Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly (10) includes a balloon (20) at a distal end (18) of a balloon catheter (14). The balloon (20) is inflated with a fluid (44) which has suspended therein a plurality of particles (46) which may be microcapsules or pellets. The particles (46) are echogenic and/or radiopaque, in the preferred embodiment to provide Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (20). The balloon (20) thus becomes visible under ultrasonic imaging and by use of an inflation fluid (44) which can be of low viscosity and low toxicity.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon (40) is provided with a plurality of scoring elements (44) extending along the balloon (40). Within the scoring element (44) there are provided channels or lumens (36) extending therethrough. The channels or lumens (36) provide for Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (40), thereby being visible by imaging devices. The channels or lumens (36) provide visibility of the balloon (40) during medical procedures, both when the balloon (40) is in a deflated, wrapped, condition and also when the balloon (40) is inflated. It is not necessary to use contrast media to fill the balloon (40).

Abstract: A valvuloplasty balloon assembly includes a balloon (50) provided with end shoulders (64, 66) preferably integral with end cones (54, 56) of the balloon (50). The end shoulders (64, 66) provide a substantially perpendicular stop shoulder (68) at either end of the cylindrical portion (52) of the balloon (50). The restraining shoulders (64, 66) act to hold the balloon (50) within a valve (16) of a heart (10), for instance. This prevents unwanted slippage of the balloon (50) during a valvuloplasty procedure and thus prevents possible damage caused as a result of such slippage.

Abstract: A scoring balloon (10) includes a balloon portion (12) having a balloon wall substantially even in wall thickness; a plurality of sets of scoring elements (24-28) disposed on the balloon (12); each set of scoring elements including a plurality of scoring elements (30) arranged longitudinally in series, wherein adjacent scoring elements (30) in the series are longitudinally spaced from one another so as to provide gaps (32) between said adjacent scoring elements; each set of scoring elements being radially spaced relative to the other sets of scoring elements around the balloon (12), wherein the scoring elements of one set are longitudinally offset relative to the scoring elements of an or each adjacent set of scoring elements.

Abstract: A scoring balloon (10) includes a generally cylindrical and straight body portion (12) and both ends of the body portion (12) end cone portions (14,16). At both extremities of the end cone portions (14,16) there are neck portions (18,20) which are fixed to a catheter or carrier element (22). A plurality of scoring elements (24) extend from one end of the balloon (10) to the other. Each scoring element (24) has a central uniform section (26) which extends along the body portion (12) of the balloon and tapering sections (28,30) which extend from the central section (26) and along the balloon end cones (14,16). The tapering sections (28,30) taper from a height generally consistent with the central section (26) to a lower height along the direction of taper of the balloon end cones (18,20).

Abstract: To prevent a small diameter catheter 10 of soft material from collapsing when being used to aspirate a blood clot 25, the lumen 16 of the catheter contains a longitudinal member 26 having radially-extending fin elements 33. The longitudinal member may itself be a catheter having a lumen 22 through which passes a wire 27 having at its distal end an expandable basket 28 for retrieving the clot.