Abstract: For the provision of an apparatus to lessen or remove points of constriction in vessels of all types whereby ruptures and tears are to be avoided in the vessel walls and, during the treatment of stenosis in blood vessels, the danger of infarction is to be avoided, through use of a treatment catheter (1) that is equipped with two expandable balloons (4, 5) which seal off both sides of a point of constriction (6) in a vessel, whereby the degree of expansion of both balloons (4, 5) can be controlled externally, it is proposed that there be mounted in the wall of the treatment catheter (1) within the region confined by the balloons (4, 5) an inlet piece (A) for the supply of media capable of dissolving or crumbling into smaller particles the material (7) at the point of constriction and an outlet piece (B) for the removal of the material (7) dissolved or crumbled at the point of constriction, whereby these pieces are connected with an externally accessible conduit (10, 11) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for comminuting and/or eliminating constricted areas in vessels of all types whereby fissures and cracks in the vessel walls during the treatment of stenosis in blood vessels and also coronary obstruction are to be avoided. A treatment catheter is used which is equipped with two inflatable balloons which seal off a constriction place in a vessel on both sides thereof whereby the degree of expansion of both balloons is externally regulatable. An inlet member for the supply of means dissolving the material of the constriction area or comminuting the same into smaller particles and an outlet member for the removal of the dissolved or comminuted material of the constriction place are provided in the walls of the treatment catheter within the area delimited by the two balloons. These inlet and outlet members are in communication with a channel accessible from the outside.

Abstract: A clinically usable pump apparatus for a dilatation device comprising a dilatation catheter, preferably for opening a stenosis and occlusions or for closing vessels, ducts and openings, while using a pumpable medium, which comprises a pump structured to accomplish the double function of producing positive pressure and negative pressure and operatively connected with the dilatation catheter.

Abstract: A catheter arrangement for opening or closing hollow spaces, cavities, passages and the like comprising a guide catheter and a dilatation catheter. A dilatation element arranged at the dilatation catheter has an at least partially cylindrical foldable wall. The catheterization technique employable with such catheter arrangement contemplates introducing the guide catheter by forces applied in translatory and rotational direction and engaging at the surface layer of the guide catheter, into the near region of the hollow space to be opened or closed, then inserting the dilatation catheter through a bore of the guide catheter, with the dilatation element having in its internal space a negative pressure in relation to the hollow space which is to be opened or closed.