-wait is Released such that top 292. can rsmm to is normal tlomo~liko shape. That cameo fluid from the. balloon to leave the. balloon and flow hack into the oir, deflating the balloon.

An eighth. preferred embodiment of the garment invention is illustrated in Figures 29 and. '30, This rammed-low}: also has a closed volume: system with a fixed. amount of fluid and utilizes a variable $13}an resewoir to px‘oviale fluid to and rmmwo fluid from the retention balloon. In this embodiment. the variable volui‘ne reservoir {alias the form of a syringe IS with. an ated hollows—like portion 21%;}, A ly actuateé who 25!? is simmod. between syringe 18 and.

Supply 1111113111 16.

Figure 29 shows the apparatus prior to balloon ioflation. In this x bellows—like ponion 31f} is in its. most extended position such, that {he capaciw of the syringe is at its highest level. 2E} Ewing the inflation pa‘oceos, as illustrated in Figure ‘30,, force is applied to bellows—like a 310 oath that it collapses? reducing the internal volmne of the reservoir and g fluid lo mow from the syringe. through valve 2 l2. and lumen 16 to the balloon. When the balloon is fully inflatom valve. 212 is closed by the operator such that she. fluid. is rota-nod in the balloon. During dollatiom who ‘3. l '2 35 opened and the fluid from. {he balloon flows back into the Say-ring: wooing hallmos—iilm n 219 to oxpanfi as the. balloon tos.

A proswre gauge, or other means of indicating the pressm‘o in. the system, not. ShOWH? may be use-d to alert. the user When the n is inflated to a desired pregsure and the valve should be. closed, The total volume available to fill the balloon is: limited. thus preventing gross mrorfili. ll will now b6 appreciamd that the present, ion relates to z»: C-éi‘illfll'ef retention balloon fill line ohut off apparatus that utilizes ’le pressure in. a fluid return. ion to the balloon separate from the fluid. supply comedian, to close a valve associated. with the fill line to stog the .i';.1.l’lo'w of fluid. The fill line slim. ofl‘ apparatus is connected to or incorporated in the fill port of the cathoter.

In (me preferred ment, re in the return iim: expands m inverts s fiesibie eiement dispiacing a, valve and stopping flow into the bailann. 'l‘hs flsxible eiement may be a. membrane, diaghragm, baiiaon or tube. A map action spring may be used for dosing the overflii presenter waive when the pressure in the haiioan. i‘eschss a i‘n‘xiusd naive and the pressure in the I‘Efiim‘fl waive. actuates the snag: action sgnring.

Tbs flcxibic member is secured to a bass to create a path {a carry fluid flow the supply side part m the mule: side of the valve. A pressure—.respensive ng masher presses an the membrane is ssai the fluid flaw path, The: defbmmble member has at} area significamiy iarger than, the flow area unfim‘ the membrane :0 psrmit {he lower pressme of the retentinn baiimm :0 step the higher pressure How.

Preferably, the pr‘essurésespunsive member may take the Form of a. gimme, The member dcfurms sudfieniy when a predeterminsd pressure is reached. The mbie sanctum incorporates or is made as a. 5113 p dame.

The apgpai‘ams bedy is fbrmed of two 1110}de Structures thaf [in not have flaw passing between them except {1mmgh the catheter balimon, An integrated indicator that signals prior tn or 28 simuiianeous with the valve closing off may be provided. The indicamr is capabie Qfexpanding to indicate {ha pressure in the return fine, A Check waive s a 33:33:3st flew path {as stemming fluid fmm the. haiimn. The check vaive eiemem is a ball, flap, duck biil, fl? umbmiia ‘vaiva In another embadimeng the check Yak-"s eiemem s (if two or mom addiiimmi ports in conjunction with the fissibie membrane.

The msbis structures are {unified silicone rubber, poiyurethane m other thermopiastic eiasmme—r, in summer pref‘em‘eii embodiment, a pressure m’iief valve drains inside m mmside of the catheter. The re refiet‘vaive may be iucsted inside or outside. 0f the t when the disisi and of the catheter is retained within the patienfs rectum. The fluid is 011i}; accessibie to the pnessure rsiief’ waive during inflatimlr when {he cmmecm‘n‘ associated wi‘ih the pressurised fluid saume is sd to the catheter. hi another einln'idi1n.eni:_, 3 Issues 03" mher connector actuated doubie valve is utiiised to regulam fluid access in the mlief waive. The. double- valve incimics a first Wm: with a vsivs sygtem, The fame stem extends into a chamber to open a gamma? valva The. 326mm waive is a duck‘aili waive. The $31er stem distmts the finckbill vaive m ape-n it. The 360mm vaive inciudes a. valve cap and vaive seat "3721:? vahre cap is 'he’id against the. val“? seat uniess the secemd valve is actuated. The firm and semnd waives me imagmmd mm a Single part In 3130:1133?emhadimem the everfiii pmtecmr es two chambers, a £211 chamber and a return chamber. A compiiam g eiemmt is mounted an said valve 51mm. The mmpiiam sealing eiement seals. a stem g between the {ma chambem when. the waives are actuated in another embodiment, a membrane i3 associated with the waive stem. The remm tine fluid prefisure expands or inverts the membrane so as m pm} the vaive stem and. ‘utiosa the fiif fine- mix-vs- stepping fluid flow 3mm the bailouts, A : mentibrane seal 53 hen—veer: the fill line and return line. The valve SKESH s outsifla {the opposite side of the fill chamber with a fienibie membrane sea] so as m bahnce the m: chamber pmssm‘fi of [ht waive :5th The seal} between thfi fill Hue and the remm Hm is a sfiding sent n the homing and valve mam. 1n annther embedimeng the b33901} is inflated by {he return fine. causing a. valve stem :0 dose a valve an the fin fine. The. balloon is annular or nearly anmfiar and. the: waive stem gasses 2E} through the ng. in the. bafieen.

In another embedimem, 'fiexibie mbing capable afbemg trimmed is part. of the. {3!} line, A return {721110011 inflated by the return fine crix‘nps the tubing ng fluid flow inm {he ian barman. A stiff aiement may he simawd between the ei‘impabie tubing and the return baiium}.

The stiff eimzem cancexm'aies the. farce finm the return hailaan m1 I113 tubing The. siifi" eiemem may-11130 act as a presszu‘t: indicatnr.

White mfly a limited number 0’? preferred embodiments 9f the pteseni imseni‘igm have been disciased for purgaoses of iiiiustz'arim; it is ohvicms that many madificazions and variations mum bi! made thereto. it is hitended :9 cover a“ of 31052 modifications and vafiations which fa.“ within the scopa of the preseni inventiom as defined by the {0310mmg claims,

Claims (40)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An apparatus for limiting fluid pressure in a medical catheter retention balloon designed for use with a source of pressurized fluid having a tor associated 5 therewith, wherein a catheter has a supply fluid path from the apparatus for filling the medical catheter retention balloon and a return fluid path icating with the l catheter retention balloon connected to the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body with a fluid inlet port for receiving the connector ated with the pressurized fluid source and a fluid outlet port; 10 a first passage connecting said fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of said body; a second passage connected to said return fluid path; and means for preventing fluid flow through said first passage when the fluid pressure in said second passage s a predetermined level.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid flow preventing means 15 comprises a le means, said movable means provided for dividing said second passage into a first portion connected to said return fluid path and a second portion, said moveable means being movable between a first position, wherein fluid flow through said first passage is not obstructed, and a second position wherein fluid flow through said first e is obstructed, said moveable means being moved from said first position to said 20 second position in response to fluid pressure in said first portion of said second passage exceeding said predetermined level.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising flexible means located in said second portion of said second passage, said flexible means defining a normally open portion of said first fluid passage, wherein said normally open portion is closed by said moveable 25 means g on said flexible means when said moveable means is in said second position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first passage comprises a first n connected to said supply fluid path, and a second section connected to said return fluid path, and wherein said normally open portion of said first fluid e at least partially defines a connection n said first section of said first e and said second section of said 30 first passage.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said moveable means is situated either in said first position or in said second position.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 5 further comprising means associated with said moveable means for urging said moveable means toward said first position.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein said moveable means 5 comprises a dome-shaped member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said dome-shaped member is formed of rigid or semi-rigid material.

9. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said flexible means comprises a membrane.

10 10. The apparatus of any one of claims 3, 4 and 9 further comprising means situated in said second portion of said second passage for concentrating the effect of said moveable means on said le means.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said concentrating means comprises a plastic disc. 15

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 11 r comprising means for venting said second portion of said second passage.

13. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a one-way valve situated in said first section of said first passage for preventing fluid flow between said first section and said second section of said first passage, except through said connection defined by said flexible 20 means, when said pressurized fluid source is connected to said fluid inlet port of said body to inflate said medical catheter ion balloon.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 13 further comprising pressure indicating means associated with said first portion of said second e.

15. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first section of said first passage 25 comprises first and second branches, wherein said second section of said first passage comprises first and second branches, wherein said connection ses a connection between said first branch of said first section and said first branch of said second section, and r sing a structure comprising a surface situated over said branches upon which said flexible means is ted, said e having ports aligned with said first and second branches of said first section and said first and second branches of said second section, respectively, and a retainer for holding said flexible means on said structure surface, said retainer having a first opening aligned with said ports aligned with said first branch of said first section and said first branch of said second n, such that said 5 moveable means causes said flexible means to close the connection n said port aligned with said first branch of said first section and said port aligned with said first branch of said second section, when said moveable means is in said second position.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 n said flexible means has a hole aligned with said port aligned with said second branch of said second section, and wherein said 10 retainer comprises a second opening ed over said hole in said le means.

17. The apparatus for claim 15 or claim 16 further comprising means for allowing fluid to be withdrawn from said balloon when said moveable means is in said first position.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said fluid flow 15 preventing means ses a normally open valve situated in said first passage between said fluid input port and said fluid outlet port, flexible means situated in said second passage, and means for connecting said flexible means and said valve for g said valve when the fluid pressure in said second passage exceeds said ermined level.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising means for sealing said first 20 passage from said second passage.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or claim 19 wherein said second passage comprises a wall with an opening and wherein said le means is associated with said wall opening.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said fluid flow 25 preventing means comprises a normally open valve situated in said first passage between said fluid input port and said fluid outlet port, means situated in said second passage moveable between a normal position and a second position, and means for connecting said moveable means and said valve for closing said valve when said moveable means is moved to said second position by the fluid re in said second passage exceeding said 30 predetermined level.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said moveable means comprises bi-stable means.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said bi-stable means comprises a dome-shaped member. 5

24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said dome-shaped member is formed of rigid or semi-rigid material.

25. The tus of claim 23 or claim 24 wherein said moveable means further comprises a diaphragm situated proximate said dome-shaped member.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 21 to 25 further comprising means for 10 sealing said first passage from said second passage.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said fluid flow ting means comprises a valve in said first passage between said fluid inlet port and said fluid outlet port, an inflatable balloon situated in said second passage and connected to said fluid outlet of said medical catheter retention balloon and means for connecting said 15 able balloon in said second passage and said valve such that said valve is closed by the inflation of said inflatable balloon in said second passage, when the fluid re in said medical er retention balloon fluid outlet exceeds said predetermined pressure level.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said inflatable balloon in said second passage defines a central opening through which said connecting means extends. 20

29. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 n said first passage comprises a flexible tube and wherein said fluid flow preventing means comprises a balloon in said second passage connected to said n fluid outlet, said balloon in said second passage g said flexible tube when inflated by pressurized fluid in said balloon fluid outlet exceeding said predetermined level. 25

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said flexible tube comprises first and second ntially parallel ns connected by a “U” shaped section.

31. The apparatus of claim 29 or claim 30 further comprising a pressure plate interposed between said balloon in said second e and said flexible tube.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a pressure indicator associated with said re plate.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17 further comprising a valve associated with said fluid inlet port of said body, said valve being normally in a closed 5 position and moveable to an open position when a connector associated with said pressurized fluid source is ed in said fluid inlet port of said body.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the connector associated with the rized fluid source comprises a part of said syringe.

35. The tus of claim33 wherein the connector associated with the 10 pressurized fluid source comprises a Luer-type connector.

36. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 35 wherein said pressurized fluid source comprises a syringe.

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 34 and 36 wherein the tor associated with the pressurized fluid source comprises a Luer-type connector. 15

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 37 further comprising means for ly indicating when the pressure of the fluid in said balloon fluid outlet exceeds said predetermined level.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said second passage has a wall and wherein said re indicating means comprises means associated with said wall movable 20 between a normal position and an extended position, wherein said pressure indicating means moves from said normal position to said extended position in response to the fluid pressure in said second passage exceeding said predetermined level.

40. An apparatus for limiting fluid pressure in a medical er retention balloon, the apparatus substantially as before described with reference to any one of 25 embodiments one, three and four, as illustrated in accompanying drawings 1 to 8 and 11 to