Abstract: A balloon catheter, having a non-linear compliance curve, made up of a dual layered balloon, one balloon being a Compliant balloon and the other balloon being a Non-Compliant balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing transluminal angioplasty is provided. The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in blood vessels of very small cross-sectional diameter as well as in blood vessels of larger diameter. The apparatus of the present invention includes a hollow metallic guidewire with an expandable balloon member affixed to the hollow guidewire at or near the distal end thereof. The hollow guidewire is preferably metallic and more preferably made of stainless steel. In the preferred embodiment, the metallic guidewire provides a catheter of extremely small diameter while simultaneously imparting good torque control and excellent pushability of the apparatus within the blood vessel being treated.