Patent ID: 8486025

Claim:
A device for introduction into a vessel, comprising: a main elongated element having a main elongated element proximal end and a main elongated element distal end; a balloon positioned at the main elongated element distal end, the balloon having a balloon proximal end, a balloon distal end, and an inflation lumen therethrough; a distal connecting element positioned at the distal end of the balloon to receive a guidewire during use; and a longitudinally movable sheath positioned external to the main elongated element, the longitudinally movable sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the sheath includes a tapered end with a soft edge that expands upon retraction of the sheath over the balloon, and wherein a position of the sheath distal end with respect to the balloon defines an exposed portion of the balloon that expands when fluid is delivered to the balloon through the inflation lumen.