Patent ID: 6849077
Filing Date: 2005-02-01
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A balloon dilation catheter comprising: a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tubular member; a first lumen disposed in the tubular member and in communication with an interior of the inflatable balloon; a second lumen disposed in the tubular member for receiving a guidewire along at least a portion of its length, the second lumen having a first opening in a proximal region of the tubular member; a first slit disposed longitudinally in the tubular member and extending along at least a portion of the tubular member, the first slit comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges in a side by side relationship, the tubular member being constructed of a resilient material such that, as the guidewire is separated from the second lumen, the longitudinal edges are biassed open from a first position to a second position having a gap greater than or equal a diameter of the guidewire, wherein the second lumen: (i) further comprises a second opening disposed between a distal end of the first slit and the inflatable balloon, and (ii) is circumferentially continuous in the region of the tubular member between the second opening and the inflatable balloon; and an adapter attached to the proximal region of the tubular member, the adaptor comprising a valve having a second slit and third lumen for receiving the guidewire, the second lumen and the third lumen in communication with one another.