| 摘要 |
<p>A instrument (20) and method for effecting the dilatation of an artery (32). The instrument comprises a catheter (22) and an expandable balloon (28). The catheter includes first and second lumens (40, 40', 42, and 42') extending longitudinally therethrough and in communication with respective portions of the balloon. The balloon is an everted member having a cylindrical outer wall (48) and a cylindrical inner wall (52, 52' and 52') disposed within the outer wall. The inner wall has a central passageway extending therethrough communicating with the first lumen through which a conventional guide wire (30) may be extended. The inner wall (52, 52', and 52') of the balloon is collapsible radially inward, e.g., upon the application of a vacuum to the first lumen (40, 40'), whereupon it frictionally engages the guide wire (30) to prevent relative movement therebetween and to enable the instrument and guide wire to be moved as a unit. The outer wall (48) of the balloon is collapsible radially inward, e.g., upon the application of a vacuum to the second lumen (42, 42'), so that its cross-sectional area is less than that of the catheter to facilitate the introduction of the balloon into a restriction, a stenosed area (32A), in the artery (32). The outer wall of the balloon is also movable radially outward by introducing a pressurized fluid into the annular space in the balloon member via the second lumen to effect the dilatation of the stenosed artery. A cylindrical, radio-opaque stent (44) may be located within the balloon between the inner and outer walls thereof.</p> |
