Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft and a balloon fixed to the distal portion of the shaft. The balloon expands and contracts. The balloon includes an effective expansion portion and at least one projection portion on the effective expansion portion. The effective expansion portion possesses a cylindrical shape when the balloon is expanded, and the projection portion extends for a predetermined length along the axial direction of the balloon. The projection portion has first and second parts so that the inner surface of the first part of the balloon faces the inner surface of the second part of the balloon. The first and second parts project radially outwardly away from immediately adjacent parts of the balloon. The inner surface of the first part of the balloon is at least partially welded to the inner surface of the second part of the balloon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon catheter involves applying a first application liquid, which contains a hydrophilic coating material, to the outer periphery of a balloon which is disposed on an elongated catheter and is held in an expanded state; folding the balloon; and applying a second application liquid, which contains the hydrophilic coating material, to the balloon with the balloon folded.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft and a balloon fixed to the distal portion of the shaft. The balloon expands and contracts. The balloon includes an effective expansion portion and at least one projection portion on the effective expansion portion. The effective expansion portion possesses a cylindrical shape when the balloon is expanded, and the projection portion extends for a predetermined length along the axial direction of the balloon. The projection portion has first and second parts so that the inner surface of the first part of the balloon faces the inner surface of the second part of the balloon. The first and second parts project radially outwardly away from immediately adjacent parts of the balloon. The inner surface of the first part of the balloon is at least partially welded to the inner surface of the second part of the balloon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon catheter involves applying a first application liquid, which contains a hydrophilic coating material, to the outer periphery of a balloon which is disposed on an elongated catheter and is held in an expanded state; folding the balloon; and applying a second application liquid, which contains the hydrophilic coating material, to the balloon with the balloon folded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon catheter involves applying a first application liquid, which contains a hydrophilic coating material, to the outer periphery of a balloon which is disposed on an elongated catheter and is held in an expanded state; folding the balloon; and applying a second application liquid, which contains the hydrophilic coating material, to the balloon with the balloon folded.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes: an inner tube adapted to receive a guide wire; an outer tube disposed on the outer surface side of the inner tube and cooperating with the inner tube to define an inflation lumen therebetween; and a balloon joined at the distal end thereof to the inner tube and at the proximal end thereof to the outer tube and configured to be expanded by inflation fluid from the inflation lumen. A non-circular region, having a non-circular sectional shape taken in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the inner tube, is formed on at least one of an outer surface of the inner tube and an inner surface of the outer tube. The non-circular region at least includes a joint section between the balloon and the outer tube and extends proximally of the joint section.