초록 ▼

A balloon assembly has an intrinsic curvature adapted to a passage in a blood vessel, and is straightened by a removable stiff member extending within the catheter to facilitate insertion along the passage. When the balloon is at a curved portion of the passage, the stiff member is retracted, allowi

A balloon assembly has an intrinsic curvature adapted to a passage in a blood vessel, and is straightened by a removable stiff member extending within the catheter to facilitate insertion along the passage. When the balloon is at a curved portion of the passage, the stiff member is retracted, allowing the balloon and adjacent support to conform to the curved passage and advance further without trauma to the vessel. The curved balloon may be stably positioned in a curved arterial passage and pumped with a pulsatile inflation source.

대표청구항 ▼

An insertable balloon assembly comprising a balloon having first and second ends, a balloon supporting structure extending between the first and second ends of the balloon which maintains the balloon longitudinally extended to prevent collapse of the balloon, and imparting a curvature to said balloo

An insertable balloon assembly comprising a balloon having first and second ends, a balloon supporting structure extending between the first and second ends of the balloon which maintains the balloon longitudinally extended to prevent collapse of the balloon, and imparting a curvature to said balloon conforming to a curved arterial passage such that the balloon remains stably positioned when pumping in the curved passage, an inflation catheter having a first end with a curvature matching said supporting structure connected to said balloon second end and extending to a handle assembly which is thereby interconnected with the balloon, said supporting structure defining an inner lumen extending in said catheter for receiving a straightening member inserted through said handle which straightens the balloon for insertion.