Autoperfusion dilatation catheter having a bonded channel

摘要

An autoperfusion dilatation catheter useful in angioplasty comprises a conventional catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon. The catheter is designed such that the balloon, when inflated, has an outer surface relief-structure whereby when this outer surface is fully inflated and exerts pressure on the inner surface of a blood vessel, blood continues to flow between the outer surface of the balloon and the blood vessel surface. Preferably, the relief structure is a channel formed in the outer surface of the balloon by the pressure of a band attached to the catheter and which presses against the outer surface of the balloon.