Abstract: A stent configuration wherein a radiopaque material is completely encapsulated in a skin of biocompatible material to prevent the exposure of radiopaque materials to living tissue and to prevent galvanic corrosion between disparate metals. The stent is initially formed and rendered radiopaque after which all surfaces are coated with the biocompatible material.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with a balloon having first and second tapered sections adjacent the distal and proximal ends of the working length of the balloon, respectively, and third and fourth tapered sections adjacent the first and second tapered section, respectively. The first and second tapered sections taper at a first angle to a smaller outer diameter than the inflated outer diameter of the working length inflated within a deployment range of the balloon, and the third and fourth tapered sections taper at a second angle larger than the first angle. The balloon has expandable retention sections proximal and the distal to the working length of the balloon for inhibiting migration of a stent mounted on the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with a balloon having first and second tapered sections adjacent the distal and proximal ends of the working length of the balloon, respectively, and third and fourth tapered sections adjacent the first and second tapered section, respectively. The first and second tapered sections taper at a first angle to a smaller outer diameter than the inflated outer diameter of the working length inflated within a deployment range of the balloon, and the third and fourth tapered sections taper at a second angle larger than the first angle. The balloon has expandable retention sections proximal and the distal to the working length of the balloon for inhibiting migration of a stent mounted on the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with a balloon having first and second tapered sections adjacent the distal and proximal ends of the working length of the balloon, respectively, and third and fourth tapered sections adjacent the first and second tapered section, respectively. The first and second tapered sections taper at a first angle to a smaller outer diameter than the inflated outer diameter of the working length inflated within a deployment range of the balloon, and the third and fourth tapered sections taper at a second angle larger than the first angle. The balloon has expandable retention sections proximal and the distal to the working length of the balloon for inhibiting migration of a stent mounted on the balloon.

Abstract: A motor controller for providing a constant rate of change of pressure during inflation and deflation of an expandable member of a catheter for use in a body lumen by an automated inflation system is disclosed. The system conforms the rate of change of pressure to a set point value by means of a feedback loop controller, and makes possible consistent inflations and deflations using an automated system regardless of variations in catheter volume and compliance characteristics. Safety features such as maximum pressure and balloon rupture alarms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manually operable pressure switch is used to activate an inflation device in order to pressurize an inflatable member such as that found on a dilatation catheter. By operating the pressure switch, the physician simultaneously operates a timer which will measure and display the elapsed time of the inflation and deflation cycle.