Abstract: A device for incising tissue to a pre-selected incision depth within a body conduit of a patient includes an elongated balloon catheter and at least one elongated straight blade that is mounted on the balloon. To control the incision depth, each blade has a blunt section formed with a non-incising surface and a cutting edge positioned distally to the blunt section. A proximal portion of the blade is attached to a proximal balloon section, and in operation, the balloon/blade combination is advanced into the body conduit and positioned distal to the target tissue/stenosis. The balloon is then inflated. With this inflation, the blade is inclined relative to the axis of the catheter with an increasing distance between the blade and the axis in a distal direction. The device is then withdrawn, proximally, to incise the tissue/stenosis.

Abstract: A cutting device having a blade for incising internal tissue (e.g. a stenosis) of a patient includes an elongated balloon catheter, with at least one straight blade mounted on the balloon. The blade includes a blunt tip member at the blade's distal end to prevent tissue incision by the blade's distal tip. A proximal portion of the blade is attached to a proximal balloon section, and in operation, the balloon/blade combination is advanced into the vasculature and positioned distal to the stenosis to be incised. The balloon is then inflated. With this inflation, the blade is inclined relative to the axis of the catheter with an increasing distance between the blade and the axis in a distal direction. The device is then withdrawn, proximally, to incise the stenosis. The blunt distal blade tip reduces inadvertent incision of non-target tissue.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may include two or more sections that are connected via a fracturable or yielding bridge section that increases flexibility when passing through or being utilized in tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: Balloon catheters and methods of making and using the same. A balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled thereto. A traction member may be coupled to the balloon catheter adjacent the balloon and may extend along a portion or all of the length of the balloon. The traction member can improve traction between the balloon and a target site.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and methods of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. A cutting member or blade may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting member may include one or more traction members or a traction region that can, for example, improve traction between the balloon and a target site.