Abstract: A micro occlusion balloon catheter and methods for use and manufacture thereof, comprising an elongate member having a proximal and a distal end and a first and second lumen connected to said proximal end. The first lumen communicates with an occlusion balloon located at the distal end of the elongate member. The second lumen extends the entire length of the elongate member and allows for the placement of the catheter over a guidewire. Second lumen 15, communicates with infusion opening 17, located distal to occlusion balloon 16. A further embodiment comprises a third lumen connected to the proximal end of the elongate member. The third lumen may communicate with an infusion port located either proximally or distally to the occlusion balloon. In a still further embodiment the first lumen, the inflation/deflation balloon lumen, of the two lumen embodiment may be adapted to receive a removable stiffening stylet to ease insertion.

Abstract: A guiding catheter for use in coronary angioplasty and other cardiovascular interventions which incorporates a transition element in the shaft of the device. The transition element which has a different flexibility than the sections immediately proximal and distal to it, creates a zone in the catheter shaft which is either more or less flexible than the rest of the shaft. The transition element allows a portion of the shaft to be made more rigid or more flexible, without changing the flexibility of the other portions of the shaft. The transition element also allows for a differential flexibilty to be added to the catheter shaft.