Balloon Catheter and Method of Use Thereof

摘要

One aspect of the invention provides a balloon catheter having a distal tip that does not extend distally beyond the distal end of the catheter balloon when the catheter balloon is inflated. In one embodiment, the distal end of the catheter balloon has a substantially flat profile when inflated. Other aspects of the invention provide methods of manufacturing and of using the balloon catheter. In one embodiment, the balloon catheter is used in the treatment of kidney stones.

主权项

1. A balloon catheter comprising:
an inflatable balloon having an unfolded longitudinal dimension and comprising a proximal end, a middle region and a distal end, and a catheter shaft having a distal end,wherein the distal end of the inflatable balloon attaches to the distal end of the catheter and wherein the proximal end of the inflatable balloon attaches to the catheter shaft at a distance from the distal end of the inflatable balloon that is less than the unfolded longitudinal dimension of the inflatable balloon.