BIFURCATION STENT DELIVERY CATHETER AND METHOD

摘要

A bifurcation stent delivery catheter includes a first branch balloon, a second branch balloon adjacent the first branch. A centering balloon is optionally disposed distal of the second branch balloon. The balloons are coupled by a coupling device to a main shaft of a catheter. The coupling device allows axial forces to be transmitted from the main shaft to the balloons while allowing the balloons to rotate axially relative to the main shaft with ease. The coupling device functions as an axial rotational joint. The coupling device can have a flexible tubular member that connects the balloons to the main shaft, the tubular member having a torsional flexibility greater than that of the main shaft. The coupling device can have a tubular wall having a cut extending circumferentially around the tubular wall and protective boot covering the cut. The coupling device can have a wound member that allows the axial rotation.