LIQUID FILLED LOW PROFILE DILATATION CATHETER

摘要

Low profile dilatation catheter (11) having an elongate flexible tubular member (12) with proximal and distal extremities (13, 14) and with a flow passage (16) extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon (18) is mounted on the distal extremity (14) of the elongate flexible tubular member (12) so that the balloon (18) has its interior (22) in communication with the flow passage (16) in the tubular member (12). A flexible tip (46) is secured to the distal extremity (21) of the balloon (18). A core wire (23) extends through the elongate flexible member (12) and has proximal and distal extremities (24, 37). A distal part (29) of the core wire (23) is tapered and extends through the balloon (18) and into the flexible tip (46). The distal extremity (37) of the core wire (23) is secured to the flexible tip (46). A rotator (59) is provided for rotating the proximal extremity (24) of the core wire (23) for causing rotation of the flexible tip (46). Self-venting means (41) is provided for venting the balloon (18) to ambient. An adapter (56) is carried by the proximal extremity (13) of the elongate tubular member (12). A liquid is supplied to the adapter (56) and the flow passage (16) for inflating and deflating the inflatable balloon (18).