Patent ID: 7229431

Claim:
A catheter configured to be inserted into a vessel within a mammalian body, the catheter comprising: a tubular body having an exterior surface, a first end and a second end, and defining a length between the first end and the second end; at least one channel extending longitudinally along the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body, the channel passing between a first opening and a second opening, the channel having an outer surface extending outwardly beyond the circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and having a slot formed by a pair of edges of the outer surface of the channel such that a tubular member can be passed between the channel and the outer surface, wherein the slot extends from the first opening to the second opening; a central lumen extending along the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body; and a balloon extending around the tubular body proximal of the second end of the tubular body, wherein the balloon extends at least partially over the slot in an inflated state and at least a portion of the balloon being in contact with the exterior surface of the tubular body.