MEDICAL BALLOON WITH RADIOPAQUE END PORTION FOR PRECISELY IDENTIFYING A WORKING SURFACE LOCATION

摘要

A balloon catheter comprises an elongated, tubular shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, said shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon is supported along the distal end of the shaft, the balloon when inflated including a generally cylindrical barrel section forming a working surface, and generally conical end sections that do not form a part of the working surface. The balloon further includes at least one radiopaque identifier for indicating the relative position of the working surface, said identifier being provided on at least one of the conical end sections of the balloon so as to define the extent of the working surface. Related aspects are also disclosed.