Patent ID: 6193685
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A balloon dilatation perfusion catheter, comprising:(a) a balloon defining a cavity therein;(b) an elongate tubular catheter member for navigating a vascular passage of interest and carrying said balloon, said catheter member having a distal end extending through and beyond the balloon and a proximal end;(c) a first lumen in said tubular catheter member in fluid communication with said balloon cavity and with a source of inflation fluid for selectively inflating and deflating said balloon;(d) a second lumen in said tubular member extending therealong from a point proximal said balloon through and beyond said balloon and having a distal end opening distal of said balloon, said second lumen being designed to accommodate a guide wire therein;(e) a plurality of perfusion openings for permitting vascular fluid to by-pass said balloon including inlet perfusion openings in said tubular catheter member connecting to said second lumen arranged proximal said balloon, said inlet perfusion openings having passages sloped from a mouth of the passage inwardly toward the second lumen at an acute angle of between about 30.degree. and 70.degree. relative to and in a direction of fluid toward the passage and a plurality of outlet perfusion openings in said tubular catheter member connecting with said second lumen and having passages sloped from a mouth of the passage outwardly from the second lumen at an acute angle relative to and in the direction of fluid flow toward the passage;(f) wherein said plurality of perfusion openings include openings arranged in a pattern comprising a plurality of spaced openings;(g) wherein said inlet and outlet perfusion openings are non-protruding with respect to said second lumen and provide with a connecting segment of said second lumen, a continuous and unobstructed perfusion flow passage notwithstanding said balloon; and(h) wherein said tubular catheter member has an outer surface and wherein said inlet perfusion openings are flared proximate said outer surface of said tubular catheter member to present blunt entry surfaces to blood cells negotiating said openings to reduce cell damage.