Abstract: Medical devices are provided with either a back end coil support or a sleeve support to prevent kinking of an inner wire used with the medical device. The medical device generally comprises an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an inner wire extending within the lumen. An expandable member is connected to the distal end of the tubular body. In one embodiment, a coil extends over the inner wire at the proximal end thereof. In another embodiment, the inner wire at its proximal end has at least one taper that increases the diameter of the inner wire to a size larger than the diameter of the lumen of the hypotube through which it extends. In another embodiment, a proximal hypotube is attached to the proximal end of the inner wire.

Abstract: A protective sheath assembly is provided that combines the functions of an introducer, a protective sheath and a sealing valve in an integrated assembly. The protective sheath assembly generally comprises a protective sheath with a connecting member or a hub. The protective sheath has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated hollow body defining a lumen along the longitudinal axis. The protective sheath accommodates and protects a medical device during insertion through a hemostasis valve into a patient's vasculature. The protective sheath also provides a seal around the medical device to prevent blood back flow.

Abstract: A dilation catheter having a catheter shaft with an inner lumen for receiving a guidewire and an inflatable balloon member located at the distal portion of the shaft in fluid communication with the inner lumen. The catheter includes a distal seal disposed within the inner lumen of the shaft. The distal seal allows for movement of the guidewire relative to the inner lumen, while also providing for a fluid tight seal around the guidewire, independent of fluid pressure within the lumen, thereby both restricting a patient's blood from passing into the inner lumen and restricting media from the inner lumen from passing into the patient's bloodstream. A valve is located along the catheter shaft and adapted to engage the guidewire and provide for a fluid tight seal around the guidewire when fluid under pressure is applied to the interior of the balloon member.