Apparatus for sensing and responding to strain in airway dilation shaft

An apparatus includes a balloon catheter, an inflatable balloon, and a force sensor. The balloon catheter is operable to communicate fluid to the balloon. The balloon is disposed on the distal end of the balloon catheter. The balloon is positionable within an airway or other anatomical passageway of a patient. The force sensor is positioned along the balloon catheter or in the balloon and is able to detect a physical change within the balloon catheter or balloon. A control logic may trigger a response based on readings by the force measuring device. For instance, the control logic may trigger an alert when a force related parameter exceeds a threshold; or when a rate of change in the parameter exceeds a threshold. In addition or in the alternative, the control logic may trigger a feature that is operable to reduce fluid pressure in the balloon in response to such conditions.