Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed relating to a rapid exchange perfusion and infusion balloon catheter for treating a blood vessel with a treatment fluid. A guide catheter allows the balloon catheter to be inserted into the subject and placed near a treatment region within the vascular system. A fluid source is used to selectively inflate an infusion balloon. A guide wire tube having perfusion holes and extending through the balloon allows continuous blood flow while the balloon is inflated. An exit spaced along the guide wire tube allows the infusion balloon catheter to be rapidly exchanged with another infusion balloon catheter without having to remove the guide wire from its position within the subject.

Abstract: A catheter and its method of use provide flexibility attributes while exhibiting torsional rigidity properties which are advantageous for transluminal treatments and analyses. The catheter includes a shaft component having a generally helically wound coil with a skin or webbing supported by the coil. The skin or webbing generally follows movement of the coil, including movement of adjacent coil windings toward and, in some instances, away from each other. The skin or webbing contributes negligibly to the resistance of the catheter to axially directed compressive forces, especially during implantation or insertion, and the catheter exhibits exceptional kink resistance through very tortuous vessels of the body.

Abstract: A medical instrument such as a catheter introducer comprises a housing. The housing includes a valve for receiving and sealing an elongated member which penetrates the valve. The valve comprises an elastomeric partition member.