Abstract: A protector sleeve is disclosed for protecting an expandable member disposed on a catheter during pre-deployment handling. In one embodiment, the protector sleeve includes a tubular member with proximal and distal portions and preferably an elastomer seal therebetween, wherein the proximal portion of the tubular member is designed to slidably engage the expandable member in its collapsed state, while the distal portion permits fluid access to a catheter lumen, e.g., a guidewire lumen, without exposing the protected expandable member to the fluid.

Abstract: A protector sleeve is disclosed for protecting an expandable member disposed on a catheter during pre-deployment handling. In one embodiment, the protector sleeve includes a tubular member with proximal and distal portions and preferably an elastomer seal therebetween, wherein the proximal portion of the tubular member is designed to slidably engage the expandable member in its collapsed state, while the distal portion permits fluid access to a catheter lumen, e.g., a guidewire lumen, without exposing the protected expandable member to the fluid.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter is disclosed which is comprised of two jacketed spring coils placed end-to-end and joined by a linking element which contains a lumen communicating between the inflation lumens formed by the two spring coils. A side port entry to a guidewire lumen, which extends through the distal coil to the distal end of the catheter, is located in the transition region formed by the linking element. The linking element may include two polyimide tubes or may be a multilumen insert. The catheter is stiffened by a core wire which is bonded directly to the spring coils. A catheter comprised of a single spring coil with a side port entry in the coil is also disclosed, and a method and apparatus for crimping the coil to create the entry.

Abstract: An improved balloon catheter is disclosed which is comprised of two jacketed spring coils placed end-to-end and joined by a linking element which contains a lumen communicating between the inflation lumens formed by the two spring coils. A side port entry to a guidewire lumen, which extends through the distal coil to the distal end of the catheter, is located in the transition region formed by the linking element. The linking element may include two polyimide tubes or may be a multilumen insert. The catheter is stiffened by a core wire which is bonded directly to the spring coils. A catheter comprised of a single spring coil with a side port entry in the coil is also disclosed, and a method and apparatus for crimping the coil to create the entry.