초록 ▼

A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint conne

A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the catheter so as to provide an air tight seal there between. A stiffening member extends distally of the distal end of the catheter and forms a slip joint connection with the distal end of the balloon to permit the distal end of the balloon to axially move or translate relative to the distal end of the catheter. The slip joint allows the axial length of balloon to change during inflation or deflation without transferring tensile or compressive forces between the balloon and the catheter. A balloon folding control mechanism is disposed about the portion of the stiffening member traversing the interior of the balloon, and is configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined and desired folding configuration upon deflation.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A balloon catheter comprising:an inflatable balloon comprising a balloon wall defining an interior volume, the balloon further comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a central portion disposed therebetween;a catheter comprising an elongated shaft extending along a longit

What is claimed is: 1. A balloon catheter comprising:an inflatable balloon comprising a balloon wall defining an interior volume, the balloon further comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a central portion disposed therebetween;a catheter comprising an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion comprising a connector configured to engage an inflation device, the distal end portion fixedly connected to the proximal end of the balloon, and a lumen extending through the shaft and in fluid communication with the interior volume of the balloon;an end cap fixedly connected to the distal end of the balloon;a stiffening member extending distally from the distal end portion of the catheter and through the interior volume of the balloon, the stiffening member being engaged with the end cap; anda balloon folding control mechanism configured to promote refolding of the balloon into a predetermined folding configuration upon deflation of the balloon,wherein the balloon folding control mechanism is configured to apply a distally directed biasing force to the distal end of the balloon relative to the proximal end of the balloon,wherein the balloon folding control mechanism comprises a compression spring that is operably engaged with the distal end of the balloon at least when the balloon is in a deflated state, andwherein the compression spring is disposed about the stiffening member and is operably engaged between the distal end of the balloon and a stop collar affixed to the stiffening member so as to apply a biasing force therebetween.