Abstract: An elongate shaft and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft comprises a lumen extending along a length of the elongate shaft, and a structure radially peripheral to the lumen. The structure can be tapered in a distal direction such that an outermost cross-sectional dimension at a proximal portion of the structure is greater than an outermost cross-sectional dimension at a distal portion of the structure. An innermost cross-sectional dimension of the structure can be generally constant along all or a portion of the length of the elongate shaft. In some embodiments, the structure can comprise a plurality of layers or regions.

Abstract: A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow.