IMPROVED BALLOON CATHETER AND TREATMENT APPARATUS

摘要

The present invention provides an improved balloon catheter (100). The ballo on (114) is of a composite material having the flexibility and elastic characteristics of an elastomeric material, yet exhibiting the growth limits of inelastic materials. The balloon (114) may be treated to maintain a substantially constant length during inflation and deflation. The balloon (114) may be provided with regions of porosity for the delivery of therapeut ic agents, and may be treated to exhibit regions of distinct compliance. Also disclosed is an apparatus, which may be used to impart the regions of distin ct compliance into the balloon (114).