Patent ID: 6361529
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A dilation catheter for insertion into and advancement through a body lumen, the dilation catheter comprising:a first shaft section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first stiffness, the first shaft section further including a hollow passage along a length of the first shaft section for permitting fluid flow through the length of the first shaft section, and an axial stop member; a second shaft section having a proximal end attached to a region adjacent the distal end of the first shaft section, a distal portion, and a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness of the first shaft section, the second shaft section including a hollow passage along a length of the second shaft section that is in fluid communication with the hollow passage of the first shaft section; a dilation member on the distal portion of the second shaft section and fluidly coupled to the hollow passage of the second shaft section to receive fluid; a guide wire lumen in at least a portion of the second shaft section adapted to receive a guide wire; and a stiffening member in the hollow passage of the second shaft section, the stiffening member being free from fixed interconnection to the first shaft section, a proximal end of the stiffening member extending into the hollow passage of the first shaft section and engaging the axial stop member of the first shaft section to prevent axial motion of the stiffening member in the proximal direction beyond the axial stop member as the dilation catheter is inserted and advanced in the body lumen, the stiffening member for providing additional stiffness to the second shaft section of the dilation catheter at a region along the length of the stiffening member.