Abstract: A method of stopping bleeding around a catheter when an insertion sheath is removed is disclosed. This method involves using a novel tapered hemostatic device that can be moved along the catheter tube into the puncture site. The tapered hemostatic device of the present invention has an inner diameter that is just sufficient to permit the catheter tube to slide therethrough and a tapered outer diameter which at the distal end of the device is slightly larger than the inside diameter and at the proximal end of the device is at least as large as the outside diameter of the insertion sheath used to place the catheter in the blood vessel. The hemostatic device is moved down the catheter tube into the puncture site where the device stops the bleeding. Using a hemostasis cuff at the proximal end of the device to stop blood flow between the tapered hemostatic device of the invention and the catheter is also disclosed.The hemostatic device may contain a longitudinal channel along the wall of the device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed which is flexible yet transmits positive torque when rotated in the direction for unwrapping the balloon. The balloon catheter comprises a hollow catheter having a proximate end and a distal end, an inflatable and deflatable balloon having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of the balloon being sealably attached to the distal end of the catheter for admitting fluid (generally a gas) and withdrawing fluid from the balloon, and a flexible central lumen disposed within said hollow catheter and having a proximate end and a distal end, said distal end of said central lumen being sealably attached to the distal end of the balloon, said central lumen comprising a flexible core wrapped spirally with a spring-like material so that the wrapped core can transmit positive torque when rotated in one direction. Preferably, the flexible core is made of a polymeric or elastomeric tube so that access to the aorta can be obtained through it.