Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disorder, wherein the disorder is affected by estrogen, comprising partially inhibiting aromatase activity or interfering with the binding of androgen to aromatase by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a thiazolidinedione to the patient. The use of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone to partially inhibit the binding of androgen to aromatase by at least 20% is preferred.

Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disorder, wherein the disorder is affected by estrogen, comprising partially inhibiting aromatase activity or interfering with the binding of androgen to aromatase by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a thiazolidinedione to the patient. The use of rosiglitazone or pioglitazone to partially inhibit the binding of androgen to aromatase by at least 20% is preferred.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and method of use for inflating the balloon more effectively, particularly during stent deployment. The balloon catheter includes a catheter shaft and a balloon, wherein the proximal end of the balloon is connected to the distal end of the shaft. A tip is disposed in the interior of the balloon, with the proximal end of the tip extending from the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the tip connected to the distal end of the balloon. The tip includes a fluid path to facilitate the passage of inflation fluid from the inflation lumen to the interior of the balloon, and the tip may further include a guide wire lumen extending therethrough. The fluid path may be configured to inflate the balloon uniformly or to initially inflate the distal end of the balloon such that a stent loaded on the balloon will not have a tendency migrate distally during deployment.

Abstract: A dilation balloon for a catheter with improved folding characteristics for insertion into a body conduit. The balloon surface is generally textured, having a reduced texture longitudinal strip causing preferential controlled folding along the strip. The preferential folding creates curved wings which fold together upon further deflation. The curved, folded wings result in a decreased profile having wing edges oriented so as to decrease contact with conduit walls. A preferred embodiment has raised radial ridges extending around a portion of the circumference of the balloon and a smooth longitudinal surface radially therebetween.

Abstract: A dilation balloon for a catheter with improved folding characteristics for insertion into a body conduit. The balloon surface is generally textured, having a reduced texture longitudinal strip causing preferential controlled folding along the strip. The preferential folding creates curved wings which fold together upon further deflation. The curved, folded wings result in a decreased profile having wing edges oriented so as to decrease contact with conduit walls. A preferred embodiment has raised radial ridges extending around a portion of the circumference of the balloon and a smooth longitudinal surface radially therebetween.

Abstract: An inflatable medical device for delivering fluid internally to a patient comprising a catheter having a fluid delivery lumen communicating between a fluid entry port at its proximal end and a fluid delivery port on an external wall of the catheter and a hollow, inflatable balloon having at least one fluid transmitting conduit disposed between inner and outer balloon walls. The fluid transmitting conduit receives fluid from the fluid delivery port of the catheter and is connected to at least one outlet on the outer balloon wall. The inner balloon wall extends axially beyond the proximal terminus of the outer balloon wall to form an inner sleeve for attaching the inner balloon wall to the catheter. An outer collar is attached at its distal end to the outer balloon wall and at its proximal end to the catheter at a point proximal to the fluid delivery port. The outer collar forms a conduit between the fluid delivery port and the proximal opening of the fluid transmitting conduit of the balloon.