BALLOON CATHETER WITH CUTTING FEATURES AND METHODS FOR USE

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a lesion within a body lumen using a catheter including a balloon on its distal end that includes a plurality of raised structures that extend outwardly from the balloon membrane. In one embodiment, the raised structures are provided in pairs that are spaced apart from one another about the circumference of the balloon, and each pair includes two raised structures that are spaced relatively closely together compared to the distance the two raised structures are spaced apart from adjacent pairs. Optionally, the membrane between the two raised structures of each pair may be relatively thinner than the membrane between spaced apart pairs such that the distance between the raised structures in each pair increases as the balloon is expanded within a lesion.