Abstract: An integrate-forming silicone balloon catheter suitable for use as a urethral catheter, endotracheal tube, gastrostomy tube, nephrostomy catheter, hematuria catheter, etc. The catheter including a shaft, which defines a drainage lumen and has a longitudinal groove on the outside, a conical tip connected to one end of the shaft, a sheath mounted around the shaft and bonded with the shaft together and disposed in flush with the conical tip, the sheath having a inflatable section without enlarged step and not bonded to the shaft for inflating a balloon, the balloon defining with the shaft a space communicated with the longitudinal groove into which space a solution can be filled to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A low profile balloon-on-a-wire catheter having a flexible elongate tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member. Communication is established between the lumen and the interior of the inflatable balloon. An inflation fitting is removably secured to the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member for supplying an inflation fluid to the lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon. The inflation fitting when removed provides a proximal extremity on the catheter which is free of obstructions so that another balloon catheter can be advanced over the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A variable length balloon catheter having an inner tubular member extending over the length thereof with a guide wire lumen therethrough. The distal waist of a balloon is affixed proximate the distal end of the inner tubular member while the proximal end or proximal waist of the balloon extends into and is slidably received within an outer tubular member. Means for sealing or preventing fluid flow between the proximal waist and inside diameter of the outer tubular member are provided. The means for sealing can include a passive or close tolerance seal assembly, an active seal assembly, or an axially elongatable membrane seal assembly. Axial movement of the inner tubular member varies the length of balloon extending distally beyond the distal end of the outer tubular member, thus determining inflated balloon length.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon (14) for a catheter (10) includes a coating (15) which causes the balloon to prefer a predetermined, low profile configuration, such as a trifold configuration (40), when deflated. The balloon has a wall (13) which has an exterior polymeric coating (15). The coating (15) is set while the balloon is in the predetermined low-profile deflated configuration so that after inflation, the coating acts to urge the balloon to return to the low profile configuration as the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon (14) for a catheter (10) includes a coating (15) which causes the balloon to prefer a predetermined, low profile configuration, such as a trifold configuration (40), when deflated. The balloon has a wall (13) which has an exterior polymeric coating (15). The coating (15) is set while the balloon is in the predetermined low-profile deflated configuration so that after inflation, the coating acts to urge the balloon to return to the low profile configuration as the balloon is deflated.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a flexible small-diameter guide wire provided with an enlarged-diameter distal end portion, and a flexible elongated tubular shaft with at least one dual-function fluid-conducting lumen adapted to both receive the guide wire extending therethrough, and to communicate pressurized inflation fluid to a distal balloon of the catheter. A distal orifice of the catheter communicates with the balloon and is provided with selective valving means for releasably engaging sealingly with the enlarged distal end portion of the guide wire. Apparatus is disclosed for axially moving the guide wire to effect engagement and disengagement of the enlarged distal end portion with the selective valving means of the catheter shaft. A torquer device is also provided by means of which the guide wire may be rotated relative to the catheter shaft for steering of the guide wire along a vascular pathway.

Abstract: An over-the-wire angioplasty balloon catheter having a balloon bonded at its proximal and distal ends to an outer tubular member where the outer tubular member continues a guide wire lumen in the distal portion of the catheter. Alternatively, the balloon may have its proximal end bonded to an outer tubular member and its distal end bonded to an extension tubular member where the extension tubular member continues the guide wire lumen in the distal portion of the catheter or the balloon may be bonded at both its proximal and distal ends to the extension tubular member. Alternatively the inner tubular member may extend to the distal end of the catheter and both the proximal and distal ends of the balloon may be bonded to the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A vascular catheter includes a catheter body, an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the catheter body, and an inflation conduit extending from the proximal end of the catheter body to the inflatable balloon. The inflation conduit is disposed on the exterior of the catheter body, minimizing the total cross-sectional area but imparting a non-circular periphery. Catheter whip resulting from the non-circular periphery is reduced by arranging the inflation conduit in a helical pattern over at least a distal portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A fixed-wire dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated torquable shaft which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated torquable shaft, and a balloon assembly which is mounted about the distal section of the torquable shaft and the guide member so that the balloon assembly is free to rotate about the torquable shaft and guide member and thereby avoid balloon wrapping. An elongated flexible member such as a helical coil is secured to the portion of the guide member which extends distally of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining portions of an inflation/expansion catheter. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved method of joining coaxial lumen portions to multi-lumen portions of an inflation/expansion catheter. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of joining a multi-lumen shaft to a coaxial balloon shaft of a dilatation catheter.

Abstract: A manufacturing process to produce a laryngeal mask substantially as described in UK Patent GB2205499B consists in a mould which manufactures the inflatable annular ring formation of the device in an inverted form. This allows a more rigid core in the cavity mould or alternatively a dip-moulding process, which in turn, permits greater accuracy in control of wall thickness. An alternative form of the mould eliminates the need to assemble a further component, by incorporating the latter into the same single moulding process. And in a further alternative embodiment, the same single moulding process additionally provides an integrally formed inlet for oesophagus drainage, independent of the larynx-venting function of the mask per se.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device designed to be especially well suited to repair or tack dissections in a blood vessel, and a method for repairing dissections, are provided, wherein the balloon catheter has a central support tube or lumen, and has, near a distal end of the catheter, a plurality of inflatable balloon elements extending along the catheter in helical patterns, with the balloon elements are spaced equidistantly around the central support tube. The catheter thus provides the ability to apply pressure, by way of the inflated balloon elements, to tack a dissection flap against the wall of the blood vessel under repair, while at the same time preserving blood flow in the blood vessel past the catheter as well as in side branch blood vessels extending from the blood vessel under repair. The helical or spiral configuration of the balloon elements provides the device with contact or bearing surfaces which closely approximates the path of spiral dissections which are known to occur in blood vessels.

Abstract: A self centering, low profile, low inflation pressure pulmonary artery polyurethane balloon catheter having a reduced neck section and a balloon disposed within the neck section such that the balloon is flush with the catheter body in the deflated state and extends beyond the distal end of the catheter in both its inflated and deflated states.

Abstract: A sleeve for attaching a medical balloon to a catheter utilizing a balloon (8). The sleeve comprises a plurality of co-extruded and coextensive layers of different polymeric materials (20A, 20B) at least one of which is a base structural layer (20B) and the other of which (20A) is formed of polyethylene and copolymers thereof or of Selar. The base structural layer is thicker than the other layer. The diameter of the catheter at the joint (10, 11) is substantially the same as the tube.

Abstract: An elastomeric compression unit forming a balloon protector for a catheter and a catheter system having the balloon protector are disclosed. The balloon protector is formed of an elastomeric tube, preferably silicone, lined with lubricious material. The lubricious lining may be a coating such as silicone or may be a Teflon.TM. tube. The Teflon.TM. tube is split longitudinally, so that the compressive forces of the protector are transmitted through it to the balloon. In the preferred embodiment, the split is made tangential to the inner surface of the Teflon.TM. tube. In the catheter system, the inner lumen is preferably non-compressible, or a stylet is inserted within it to preclude its compression.

Abstract: The balloon of an angioplasty balloon catheter is prepared for insertion through a patient's cardiovascular system by a series of steps to create three or more folded wings or flaps. The wings are wrapped circumferentially to provide a minimized outer diameter when the balloon is in its deflated state.

Abstract: A balloon consisting of braided fibers encapsulated between two plastic elastomeric materials affixes to a distal end of a catheter. The braided fibers provide reinforcement to contain pressure and determine the maximum diameter of the balloon on expansion. The elastomeric material provides for fluid containment and collapsing of the balloon after pressurization. An embedded spring in an elastomeric material internal to the catheter provides memory to assist in collapsing the balloon after pressurization. The embedded spring extends from the distal end of the catheter towards the proximal end of the catheter along a substantial length of the catheter. The catheter with the balloon are in a multilumen configuration or in a coaxial configuration. A guidewire passage extends through the elastomeric material with the embedded spring. An alternative embodiment illustrates a hub with a movable internal seal and inner tube connected to a balloon catheter tip with a free space collapsement spring.

Abstract: An autoperfusion dilatation catheter useful in angioplasty comprises a conventional catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon. The catheter is designed such that the balloon, when inflated, has an outer surface relief-structure whereby when this outer surface is fully inflated and exerts pressure on the inner surface of a blood vessel, blood continues to flow between the outer surface of the balloon and the blood vessel surface. Preferably, the relief structure is a channel formed in the outer surface of the balloon by the pressure of a band attached to the catheter and which presses against the outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: An active cannula or sleeve which does more than merely maintain a channel or passage is usable to enlarge a channel or passage, to position a scope or instrument, to move or locate tissue, etc. The cannula can vary in size or shape as needed, intraoperatively. Because a cannula of the present invention is expandable, the surgeon can make a small relatively small incision, stretch the tissue with the expandable cannula, contract the cannula and remove it, allowing the skin to come back to its unstretched condition. Thus, a smaller incision can be made to fit the same size instrument. This results in less trauma and scarring and an easier operation. The cannulas are or can assume such a non-circular shape, to fit into a natural skin opening and cause less trauma. The devices can be used to seal off a space; to expand an existing space or a potential space for working or visualization; to move tissue (for example, to stretch an incision) or to protect it.

Abstract: A catheter includes a body having tubular walls defining a lumen extending along an axis from the distal end of the body to a proximal end of the body. Portions of the walls define at least one balloon hole extending from the lumen through the walls of the body. Elastomeric material restrained to the hole defining portions interiorly of the body expand outwardly of the (catheter) body to form a balloon when the lumen is pressurized with fluid. The elastomeric material my take the form of a patch or a full lining of the catheter walls defining the lumen. A method for making the catheter includes the step of retaining portions of an elastomeric layer around the hole interiorly of the lumen. A preferred method of manufacturing the catheter includes the step of providing the catheter body and an inner layer of elastomeric sheet material simultaneously in a co-extruder.

Abstract: A balloon catheter which is assembled by a process of selectively concentrating laser energy along an annular fusion bond site at contiguous surface portions of a length of catheter tubing and a shaft or neck portion of a dilatation balloon. The laser energy wavelength, and the polymeric materials of the balloon and catheter, are matched for high absorption of the laser energy to minimize conductive heat transfer in axial directions away from the bond site. This minimizes crystallization and stiffening in regions near the bond site, permitting fusion bonds to be located close to the proximal and distal cones of the dilatation balloon while preserving the soft, pliant quality of the cones.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system having a guiding wire, a balloon, and a spring tip joined to a distal end of the guiding wire. A strain relief member covers a portion of the guiding wire between a distal end of the balloon and a proximal end of the spring tip. The strain relief member is defined by a portion of the balloon. Alternatively, the strain relief member comprises a separate tubular member.

Abstract: A vascular catheter includes a flexible catheter body having proximal and distal ends and an elongate housing secured to the distal end of the catheter body. An interactional device is disposed on one side of the housing, and at least two spaced-apart inflatable chambers are located on the other side of the housing generally at its proximal and distal ends, respectively. The inflatable chambers may be expanded simultaneously or separately, and the spaced-apart positioning of the chambers provides for stable positioning of the housing during atherectomy procedures, imaging procedures, and the like. The balloon is conveniently connected to the housing by an integral flange structure which is secured through an inflation aperture on the housing side. The balloon may be inflated through an annular inflation which is defined by a separate isolation tube disposed in the central lumen of the catheter body.

Abstract: A medical balloon and a catheter utilizing the balloon and a mechanism to attach the medical balloon to the catheter tube, and method of making the balloon. The attachement mechanism forms a joint and comprises a plurality of co-extruded and coextensive layers of different polymeric materials, at least one of which is a base structural layer and the other of which is formed of polyethylene and copolymers thereof or of Selar. The base structural layer is thicker then the other layer. The attachment mechanism can be the balloon itself or it can be a sleeve, either of which is heat sealed to the catheter tube. In either case, the diameter of the catheter at the joint is substantially the same as the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a double lumen catheter assembly having an expandable or inflatable balloon element which can be fully stretched longitudinally while preventing stretching of the catheter outer and inner tubes. The balloon element is fixedly attached at its respective ends to the open distal ends of the outer and inner tubes. An elongated flexible pusher member is adapted to be inserted into the inner catheter tube when the stretching of the balloon element is required. The pusher member has a hardness greater than the catheter tubes. When inserted into the inner catheter tube and moved relative to the outer catheter tube, the pusher member comes into abutting enagement with a rigid stop member provided in the distal end of the inner catheter tube. Continued forward movement of the pusher member relative to the outer catheter tube causes the balloon element to be stretched longitudinally into a geometric shape that provides for easy insertion into a blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in hernia repair comprises an elongate tube having a distal end and a proximal end and a balloon attached in a collapsed configuration to the tube at the distal end, the balloon being made of a material which is absorbable by the human body. A net which envelops the balloon is also attached to the tube at the distal end thereof. During a hernia repair operation, the tube is used to insert the balloon from the abdominal cavity of a patient through a hernial opening in an abdominal wall of the patient and into a hernial pocket in inguinal tissue. After the balloon has been so inserted, it is inflated, which expands the net, and the abdominal wall opening is subsequently sealed. A mesh of biologically inert polymeric material for inducing human tissue growth is attached to the abdominal wall over the opening therein. The peritoneal tissue is stapled closed over the sealed opening in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: The balloon of an angioplasty balloon catheter is prepared for insertion through a patient's cardiovascular system by a series of steps to create three or more folded wings or flaps. The wings are wrapped circumferentially to provide a minimized outer diameter when the balloon is in its deflated state.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon catheter is disclosed with an inelastic balloon wrapped about a smaller section of a guidewire. During introduction across a region of a stenosis, the balloon is wrapped around a guidewire in such a way that the guidewire contained therein can rotated freely, but cannot advance independently of the balloon. The wrapped configuration is maintained by means of a temporary bond. Inflation of the balloon, following proper positioning of the catheter breaks the bond, permitting the balloon to unwrap from the guidewire contained therein. Typically, the distal end of the guidewire is tapered and the guide wire is controllably clamped to the catheter for advancement into the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a double lumen catheter assembly having an expandable or inflatable balloon element which can be fully stretched longitudinally while preventing stretching of the catheter outer and inner tubes. The balloon element is fixedly attached at its respective ends to the open distal ends of the outer and inner tubes. An elongated flexible pusher member is adapted to be inserted into the inner catheter tube when the stretching of the balloon element is required. The pusher member has a hardness greater than the catheter tubes. When inserted into the inner catheter tube and moved relative to the outer catheter tube, the pusher member comes into abutting engagement with a rigid stop member provided in the distal end of the inner catheter tube. Continued forward movement of the pusher member relative to the outer catheter tube causes the balloon element to be stretched longitudinally into an geometric shape that provides for easy insertion into a blood vessel.

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon catheter for use in angioplasty includes a dual lumen shaft formed by a multisection outer tube and a multisection inner tube. The outer tube includes a first thin wall outer tube section which is connected to a manifold at its proximal end. The outer tube also includes a second outer tube section which is attached to the distal end of the first outer tube section and which has a greater flexibility. The inner tube has a first thin wall inner tube section which extends generally coaxially through the first outer tube section and into the interior of the second outer tube section. The inner tube also includes a second thin wall inner tube section which is attached to the distal end of the first inner tube section and extends distally beyond the distal end of the outer tube. A balloon is attached to the distal ends of the outer and inner tubes.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter is provided with a fluted balloon defining at least three wings. When the balloon collapses, it tends to assume the fluted configuration which defines a lower profile better adapted to pass through narrow channels, such as in endoscopes and guide catheters. The balloon is formed from a polymeric material in a method that involves the steps of tensioning the balloon to cause it to form flutes while maintaining its interior under vacuum and subjecting the balloon, while so held, to heat and, thereafter, cooling the balloon while maintaining it in its tensioned, fluted configuration.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon has an ellipsoid or like configuration so that the balloon implanted in the stomach tends to rotate or rock only about one axis when a surgeon attempts to manipulate the balloon, for example, for the purpose of finding a filler valve and inserting a filler tube into it. For easy location, the filler valve is disposed on the equator. A retrieval tab is mounted to the exterior of the balloon, to permit capturing of the balloon and retrieval from the stomach, after the balloon has been deflated and is no longer desired for weight control purposes. Visual and X-ray opaque markers are located in the proximity of the valve and of the retrieval tab to facilitate their visualization with an endoscopic light when the balloon is in the stomach.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter member having distal and proximal end portions is configured to be longitudinally passed entirely through a hollow needle member insertable into the epidural space of a patient, and is provided on its distal end with an inflatable balloon element. With the needle member inserted, the distal catheter end is passed therethrough into the epidural space. The needle member is then withdrawn and removed from the catheter member past its proximal end. The proximal end of the catheter member is then removably inserted into an inlet fitting and frictionally locked therein. The installed inlet fitting defines sealingly separated outward extensions of the lumen inlets which are spaced longitudinally apart on the proximal catheter end portion. Pressurized fluid is injected into one of these inlet extensions to inflate the balloon element, and an anesthetic fluid is flowed into the other extension, and through its associated lumen, into the epidural space through the distal catheter end therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for protection of a distal balloon on a dilatation catheter includes an inner compressible sleeve which fits longitudinally over the balloon, an outer compressible sleeve which fits over the inner sleeve, and a housing arrangement for deforming the sleeves radially inwardly about the balloon. The housing arrangement includes first and second threadably mated members which have longitudinally aligned throughbores for receiving the catheter and sleeves, but which act, when threaded together, to compress the outer sleeve onto the inner sleeve and the balloon.

Abstract: A vascular catheter includes an elongate catheter tube having proximal and distal ends as well as a lumen extending between said ends. A catheter housing secured to the distal end of the catheter tube is covered by an elastic sheath. A vent path formed in the catheter tube housing is normally blocked by the sheath, but fluid being fed into the catheter lumen may be flushed through the housing by employing a sufficiently high pressure.

Abstract: An improved vascular dilation catheter comprises an involuted tubular structure including outer and inner tubular walls which extend the entire length of the catheter. The outer tubular wall is enlarged at a distal end of the catheter to form a dilation balloon, and extends back the remaining length of the flexible tube at a reduced diameter to define an annular lumen which is used to inflate the balloon. Alternatively, the outer tubular wall may conform to the exterior of the inner tubular wall and separate axial lumens may be provided for inflation. By providing means for heating inflation medium within the balloon, the catheter may be utilized for performing thermal ablation therapy.

Abstract: A kit for inoculating a prosthetic vascular graft is provided having an endothelial cell harvester, a vascular graft inculator or seeder, a temperature control element, and a support structure to house each of the elements of the kit. The cell harvester included in the kit comprises a rigid rod, adapted to be inserted into a donor vein, a bulb affixed to one end of the rigid rod, the bulb having a plurality of irrigation holes, a rigid tube affixed to the bulb and communicating with the interior of the bulb, an inflatable balloon affixed to the rigid rod, and a multiple lumen flexible tube, with one lumen communicating with the inflatable balloon and at least one lumen communicating with the interior of the bulb, each of said lumens terminating in a valve member at the free end of the lumen.A method is provided for harvesting endothelial cells from a donor vein using the cell harvester.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter member having distal and proximal end portions is configured to be longitudinally passed entirely through a hollow needle member insertable into the epidural space of a patient, and is provided on its distal end with an inflatable balloon element. With the needle member inserted, the distal catheter end is passed therethrough into the epidural space. The needle member is then withdrawn and removed from the catheter member past its proximal end. The proximal end of the catheter member is then removably inserted into an inlet fitting and frictionally locked therein. The installed inlet fitting defines sealingly separated outward extensions of the lumen inlets which are spaced longitudinally apart on the proximal catheter end portion. Pressurized fluid is injected into one of these inlet extensions to inflate the balloon element, and an anesthetic fluid is flowed into the other extension, and through its associated lumen, into the epidural space through the distal catheter end therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a balloon of non-elastomeric material which is spirally wrapped onto the main body of the catheter. The catheter is inserted in this condition and on inflation, the balloon aligns itself with the axis of the main body causing the body within the balloon to twist and store energy which is available for collapsing the balloon after use.

Abstract: The balloon of an angioplasty dilatation balloon catheter is covered by inner and outer balloon protector sleeves. The inner balloon protector sleeve has an expansion slit to facilitate application over the balloon.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube for artificial ventilation employs a primary cuff and a secondary cuff for locating and positioning the tube in the trachea of a patient. The secondary cuff employs a balloon sleeve which is located in close proximity to the distal end of the tube. The secondary balloon sleeve is sealed against the tube in a reverse folded configuration. The tube wall includes a number of lumens which may be employed for various auxiliary functions.

Abstract: Disclosed in an angioplasty catheter comprising a catheter shaft having a distal end and at least one, and preferably two, angioplasty balloons on the distal end of the catheter shaft, wherein the distal end of the catheter and the balloons are formed from a single monolithic piece of polymer material. The distal end of the catheter may also include additional balloons formed from the same piece of polymer material. Each of the balloons is separately inflatable and deflatable by virtue of a separate lumen running through the catheter shaft to the balloon.

Abstract: A liquid-filled sealing cuff of an airtight surgical ventilating device is protected from laser-effected damage during laser surgery by a liquid-containing barrier cuff positioned between an area of the laser surgery and the liquid-filled sealing cuff. The body of the surgical ventilating device is formed of a matte-finished flexible metal tube in the area of the laser surgery to resist damage by laser beam impact and to dispose highly unfocused light when a surgical laser beam is directed against the outer surface of the metal tube. A locking ferrule prevents disengagement of an atraumatic insertion tip of the device from the flexible metal tube.

Abstract: A passive perfusion balloon catheter for performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty allows prolonged dilatations without blocking blood flow through the artery being treated. The passive perfusion balloon catheter includes a dual lumen shaft, a balloon head connected to the distal end of the dual lumen shaft, a balloon mounted around the balloon head, and a distal tip which is connected to and extends distally from balloon. The balloon head defines a blood flow channel through which blood can flow when the balloon is inflated. The blood flow channel is generally aligned with a guide wire lumen of the dual lumen shaft so that a guide wire can extend through the catheter and out the distal tip, and can be partially withdrawn into the guide wire lumen to permit perfusion while the balloon is inflated. If necessary, the guide wire can be reinserted from the guide wire lumen through the flow passage so that the wire can be left in place while the catheter is removed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter that includes an elongated cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, a first reduced diameter section and a second further reduced diameter section which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, forms a tip at the distal end of the catheter. The balloon is bonded to the distal end of the catheter so as to enclose the reduced diameter sections. The balloon is made from a tube of thermosetting polyurethane and includes a pair of end cuffs and an inflatable bag centrally located between the cuffs. One cuff is bonded to the tip of the catheter with the end face of the cuff facing a shoulder formed between the tip and the adjacent first reduced diameter section. The balloon is everted over the bonded cuff and the opposing cuff is bonded to the first reduced diameter section so that its end face faces a shoulder formed between the first reduced diameter section and the body of the catheter.

Abstract: A stomach insert for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume comprises a flexible, free floating and unattached, inflatable balloon, the balloon being inflatable to a volume effective to reduce the stomach volume of a person being treated. At least a portion of the balloon has a self-sealing substance to facilitate puncture thereof with insufflation means through which the balloon is inflated and to facilitate sealing of the puncture upon removal of the insufflation means. The method herein comprises positioning the balloon inside the stomach of the person being treated for obesity so as to reduce the stomach volume.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a tubular medical device, and more particularly to a tubular medical device for fluid feeding to or fluid drainage from a body cavity. The invention describes both a device and a method of making a device that comprises an elongated flexible primary tube forming a lumen having an open end, a secondary tube concentrically surrounding and spaced from the primary tube and extending between the open end and a position spaced from the open end. The primary and secondary tubes have an integral joining portion at the open end. The primary and secondary tubes form a chamber that is sealably closed and filled with a heavy metal so that a weighted tip element, or bolus is formed. Alternatively, the chamber may be pressurized and expanded to form a balloon element by way of a side tube affixed to the primary tube and connected at one end to a source of pressurized air and at the other end to a position within the chamber.

Abstract: An improved urinary catheter having a unique, low volume device by which to retain the catheter within the bladder, so that urine can be removed therefrom. The retaining device consumes less volume in the bladder than that which would ordinarily be consumed by a conventional Foley-style balloon, whereby both the frequency and severity of urinary bladder spasms, which are induced by pressure against the trigonal area of the bladder, can be reduced. What is more, the retaining device is advantageously adapted to provide little resistance, and thereby minimize any damage to the urinary tract, in the event that a patient should suddenly and forceably attempt to remove the catheter from his bladder.

Abstract: A transluminal balloon laser catheter has an inflatable distal tip formed by an elongated balloon sealed at the distal end of a length of catheter tubing, and inflatable to an operating configuration in which the balloon effectively extends the distal end of an optical fiber lumen through the catheter tubing. One embodiment of the balloon is formed with a substantially planar distal face, transverse with respect to the extension of the balloon. In an alternative embodiment, the distal face of the balloon is formed as a truncated cone, converging proximally from a radially outward longitudinal balloon section to a radially inward longitudinal balloon section whereby the distal tip of an optical fiber, even when advanced distally of the optical fiber lumen, is proximal with respect to the most distal portion of the balloon.

Abstract: Stiffened dilation catheter and method of manufacturing the same. The catheter has a relatively stiff proximal end portion formed by bonding a relatively stiff tubular member coaxially within the proximal end portion of a relatively soft outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has a distensible portion which forms an inflatable balloon. An inner tubular member or shaft having an axial lumen adapted to receive a guide wire is positioned coaxially within the other tubular members. The distal end portions of the inner and outer tubular members are sealed together to close the distal end of the balloon, and an annular passageway for inflating and deflating the balloon is formed between the outer wall of the inner member and the inner wall of the stiffened proximal end portion of the outer tubular member. The relative wall thicknesses of the inner and outer tubular members can be varied to provide any desired stiffness or profile of stiffness along the length of the catheter.