Catheter having a funnel-shaped occlusion balloon of uniform thickness 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 end of the catheter. The occlusion balloon is fused to the distal end so that it provides 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.