BALLOON CATHETERS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING STENTS USING SUCH CATHETERS

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating lesions within a blood vessel include a two-layer angioplasty balloon designed for the simultaneous deployment of multiple balloon-expanded stents. The high-compliance (elastic) outer balloon secures stent position. The low-compliance (inelastic) inner balloon drives angioplasty and stent expansion. Stent deployment starts with the injection of a small quantity of fluid into the outer balloon, which bulges slightly at both ends and into the spaces between the stents and, once the stent has expanded a little, between the struts of the stents. The injection port to the outer balloon is then closed, and fluid is injected only into the inner balloon, which expands, opening the stents.

主权项

1. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
providing a delivery catheter including inner and outer balloons on a distal end thereof, the inner balloon in a delivery configuration in which a central region of the inner balloon is rolled or folded around the distal end, and one or more stents mounted on the outer balloon over the central region of the inner balloon; introducing the distal end into a body lumen within the patient's body; and expanding the inner balloon to an enlarged configuration in which the inner balloon at least partially unrolls or unfolds, thereby radially expanding the outer balloon and the one or more stents thereon, wherein an interface between the inner and outer balloons prevents non-radial forces generated by the inner balloon as it unrolls or unfolds from being transferred to the one or more stents as they are expanded.