Abstract: An anchoring mechanism and method for anchoring a device within a biological conduit include an expandable element configured for retaining the device at a desired angle relative to a central axis of the biological conduit. A steering mechanism is preferably provided for orienting the device prior to operation of the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism and method are employed in drug delivery devices, brachytherapy devices or for anchoring a catheter or sheath to provide a working channel for reliable guidance of a wide range of tools to a target location within the body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and a stent delivery system are disclosed, which includes a shaft portion of which an axially orthogonal cross section of an outer peripheral surface has a polygonal shape, and a balloon which is foldable on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and in which turned-back portions are formed when folded. Portions formed to linearly extend along an axial direction in the turned-back portions are respectively positioned on sides of the polygonal shape. A stent can be arranged on an outer periphery of a balloon in the balloon catheter and expands in response to dilation of the balloon.

Abstract: A plaque tack can be used for holding plaque against blood vessel walls such as in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The plaque tack can be formed as a thin, annular band for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. Focal elevating elements and/or other features, such as anchors, can be used to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the endoluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an implantable device shaped to define (a) at least two artery-contact regions, the artery-contact regions comprising struts that are configured to stretch an arterial wall by applying pressure to the arterial wall, and (b) at least two crimping regions that comprise locking mechanisms configured to prevent the crimping regions from becoming crimped due to pressure from the wall of the artery on the artery-contact regions. The crimping regions are configured to be crimped during insertion of the device, via a catheter, by the locking mechanisms being unlocked during insertion of the device. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A delivery device and methods for deploying an endovascular prosthesis within the common and internal iliac arteries are described. The device comprises a pusher catheter having a proximal end and a pusher extension extending proximally therefrom. A tubular prosthesis having a side branch is releasably coupled to the pusher extension. An extension dilator extends proximally from the proximal end of the pusher catheter, extends at least partially along an external surface of the main tubular body, into a distal end of the side branch and exits a proximal end of the tubular prosthesis. The extension dilator can be tracked over a guide wire which serves to both position the device within a vessel and also to facilitate cannulation of an internal iliac artery.

Abstract: A compliance restoration device includes a compliance balloon lumen, a chamber support structure disposed in the compliance balloon lumen and configured to expand to support an expanded volume of the compliance balloon lumen, and a spring assembly configured to cause the chamber support structure to expand by applying a force on a first end of the chamber support structure.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a stent for use in a medical procedure that comprises a series of proximal apices disposed at a proximal end of the stent and a series of distal apices disposed at a distal end of the stent. A trigger wire is adapted to be coupled to at least one of the proximal apices to restrain a proximal end of the stent during delivery. In a first embodiment, a first proximal apex comprises a bore for receiving the trigger wire, and a second proximal apex, disposed adjacent to the first proximal apex, comprises at least one barb. The trigger wire therefore is only coupled to selected ones of the proximal apices. In an alternative embodiment, a first proximal apex comprises a first bore and a second, adjacent proximal apex comprises a second bore, such that a single trigger wire may be disposed through the first and second bores to restrain the first and second proximal apices during delivery.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent-graft provided in a diametrically compacted state for implantation and retained preferably by a constraining sheath, useful for the temporary or permanent repair of injured, partially or entirely transected body conduits including blood vessels. It may be used under direct visualization to quickly stop or substantially reduce loss of blood from such damaged vessels and to quickly re-establish perfusion distal to the injury site. The device would typically be implanted under emergency room conditions but also be used in field situations by trained medical technicians. After an end of the device is inserted into a blood vessel through the injury access, deployment preferably initiates from the device end in a direction moving toward the middle of the length of the device by directionally releasing the constraining sheath.

Abstract: A medical implant, having a proximal and a distal end, that is preformed to assume a superimposed structure at an implantation site but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it by means of a micro-catheter and a guide wire arranged at the proximal end, with the implant in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longltudlnally open tube and having a mesh structure of intercormected strings or filaments. The implant has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments converge at a connection point.

Abstract: A medical device apparatus may include a medical implant including an anchor member configured to actuate between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration operatively connected to a delivery system, the delivery system including an outer sheath and an inner catheter disposed within the outer sheath, and a sheathing aid connecting the delivery system to the medical implant, the sheathing aid being configured to guide the medical implant into the outer sheath upon relative closing movement therebetween. The sheathing aid may include a plurality of tethers extending from the inner catheter to a proximal end of the anchor member, and a release mechanism slidably disposed within a coupler ring coupled to a distal end of the inner catheter. The plurality of tethers may be releasably coupled to the release mechanism.

Abstract: A system for treatment of an aneurysm includes an intrasaccular device that can be delivered using a catheter. The device can include at least one expandable structure adapted to transition from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration when released into the aneurysm. The expandable structure can have a specific shape or porosity. Multiple expandable structures can also be used, in which case each of the expandable structures can have a unique shape or porosity profile. The morphology of the aneurysm and orientation of any connecting arteries can determine the type, size, shape, number, and porosity profile of the expandable structure used in treating the aneurysm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved collapsible medical closure device fabricated from a tubular wire mesh material. The collapsible medical closure device has an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a delivery catheter or other delivery means to a desired treatment site. The collapsible medical closure device is shaped to create short-term and long-term occlusion of an opening, such as an opening in the wall of the heart, and includes a disc shaped portion on a distal end, a cone shaped portion on a proximal end, a middle portion connecting the disc shaped portion and the cone shaped portion, and a center end screw for attaching a delivery cable located in the middle portion. The collapsible medical closure device additionally includes a therapeutic membrane for aiding in occlusion and promoting tissue growth, as well as one or more radiopaque marker bands.

Abstract: A stent delivery system is provided that includes an inner elongate shaft with a lumen and an outer elongate shaft with a lumen, where the inner elongate shaft coaxially extends at least partially within the lumen of the outer elongate shaft. The stent delivery system also a pull member movably disposed along the the inner elongate shaft and first and second restraining members removably secured to the pull member. The stent delivery system also includes a self-expanding stent having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, where the first restraining member is secured to a first portion of the self-expanding stent and the second restraining member is secured to a second portion of the self-expanding stent, thereby securing the self-expanding stent about the outer elongate shaft. Movement of the inner and elongate shafts relative to each other in a first direction applies a tension to the first and second restraining members to move the self-expanding stent to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A scoring balloon catheter includes a scoring balloon, a distal control balloon positioned distal of the scoring balloon, a proximal control balloon positioned proximal of the scoring balloon, and a scoring element coupled to the proximal and distal control balloons. The scoring balloon is configured to expand radially and contact the scoring element.

Abstract: Flexible expandable treatment devices are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to an expandable tubular structure formed of an interwoven strand and configured to be positioned in a blood vessel. The interwoven strand may be arranged to form a plurality of cells and a plurality of joints between adjacent cells. At least one of the joints may include a first strand slidably interlocked with a second strand, and at least one of the first strand and the second strand may bend back on itself to form a restriction that limits disengagement of the first strand and the second strand at the joint.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel endovascular prosthesis that has an improved rotational range of proper placement of the prosthesis with respect to the opening of the aneurysm and provides improved flexibility with respect to longitudinal positioning of the device in the artery. This provides the clinician with a significant advantage over the prior art devices described above. The present elongate endovascular prosthesis comprises a first expandable portion expandable from a first, unexpanded state to a second, expanded state to urge the first expandable portion against the wall of the vascular lumen such as an artery. The endovascular prosthesis further comprises a retractable leaf portion attached to the first expandable portion; the retractable leaf portion serves to facilitate stasis and thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm. The retractable leaf portion comprises at least one spine portion and a plurality of rib portions attached to the spine portion.

Abstract: A plaque tack can be used for holding plaque against blood vessel walls such as in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The plaque tack can be formed as a thin, annular band for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. Focal elevating elements and/or other features, such as anchors, can be used to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the endoluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: A system for removing a thrombus from a blood vessel includes a stent retriever, a catheter configured to receive the stent retriever in a collapsed configuration, wherein the stent retriever is movable relative to the catheter, a sheath having a tubular body and defining a distal opening and a proximal opening, and a wire coupled to the stent retriever for positioning the stent retriever. The wire extends through the proximal opening and the distal opening of the sheath. The stent retriever is moveable relative to the sheath, and the distal opening of the sheath is sized to allow the stent retriever to be withdrawn into the sheath without substantially compressing the stent retriever.

Abstract: A system for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient includes a valve support structure around which the valve is disposed in a collapsed condition. A sheath structure surrounds the collapsed valve, but can be moved relative to the valve to uncover it for expansion at the desired implant site in the patient. The sheath structure may be variously mounted and moved to deploy the valve in various ways. For example, the sheath structure may include multiple parts, each of which can be moved separately to separately deploy various parts of the valve. The apparatus may have other aspects, such as the ability to reverse deployment of the valve, the ability to pass other instrumentation through the valve delivery apparatus, the ability to be smoothly withdrawn from the patient after deployment of the valve, etc.

Abstract: A stent delivery system, and associated manufacturing method, are such that the outer diameter of the distal portion of the stent delivery system is relatively small. The stent delivery system includes a hollow shaft portion, an inflatable balloon disposed on the outer periphery of a distal portion of the shaft portion, and a stent disposed on the outer periphery of the balloon and having struts expanded by inflation of the balloon. The balloon has a ridge portion with which the stent is engaged. The ridge portion is sandwiched in a space between the struts, and a top portion of the ridge portion has a concave portion recessed toward the axis of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter includes a stiff proximal tube and a relatively flexible tapered distal tube, a guide wire tube being provided in the distal tube, with an aperture for access to the guide wire lumen being provided at the junction between the distal tube and the proximal tube, the tubes being bonded together at their junction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic heart valve and a heart valve delivery apparatus for delivery of the prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The delivery apparatus is particularly suited for advancing a prosthetic valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a diseased native aortic valve. In one embodiment, a self-expanding valve comprises an expandable stent that is shaped to maintain the valve in the aortic annulus against axial without anchors or retaining devices that engage the surrounding tissue. A delivery apparatus for delivering s self-expanding prosthetic valve can be configured to allow controlled and precise deployment of the valve from a valve sheath so as to minimize or prevent jumping of the valve from the valve sheath.

Abstract: A control system for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system, a stent delivery system and a method for controlling movement of a medical device delivery system are provided. The control system includes a first extendable arm comprising a plurality of first struts interconnected at intermediate points and end points of the first struts. The first arm is movable between a first position and a second position and the first arm is operably connected to one of the first shaft and the second shaft. The control system also includes a first actuator operably connected to the first arm and the first actuator is operable to move the first arm from the first position to the second position. Movement of the first arm moves the first shaft relative to the second shaft to change the position of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.

Abstract: A stent is described, which includes a plurality of stenting rings, each stenting ring including a plurality of struts and points of inflection, each point of inflection connecting adjacent struts, the points of inflection of adjacent stenting rings facing each other along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stent in a radially expanded stenting disposition while the stent is in an unbent configuration. Adjacent stenting rings are connected by connectors extending from a point of inflection on one stenting ring to a facing point of inflection on another stenting ring, the connectors being linear along an entire length thereof and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stent, each of the connectors having a length shorter than a length of each of the struts.

Abstract: A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent.

Abstract: A pacemaker is provided. The pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and at least one carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. A first end of each carbon nanotube structure protrudes out of a first surface of the matrix for stimulating the human tissue, and a second end of each carbon nanotube structure protrudes out of a second surface of the matrix to electrically connect to the lead.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, including a generally tubular substrate and a continuous shape memory member disposed over the outer surface of the substrate. The shape memory member may include a series of zig-zag struts alternating between a first strut with a first length and a second strut with a second length different from the first length. A graft member may be positioned over the substrate and shape memory member.

Abstract: A high-strength biological scaffold and preparation method thereof. The biological scaffold is comprised of a framework of boiled-off silk woven material, the form of the framework is determined by actual needs; the framework surface is coated with a layer of silk protein scaffold material, fibroin protein/gelatin biological scaffold material or fibroin protein/collagen biological scaffold material having a thickness of 100 micrometers to 5 centimeters. The high-strength biological scaffold material has high tear resistance strength and mechanical strength and good biocompatibility, has a porous structure suitable for tissue regeneration, and can be used for preparing anal fistula repair plugs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter (220), and in particular to a urinary catheter. A catheter comprises an elongate shaft (222) having a longitudinal drainage bore (224) for conveying fluid along the shaft; an elongate, tapered tip portion (228) extending from an end of the shaft, the tip portion having a distal end (230) furthest from the shaft; a drainage aperture (232) provided in the tip portion, said aperture being in fluid communication with said bore; and an inflatable balloon element (236) attached to said tip portion, the balloon element being configured such that, when fully inflated, the balloon element fully surrounds the distal end of the tip portion and extends along the tip portion to a point on an opposite side of the drainage aperture to said distal end, a surface of the balloon element including a depression (242) providing a passageway in fluid communication with the drainage aperture.

Abstract: A filter formed from a sheet is described herein. In one aspect of the invention, a filter is formed from a sheet of material and, following removal of portions of the sheet, the filter is folded into a shape for insertion into a blood vessel. In another aspect of the invention, features for a filter are formed from a sheet of material and incorporated into the filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant conveying device, comprising a pusher (20), a control component (21), a connecting wire (11) and a control wire (4). The pusher (20), of which one end is connected to the control component (21), is provided with a tube cavity (6) and a lock hole (7) communicated with the tube cavity. One end of the control wire (4) is connected to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is driven by the control component to be movably accommodated in the tube cavity (6) of the pusher. One end of the connecting wire (11) is connected to the pusher (20) or to the control component (21), and the other end thereof is used for passing through an implant (1) and then entering the lock hole (7).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an occlusion device and methods of delivering the occlusion device. The occlusion device can include an expandable structure configured to move between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable structure can be configured to have an expansion ratio of at least about 5:1. Further, the occlusion device can be configured to prevent substantially all fluid from flowing past the occlusion device when the occlusion device is in the expanded configuration in the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature without the need for a separate introducer sheath. The delivery apparatus is particularly well-suited for advancing a prosthetic valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a stenotic aortic valve.

Abstract: An introduction arrangement for a fenestrated or branched stent graft (13) intended for deployment into the lumen of a vessel having a blind vessel extending from it. The introducer (1) has a distal end intended to remain outside a patient in use and a proximal end with a nose cone dilator (11) and an arrangement to retain the branched stent graft distally of the nose cone dilator. A sheath (15) on the introducer extends over the branched stent graft to the nose cone dilator. An indwelling catheter (21) extends from the distal end of the introducer and enters the fenestration or side arm and through to the nose cone dilator, the indwelling catheter has a guide wire (29) extending through it. The guide wire can be extended beyond the nose cone dilator in use before the sheath is withdrawn from the branched stent graft so that it can be snared from the contra-lateral artery.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: Blood filter devices and methods of use.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable devices or stents that can conform to the shape of vessels of the neurovasculature. In some embodiments, the devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. In some embodiments, a vascular remodeling device includes a first section and a protruding section. During deployment, the device expands from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The first section anchors the device in an afferent vessel and/or in an efferent vessel of a bifurcation and the protruding section is positioned in the junction of the bifurcation having an aneurysm and across the neck of the aneurysm or at least partially within the aneurysm.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter comprises a catheter body having a balloon or other radially expandable shell at its distal end. An external structure is carried over the shell and scores a stenosed region in a blood vessel when the balloon is inflated therein. The catheter has an attachment structure disposed between the catheter body and the balloon to accommodate foreshortening and rotation of the external structure as the balloon is expanded. The external structure may be part of a helical cage structure which floats over the balloon. Stabilizing struts are provided between at least some of the helical struts.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an endoluminal prosthesis, and more particularly, to a stent graft assembly and method for treating branched vessels. The assembly includes a first prosthesis, such as an iliac branch device (IBD), comprising a tubular main body, a first leg extending from a distal end of the main body and at least one fenestration formed in the main body. An internal tubular side branch extends proximally from the fenestration into the lumen of the main body, resulting in an iliac branch device having an overall reduced proximal length. The assembly further includes a second prosthesis, or a bridging limb, having a distal end with a scalloped fenestration formed therein to accommodate sealing with the proximal end of the iliac branch device without interfering with the internal branch. A connecting stent graft adapted for placement in the internal iliac artery may be sealingly connected to the internal branch.

Abstract: A method of treating a treatment area of a body lumen includes inserting an elongated member into the body lumen, wherein the elongated member is configured to guide a delivery member, the delivery member possessing an outer portion with a treatment part, moving the delivery member to the treatment area, applying the treatment part to the treatment area, and withdrawing the delivery member from the treatment area.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for placement within a body vessel may include a tubular support structure including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment, an intermediate segment positioned between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment, a lumen extending longitudinally within the support structure, a luminal surface, and an abluminal surface opposite the luminal surface. The prosthesis may include a first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the luminal surface of the support structure. The prosthesis may include a second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the abluminal surface of the support structure. At least one of the proximal end segment or the distal end segment of the support structure may be encapsulated within a covering including the first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers and the second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers. The intermediate segment of the support structure may be unencapsulated within the covering.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and a projection extending from a side surface of the tubular body toward the inflow end. The system further includes a valve disposed within and attached to the tubular body, and may include fabric that forms a pouch between the tubular body and the projection.

Abstract: A stent or scaffold has a tapered end or ends. The scaffold is made using an additive manufacturing technique such as stereolithography (SLA). The scaffold may take the shape of a frustum, or a scaffold having one or both of its ends flared. The scaffold has varying mechanical properties over its length, such as a varying ring stiffness, porosity or elasticity modulus. In one embodiment the strut and link widths change linearly from the distal to proximal ends.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering an agent to targeted tissue of a mammalian body including a first elongate tubular member having a proximal opening and a distal end wall. A second elongate tubular member having a portion extends through first elongate tubular member and has a distal end extending beyond the end wall. The first and second tubular members form an annular cavity within the first tubular member. A stiffening member has at least a portion disposed within the annular cavity for facilitating accurate placement of the distal end relative to the targeted tissue in the mammalian body and is removeable from the annular cavity after such placement without removal of the second elongate tubular member from the mammalian body. A method is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure describes stent delivery systems and its related methods of use. A stent delivery system including an inner shaft with a stent disposed about the distal region, a deployment sheath slidably disposed about the inner shaft, a handle coupled to the deployment sheath, and an intermediate shaft disposed about the inner shaft, positioned proximally of the stent. Further, proximal portion of the intermediate shaft is disposed within the handle and includes a support member.

Abstract: A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject and includes a permanent magnet configured for rotation about an axis of rotation, the permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject having at least one magnet configured for rotation, the external adjustment device further comprising a motor configured to rotate the at least one magnet and an encoder. Rotation of the at least one magnet of the external adjustment device effectuates rotational movement of the permanent magnet of the adjustable implant and alters the dimension of the adjustable implant. Drive control circuitry is configured to receive an input signal from the encoder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a clot in the blood vessel of a patient, and particularly the treatment of a pulmonary embolism is disclosed. The treatment includes restoring flow through the clot followed by clot removal, either partially or substantially completely. The clot treatment device is expandable into the blood vessel and may contain radial extensions that assist in restoring flow as well as in removing clot material.

Abstract: The kit includes: a first implant (16) defining a window (26), and a second implant (18) including a second tubular body (42) designed to be positioned in the window (26). The second implant (18) includes a retaining member for retaining the second implant (18) relative to the first implant. The kit further includes a retaining ring (20) for retaining the second implant (18) attached on the first tubular body (22) in the window (26) and delimiting an insertion passage (60) for the second implant (18). The retaining ring (20) is elastically deformable in the window (26) to allow a reversible increase of at least 20%, advantageously at least 30%, of the outer contour of the insertion passage (60).

Abstract: A balloon delivery catheter apparatus including a catheter tubing defining a lumen therethrough, a balloon disposed near a distal end of the catheter tubing and moving between deflated and inflated states, and a core wire having a proximal end attached to the catheter tubing inside the lumen and extending distally away and substantially co-axially with the catheter tubing through the balloon to a distal free end. Proximal and distal balloon control bands are concentrically arranged around respective proximal and distal end portions of the balloon. A coil disposed around the core wire has a proximal end attached to at least one of the distal end portion of the balloon and the distal balloon control band.