MULTILUMEN-BALLONKATHETER.

摘要

A medical device consists of an elongated catheter having a distal portion and a proximal portion, an inflatable balloon associated with the distal portion of the catheter and a valve member associated proximally with at least one lumen (30) communicating with the volume (V) of the balloon (14). In one embodiment, the valve member has a first position for connection of the first lumen (30) to a source of liquid for introduction into the balloon (14) and for connection of the second lumen (32) to atmosphere for venting of gas displaced from the balloon (14) by the liquid, and the valve member has a second position for connection of the first and second lumens (30, 32) to inflation/deflation means for flow of liquid into and rapidly out of the balloon (14) via both lumens (30, 32) simultaneously. In another embodiment, a valve member is associated proximally with the second lumen, the valve member having a first position for connection, of the second lumen to atmosphere for venting of gas displaced from the balloon by the liquid, and the valve member having a second position for closure of the second lumen. In both embodiments, the valve member is adapted for selective adjustment as required during use of the device between the first position for venting of gas from the device and the second position. Other embodiments include a stiffening member for varying catheter stiffness, and a catheter having proximal and distal portions formed of different materials. Methods of re-venting the balloon catheter, and varying catheter stiffness during use are also described.