Patent ID: 6926729
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A balloon catheter including a low profile inflation valve comprising: a longitudinally extending, non-branching shaft including a proximal end and a distal end with an inflatable balloon adjacent the distal end and an internal surface defining an inflation lumen therein, the lumen being in fluid communication with the balloon such that fluid entering the lumen inflates the balloon; and a push/pull wire having a distal portion disposed within a proximal portion of the lumen of the non-branching shaft wherein the push/pull wire is reversibly slidable between an open position which allows fluid from outside of the catheter to flow into the lumen to inflate the balloon and a closed position which blocks fluid from flowing from the balloon, wherein an operator controls the position of the push/pull wire within the lumen between the open and closed position, the push/pull wire being sized such that the operator may maintain the balloon in an inflated state and exchange other medical apparatus over the balloon catheter.