Puncture resistant balloon catheter

摘要

A balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon in which the outer surface of the inflatable balloon is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. The sleeve is attached throughout at least a majority of its area to the balloon outer surface to provide pin hole and abrasion resistance. Preferably, the inflatable balloon is made of a flexible material of less elasticity than the material of the elastomeric sleeve. Thus the balloon expands to a generally limited maximum transverse dimension, while the collapse of the balloon is facilitated by the elastomeric sleeve.