Abstract: Catheters having an expanded configuration define a catheter lumen to provide fluid communication during fluid delivery. However, in between fluid delivery events, the catheter occupies a cross-sectional area within a vessel reducing the patency thereof and increasing the risk of occlusion formation. Embodiments include a catheter tube configured to collapse radially inward in between fluid delivery events to reduce the impact on the patency of the vessel and mitigate thrombosis formation. A fluid pressure within the catheter tube can transition the catheter to the expanded configuration. Catheter systems can further include an inflatable stiffening member configured to impart rigidity on the catheter tube to facilitate placement. Further, the catheter tube can include a reinforcement member configured to provide longitudinal strength while still allowing radial transition to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A re-entry device for recanalization of a vessel using a subintimal technique. A catheter (10) includes a first inner lumen (14) extending to a distal end portion (12b) of the catheter, the distal end portion including an angled tip (20) having a distal open end (20a). An elongated stylet (24) is located in the first inner lumen, the stylet having an angled distal end portion (24a) forming a needle. An actuator (26) at a proximal end portion (12a) of the catheter is for advancing the stylet from a retracted position within the catheter to a deployed position projecting from the distal open end of the angled tip for penetrating a wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for both crossing a lesion, such as a chronic total occlusion, in a vessel and performing percutaneous transluminal angioplasty thereupon. The catheter includes a shaft having a tapered tip adapted for being pushed into the lesion to advance through the lesion. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the shaft, which may be braided to provide enhanced pushability and kink-resistance. The inflatable balloon includes a proximal portion and a distal tapered portion connected to the tapered tip, and having a shallow taper. The taper of the distal tapered portion and the tapered tip may together create a continuous sloping transition from a distal end of the distal tapered portion to an adjacent portion of the tapered tip to facilitate crossing a lesion. The balloon may also be selectively inflated or deflated during crossing of the lesion, and ultimately used to compact the lesion when inflated.

Abstract: A composite medical balloon includes a base balloon with first and second tapered portions (108) and a barrel portion (106) therebetween. The base balloon includes one or more fiber layers. A hybrid layer is applied over the base balloon, such as over the fiber layer. The hybrid layer includes a tube (70) for covering the barrel portion (106) and a spiral wrapping (80) for covering one or both of the first and second tapered portions (108). Related methods of forming of such a balloon are also disclosed.