Abstract: A temporary stent catheter and method for use. The catheter is particularly useful for restoring patency to an artery following a Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) procedure. The catheter comprises a catheter tube having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongated balloon inflatable by fluid pressure attached to the catheter tube near its distal end; a stent having a generally tubular configuration attached to the catheter tube near its distal end and surrounding the balloon; a pressurization device near the proximal end of the catheter tube for inflating and deflating the balloon whereby the stent may be pressed against the wall of a blood vessel by the balloon and the balloon may be subsequently deflated to permit blood flow through the expanded stent; and a restriction device near the proximal end of the catheter tube for maintaining the stent in an expanded condition and for subsequently effecting the radial contraction of the stent whereby it may be removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: An electrical lead having an elongated flexible lead body having a flattened cross sectional configuration. One flattened surface is provided with at least one aperture open to a longitudinal lumen carrying an electrode lead. The electrode lead is provided with electrodes located within the aperture, and the electrode lead is slideable within the lead body to allow for adjustment of the position of the electrodes within the aperture. The lead body is also provided with at least one expansible balloon, located radially opposite the aperture. In use, the lead is advanced down the esophagus, with the surface of the lead bearing the aperture facing anteriorly. Inflation of the balloon urges the aperture and the electrodes located therein adjacent the anterior surface of the esophagus. After inflation of the balloon, the electrode lead may be moved within the lead body to allow for adjacent of electrode location.