X. Chaufour et al., DIAMETER OF LARGE BALLOONS USED IN ENDOLUMINAL GRAFT DEPLOYMENT VARIES WITH INFLATION PRESSURE, Journal of endovascular surgery, 5(2), 1998, pp. 113-119
Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of large-diameter balloon cat
heters used during endoluminal repair of aortic aneurysms. Methods: Th
irty-three large balloon dilatation catheters in the diameter range of
15 to 30 mm were measured at controlled pressures from 1 to 4 atm. Th
e balloons were inflated with water using an inflation syringe connect
ed to a pressure transducer. Diameters at stable pressure and pressure
changes against time were recorded for each balloon. Results: Dilatio
n catheters in the range of 15 to 20 mm in diameter were significantly
smaller (p < 0.005) than their nominal diameter at 1 and 2 atm; they
reached nominal diameter only at the relatively high pressure of 4 atm
. Most larger diameter balloons (25 and 30 mm) did not attain their no
minal diameter even with pressures up to 4 atm. All sizes of balloon c
atheters tested became relatively compliant at pressures > 3 atm. Conc
lusions: The large balloon catheters tested in this study were designe
d for arterial angioplasty or valvuloplasty. They attained a significa
ntly smaller size than their nominal diameter at pressures < 3 atm and
became compliant at pressures exceeding 3 atm. Interventionists shoul
d be aware of these characteristics when using balloon catheters such
as these during endoluminal graft deployment. Large balloons that reac
h predictable diameter at lower pressures should be designed specifica
lly for use in endoluminal graft procedures.