Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed which is flexible yet transmits positive torque when rotated in the direction for unwrapping the balloon. The balloon catheter comprises a hollow catheter having a proximate end and a distal end, an inflatable and deflatable balloon having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of the balloon being sealably attached to the distal end of the catheter for admitting fluid (generally a gas) and withdrawing fluid from the balloon, and a flexible central lumen disposed within said hollow catheter and having a proximate end and a distal end, said distal end of said central lumen being sealably attached to the distal end of the balloon, said central lumen comprising a flexible core wrapped spirally with a spring-like material so that the wrapped core can transmit positive torque when rotated in one direction. Preferably, the flexible core is made of a polymeric or elastomeric tube so that access to the aorta can be obtained through it.

Abstract: Intra-aortic balloon apparatus is disclosed including a single chamber balloon sealably attached to the end of a catheter for non-surgical insertion into the aorta through the skin as by the standard Seldinger technique. In the preferred embodiment, the extreme end of the balloon is fixedly attached to one end of a separate substantially circumferentially rigid but longitudinally flexible tube open at both ends and disposed within and extending the length of the catheter. The opposite end of the tube remote from the balloon is fixedly attached to means for effecting rotation of the tube within the catheter and thereby result in controlled sequential wrapping and unwrapping of the balloon about the tube. In use, the balloon is pumped in conventional manner via the catheter and access through the tube is provided to the interior of the aorta at the extreme end of the balloon.