An apparatus for modulating the pressure of a fluid such as a gas within the
expandable
portion of a guide wire catheter. A preferred embodiment apparatus features a mechanism
for controllably gripping and releasing the open, proximal end of a tubular guide
wire, a mechanism for introducing a fluid to a desired pressure and volume into
the expandable portion of the tubular guide wire through the open end, and, while
maintaining the pressure and volume of fluid in the tubular guide wire, a mechanism
for introducing a sealing member into the open end of the tubular guide wire to
seal the fluid in the tubular guide wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment,
the apparatus also features a deflation tool for piercing the seal and letting
the fluid out. Using this apparatus, the tubular guide wire can be re-sealed and
re-opened as necessary.
