Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for insertion into the body and having proximal and distal ends, the distal end preceding and the proximal end trailing when said catheter is inserted into the body, said catheter comprising an inner tubular shaft and an outer tubular shaft having a proximal outer tube section and a distal outer tube section, the proximal outer tube section further having proximal and distal ends, the proximal outer tube section comprising a polymer encased tubular braid of stainless steel, the polymer encasement for the braid comprising at least one layer of polyimide, the braid having a weave which increases in pick count from the proximal end to the distal end of the proximal outer tube section.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon catheter capable of creating perfusion passages during balloon inflation is formed by a plurality of cooperating expandable members disposed at a distal end of a catheter shaft, thereby forming a composite balloon. The expandable members are generally side-by-side, and are supported at the distal end of the shaft by at least one support member, which is connected between a distal end of the composite balloon and the catheter shaft. Distal ends of the expandable members are sealed and united within a tubular connector; proximal ends of the expandable members are bonded within and communicate with an inflation lumen at the distal end of the shaft. The outer surfaces of the inflatable members cooperate to dilate the wall of an artery. The outer surfaces of the inflatable members further define two sinuses adjacent to the juxtaposed outer surfaces of the inflatable members, which permit passive perfusion of blood through the composite balloon during a dilatation procedure.

Abstract: An innerless dilatation balloon catheter uses a balloon 22 which is longitudinally compliant so that it elongates as it is inflated. The catheter 10 includes a valve 30 which is responsive to elongation of the balloon 2 for effectively blocking fluid flow through a lumen extension 24, 26 through which the guide wire 12 passes. The valve 30 allows the guide wire 12 to move freely when the balloon 22 is deflated.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon catheter includes a shaft having a proximal outer tube section and a distal outer tube section. The proximal outer tube section is formed from a tubular braid of a stainless steel member, which is encased in polyimide material. The distal outer tube section is a tube made of a polymer material, such as a high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A perfusion balloon catheter includes an inflatable balloon formed by a series of loops of a flexible, inflatable tube in a generally cooperative tubular shape. The loops are supported by a coiled support member and are locked within the coiled support member by a wire retainer. The cooperative tubular shape of the individual loops perform to provide an inflatable cooperative outer surface of the balloon and a perfusion passage within the balloon.

Abstract: A perfusion dilatation balloon catheter is formed by a balloon having opposing intermediate chamber surfaces connected by a seal along the length of the balloon to form two symmetrical, communicating segments of the balloon. The outer surface of the balloon, which is common to both segments, incurves as the balloon is inflated causing the segments to juxtapose. The outer surfaces of the two segments cooperate to dilate the wall of an artery. The outer surfaces of the segments further define two sinuses adjacent to the juxtaposed outer surfaces of the segments, which allow passive perfusion of blood through the balloon during a dilatation procedure.

Abstract: A perfusion balloon catheter includes an inflatable balloon formed by a series of loops of a flexible, inflatable tube in a generally cooperative tubular shape. The loops are supported by a coiled support member and are locked within the coiled support member by a wire retainer. The cooperative tubular shape of the individual loops perform to provide an inflatable cooperative outer surface of the balloon and a perfusion passage within the balloon.

Abstract: An innerless dilatation balloon catheter uses a balloon which is longitudinally compliant so that it elongates as it is inflated. The catheter includes a valve which is responsive to elongation of the balloon for effectively blocking fluid flow through a lumen extension through which the guide wire passes. The valve allows the guide wire to move freely when the balloon is deflated.