A balloon inflator for inflating a balloon from a cartridge of compressed gas (B) comprises: a seal breaking means (F) for breaking a seal of the cartridge to release the compressed gas; an actuating means (M); and a gas outlet (J) in communication with the cartridge and the balloon, wherein the actuating means (M) is arranged to allow the seal breaking means (F) to pierce and break the seal such that the balloon inflates with compressed gas from the cartridge (B). The seal breaking mean may include a magnetic piercing member (G,F) held in a fixed position by a holding line (L), and a magnetic collar (E) in magnetic attraction with the piercing member (G,F). The actuation means (M) may be a heating element arranged to release the holding line (L). Once the holding line (L) is released the piercing member (G,F) is released to move under magnetic attraction to break the seal allowing gas from the cartridge (B) to inflate the balloon.
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