Apparatus for sensing and responding to strain in airway dilation shaft

A system for measuring pressure changes within an inflatable balloon, the system comprising:

• (a) an inflatable balloon;
• (b) a catheter in fluid communication with the inflatable balloon, wherein the catheter is configured to deliver fluid to the inflatable balloon;
• (c) a force sensor in communication with the inflatable balloon, wherein the force sensor is operable to detect a force associated with the inflatable balloon;
• (d) a control module in communication with the force sensor, wherein the control module is operable to process at least one measurement taken by the force sensor;
• and
• (e) a feedback device in communication with the control module, wherein the feedback device is configured to alert a user based at least in part on data from the force sensor.

A method of dilating an anatomical passageway using an inflatable balloon and a balloon catheter, wherein the balloon catheter comprises a force sensor, the method comprising:

• (a) inserting the inflatable balloon into a passageway a patient;
• (b) inflating the inflatable balloon to dilate a region within the passageway;
• (c) measuring a force related parameter associated with the inflatable balloon;
• and
• (d) comparing the measured force against a threshold value.