Patent ID: 7214198

Claim:
A disposable balloon for use in a catheter system comprising an elongated catheter having a first outer diameter, a first proximal end and a first distal end, an elongated balloon carrier having a second proximal end, a second distal end and a second outer diameter, the second proximal end of the carrier and the first distal end of the catheter being configured to permit the first distal end of the catheter to matingly engage the second proximal end of the carrier, the second outer diameter of the balloon carrier being similar to the first outer diameter of the catheter, the balloon being formed from an expandable and resilient biocompatible material, the balloon comprising; (a) a lumen disposed between a third proximal end and a third distal end thereof, (b) at least a third inside diameter; wherein the second diameter of the carrier and the third diameter of the balloon are configured to permit the balloon first to be slideably mounted onto the balloon carrier and second to be slideably moved from the carrier onto the catheter when the second proximal end of the carrier is matingly engaged with the first distal end of the catheter, and (c) proximal and distal removable sleeves for positioning, respectively, between the third inside diameter of the proximal and distal ends of the lumen and the second outer diameter of the carrier.