Single-lumen over-the-wire IAB catheter.

摘要

Intra-aortic balloon catheters for placement using an indwelling guide wire having guide structures which reduce the size of the catheter, which can increase distal perfusion and facilitate insertion and placement. These guide structures include short internal or external lumens, formed from separate guide sleeves (15, 25, 73) or by the method of wrapping the balloon membrane (7) itself. The guide sleeves (15, 25, 73) can be located on or inside the balloon membrane (7) or can be attached to the balloon tip or catheter tube (3), and can be permanent or detachable. <IMAGE>