Abstract: Catheters including a rugged, reusable proximal body and a disposable distal body attached by a releasable connection are provided. The reusable proximal body is constructed from resterilizable materials such as glass, metal alloys and engineering plastics. The disposable distal body, designed for one-time use, is made from reliable but inexpensive materials. The catheters may be dilatation catheters and may be manufactured in any configuration, including rapid exchange, balloon-on-a-wire, and over-the-wire designs with single or multiple lumens. The modular construction of the catheter and releasable connection provides for rapid and easy changes in the configuration and balloon size depending on the needs of the medical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter balloon is provided with a balloon body that includes at least one bump provided on the outer surface of the balloon body, with the bump being made in one piece with the balloon body. The bump can include a pattern of bumps provided on the outer surface of the balloon body, with the pattern of bumps assuming one of many configurations. A method is also provided for making a balloon for use with a catheter, including providing a tubing having an outer surface and at least one longitudinal bump provided integral with and in one piece with the tubing on the outer surface, and forming a balloon from the tubing.

Abstract: A dilation catheter for use in performing angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a relatively long catheter shaft which has two lumens. A relatively short guidewire receiving tube is thermally bonded to the distal end of the shaft, with its lumen approximately aligned with one of the lumens of the catheter shaft and a stiffening wire positioned therein. A dilation balloon, preformed with a shape that enables it to be used in an offset configuration, is thermally bonded to the distal and proximal ends of the tube, with its lumen aligned with the remaining lumen of the catheter shaft. The balloon and tube together define channels for the perfusion of blood past the balloon, which channels remain open even when the balloon bears against the tube during the inflation thereof.

Abstract: A dilation catheter for use in performing angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a relatively long catheter shaft which has two lumens. A relatively short guidewire receiving tube is thermally bonded to the distal end of the shaft, with its lumen approximately aligned with one of the lumens of the catheter shaft and a stiffening wire positioned therein. A dilation balloon, preformed with a shape that enables it to be used in an offset configuration, is thermally bonded to the distal and proximal ends of the tube, with its lumen aligned with the remaining lumen of the catheter shaft. The balloon and tube together define channels for the perfusion of blood past the balloon, which channels remain open even when the balloon bears against the tube during the inflation thereof.