Abstract: A dilation catheter having a first shaft section, a second shaft section attached to the first shaft section, and an inflatable balloon attached to the second shaft section. A fluid pathway is defined through the catheter for inflation of the balloon. A guide wire lumen is provided in the second shaft section that can extend between the distal end of the balloon and a point distal of the first shaft section. A stiffening member is provided within the second shaft section of the dilation catheter to provide additional stiffness to the second shaft section. In a preferred embodiment, the stiffening member is attached at the distal end of the first shaft section to occlude the hollow passage of the first shaft section. In this embodiment, the first shaft section farther includes a fluid port that is proximal of the stiffening member and that extends between the hollow passage of the first shaft section and the exterior of the first shaft section.

Abstract: A dilation catheter having a first shaft section, a second shaft section attached to the first shaft section, and an inflatable balloon attached to the second shaft section. A fluid pathway is defined through the catheter for inflation of the balloon. A guide wire lumen is provided in the second shaft section that can extend between the distal end of the balloon and a point distal of the first shaft section. A stiffening member is provided within the second shaft section of the dilation catheter to provide additional stiffness to the second shaft section. In a preferred embodiment, the stiffening member is attached at the distal end of the first shaft section to occlude the hollow passage of the first shaft section. In this embodiment, the first shaft section further includes a fluid port that is proximal of the stiffening member and that extends between the hollow passage of the first shaft section and the exterior of the first shaft section.