Patent ID: 6066114
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
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 and a fluid port proximal of the distal end of the first shaft section and extending between the hollow passage and the exterior surface of the first shaft section, the hollow passage and the fluid port permitting fluid flow through a length of the first shaft section;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 further including a hollow passage along a length of the second shaft section that overlaps and is in fluid communication with the fluid port of the first shaft section to create a fluid flow pathway between the length of the first shaft section and the length of the second shaft section;a dilation member on the distal portion of the second shaft section fluidly coupled to the hollow passage of the length 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; anda stiffening member having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the first shaft section and occluding the hollow passage of the first shaft section distally of the fluid port, the stiffening member extending into the hollow passage of the second shaft section to provide additional stiffness to the second shaft section of the dilation catheter at a region along the length of the stiffening member.