BALLOON CATHETER WITH ENHANCED LOCATABILITY

摘要

A balloon catheter for insertion in a vessel includes a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon attached to the catheter shaft. Markings along a longitudinal axis of the catheter are provided in an interior of the balloon, such as for measuring a distance within the vessel. A first distance separating a first marking from a second adjacent marking may be different from a second distance separating the second marking from a third adjacent marking. The markings may also be used for ensuring the proper positioning of the balloon and, in particular, the working surface thereof, relative to a treatment area. Related methods are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A balloon catheter for insertion in a vessel for treating a treatment area, comprising:
a shaft; an inflatable balloon attached to the shaft and having an interior; and at least three radiopaque markings spaced along a longitudinal axis of the catheter in the interior of the balloon, wherein a first distance separating a first radiopaque marking from a second adjacent radiopaque marking is different from a second distance separating the second radiopaque marking from a third adjacent radiopaque marking; wherein the balloon includes an uninflated midpoint location and an inflated midpoint location; the shaft includes at least one radiopaque marking positioned at an offset location relative to the uninflated midpoint location, whereby on inflation of the balloon, the at least one radiopaque marking substantially aligns with the inflated midpoint location.