Patent ID: 8939895
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source, comprising: an elongated carrier comprising a fluid passageway, said carrier being adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen having a main axis and diameter; an inflatable balloon assembly having an inflatable part self-deformable between its substantially circular geometric state and multiple elongated geometry states in which cross sectional dimensions of the inflatable balloon part are varied in accordance with the diameter of the lumen, and being in fluid communication with said fluid passageway, the cross sectional dimension of the substantially circular geometric state being equal to or greater than said diameter of said body lumen; and at least one sleeve extending from at least one end respectively of said inflatable part of the balloon assembly along a central axis of said inflatable balloon part, said at least one sleeve being at its one end rigidly coupled to the respective end of the balloon part and having one of the following configurations: (a) being a part of the balloon assembly with its one end integral with the inflatable part of the balloon and with its other end fixed to the carrier at a determined location and being foldable and extendable in accordance with longitudinal deformation of the inflatable balloon part, or (b) having a fixed length and being by its other end slidable along the carrier in accordance with longitudinal deformation of the inflatable balloon part; said carrier being configured to pass through said balloon via two openings of the balloon, and through said at least one sleeve, said carrier being fixed to the balloon in the vicinity of at least one opening, deformation of the inflatable part of the balloon maintaining the balloon assembly orientation such that said carrier passing through the balloon assembly substantially coincides with said main axis of said lumen.