BALLOON CATHETERS AND METHODS FOR USE

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for flaring a stent deployed within a branch vessel including an ostium communicating with a main vessel, a first end of the stent extending at least partially from the branch. A catheter is provided that includes a first balloon carried on its distal end, and a second balloon that includes a distal section overlying at least a portion of the first balloon and a proximal section. The catheter distal end is introduced into the main vessel and positioned through the ostium and stent into the branch until the first balloon is disposed within the stent. The first balloon is expanded to anchor the stent, and the second balloon is expanded to flare the first end of the stent. Optionally, the first balloon is expanded further, e.g., to expand the stent within the branch body lumen and/or dilate the lesion.

主权项

1. A method for flaring a stent previously deployed within a branch body lumen including an ostium communicating with a main body lumen, a first end of the stent extending at least partially from the branch body lumen into the ostium, the method comprising:
providing an elongate member including a proximal end, a distal end, an expandable member carried on the distal end that includes a substantially uniform diameter distal section, and a proximal section extending proximally from the distal section, wherein at least the proximal section comprises compliant material molded to a shape in which the proximal section has a bulbous shape defining a first diameter and wherein the distal section has a substantially cylindrical shape defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter; introducing the distal end into the main body lumen; positioning the distal end of the elongate member through the ostium and stent into the branch body lumen until the distal section is disposed within the stent; initially expanding the expandable member to engage the distal section within the stent to substantially anchor the stent axially relative to the branch body lumen; and expanding the proximal section to flare the first end of the stent within the ostium.