Patent ID: 7766869
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A balloon catheter assembly comprising: an outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; an inner tubular member coaxially disposed within at least a portion of the outer tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion with a lumen extending therethrough, the proximal portion of the inner tubular member having a first column stiffness and a first flexibility, the distal portion of the inner tubular member having a second column stiffness similar to the first column stiffness and a second flexibility greater than the first flexibility, the distal portion of the inner tubular member being expandable from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter, wherein the distal end of the inner tubular member includes reinforcing filament members extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the inner tubular member, the reinforcing filament members comprising a polymeric material having a third column stiffness greater than the second column stiffness; and an inflatable balloon having a proximal end affixed proximate the distal end of the outer tubular member, and a distal end affixed proximate the distal portion of the expandable tubular member.