Patent ID: 6663648
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A balloon dilatation catheter comprising:a high-strength proximal cannula having proximal and distal ends, and defining a proximal lumen; a generally tubular distal end assembly having a guidewire lumen, a balloon member, and an inflation lumen in fluid communication with the proximal lumen of the proximal cannula, the inflation lumen opening into the balloon, the distal end assembly having a flexibility greater than the proximal cannula; a transition assembly positioned between and longitudinally connecting the distal end assembly to the proximal cannula, the transition assembly providing flexible bending strain relief, the transition assembly including a stiffening member as well as a transition tube connected to the proximal cannula and the distal end assembly; the stiffening member affixed to a distal end of the transition tube near a distal end of the stiffening member, and the stiffening member having a proximal end extending into and floating within the proximal cannula distal end; and a guidewire tube affixed to the distal end of the transition tube.