Patent ID: 6033379
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter comprising:a catheter body having an exterior surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending through at least a portion of the catheter body;an inflatable member mounted to the exterior surface of the catheter body adjacent the distal end, fluidly connected to said first lumen, and adapted for inflation between an expanded state and a retracted state, the inflatable member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior surface; anda solid sleeve provided on the exterior surface of the catheter body intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the inflatable member, said sleeve having at least one fluid aperture formed therein to fluidly connect the interior of the inflatable member with the first lumen and adapted to prevent inadvertent adhesion of the interior surface of the inflatable member to the exterior surface of the catheter body.