Abstract: A single lumen balloon catheter assembly comprising a body region having a proximal and a distal end; a balloon portion extending distal of said body region and having a proximal and a distal end, said balloon portion comprising an inflatable balloon and a balloon inner member disposed within said inflatable balloon between balloon portion proximal and distal ends, said inner member being adapted to maintain the axial length of said balloon portion generally constant during inflation; a valve portion extending distal of said balloon portion and having an area of decreased inner diameter to define a proximal valve surface proximal of said area and a distal valve surface distal of said area, said surfaces being adapted to engage a plug to form a seal therewith; and a lumen having extending through said body region, balloon portion and valve portion, said lumen having a proximal and a distal end and being in fluid communication with said inflatable balloon.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having braided layer which extends generally from the proximal end of the catheter to a location distal of the balloon. In particular, it is desirable that the shaft of the catheter proximal of the balloon be stiffest at the proximal section and least stiff just proximal of the balloon. Although the catheter may be a single lumen catheter using some type of a core wire to act as a valve for inflation and deflation of the balloon, it is within the scope of the invention to include either a separate inflation/deflation lumen or one incorporated into the various concentric polymeric layers used to make up the proximal shaft. Particularly preferred is the use of an elastic, compliant balloon.