Adjustable length balloon catheter

摘要

A dilatation catheter having a balloon with an inflated length than can be adjusted according to the length of stenosis to be dilated. In one embodiment an exterior sheath having an expandable distal tip is employed about a elongated balloon which can be longitudinally adjusted so as to expose a length of balloon which provides a working balloon length required to dilate the stenosis. In another embodiment, the balloon has independently inflatable chambers. In yet another embodiment, the balloon has longitudinal tubular sections which expand sequentially higher pressures. Other means are also described.