Patent ID: 6808524
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
Apparatus comprising:(a) a balloon having proximal and distal ends and a lengthwise direction between said ends, said balloon having an inflated condition and a deflated condition, said balloon having a deflated length between said ends in the deflated condition and an inflated length in the inflated condition, said inflated length being less than said deflated length; and (b) a tube disposed within said balloon and extending in the lengthwise direction of said balloon, said tube having an interior bore at least partially defining a passageway through said balloon, said tube having a proximal end mechanically linked to the proximal end of the balloon and a distal end mechanically linked to the distal end of the balloon, whereby said tube is stretched in the lengthwise direction when said balloon is deflated and shortened in the lengthwise direction when said balloon is inflated, said interior bore of said tube having diametrical dimensions which remain substantially constant despite such stretching and compression.