Abstract: An inflation system is provided including a housing having an interior portion including an opening. A connector is positioned within the interior portion. The connector includes a first portion defining a first passageway and a second portion defining a second passageway. The second portion includes a pressure relief valve. A shaft defines a third passageway. The shaft extends through the first passageway. An inflatable member defines a fourth passageway. The inflatable member includes a first end coupled to the connector and a second end positioned external to the interior portion defining a chamber that is in communication with the fourth passageway. Methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods and kits for an inflation system with pressure relief are provided. The system includes an inflatable member, a first shaft connected to the inflatable member, an imaging device extending into said cavity of the inflatable member, a second shaft configured to contain the imaging device, the second shaft having a closed end approximate to the imaging assembly and a open end approximate to the imaging system, the second shaft defining a cavity along a longitudinal axis thereof and configured to be positioned within the cavity of the first shaft; the first shaft and the second shaft defining a channel therebetween in communication with the cavity of the inflatable member; an inflator connected to the first shaft and in communication with the channel for inflating the inflatable member; and a relief valve in communication with the channel and positioned between the inflatable member and the inflator.

Abstract: A small diameter balloon dilatation catheter having a shaft formed from hypodermic tubing is provided with a detachable luer fitting on its proximal end. The luer fitting may be removed and an extension wire attached to the proximal end of the catheter. A larger diameter catheter then may be advanced over the smaller catheter utilizing the smaller catheter to guide the larger catheter to the stenosis being treated. In another aspect of the invention, a guiding sheath assembly is provided which permits catheter exchanges involving such small diameter catheters having integral guidewires. In one protocol such a catheter may be exchanged for a conventional balloon dilatation catheter with a movable guidewire by removing the dilatation catheter, advancing the sheath over the guidewire, then removing the guidewire and inserting the replacement catheter.

Abstract: A small diameter balloon dilatation catheter having a shaft formed from hypodermic tubing is provided with a detachable luer fitting on its proximal end. The luer fitting may be removed and an extension wire attached to the proximal end of the catheter. A larger diameter catheter then may be advanced over the smaller catheter utilizing the smaller catheter to guide the larger catheter to the stenosis being treated. In another aspect of the invention, a guiding sheath assembly is provided which permits catheter exchanges involving such small diameter catheters having integral guidewires. In one protocol such a catheter may be exchanged for a conventional balloon dilatation catheter with a movable guidewire by removing the dilatation catheter, advancing the sheath over the guidewire, then removing the guidewire and inserting the replacement catheter.