CATHETER HAVING A FUNNEL-SHAPED OCCLUSION BALLOON OF UNIFORMTHICKNESS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having a funnel--shaped occlusion balloon of uniform thickness disposed on a distal e nd of the catheter. The occlusion balloon is fused to the distal end so that it provid es a substantially seamless flow transition into a working lumen of the catheter. Additionally, a distal edge of the occlusion balloon is configured to be in close proximity with an inner wall of a vessel to facilitate blood flow into the catheter and efficiently remove emboli.