| 摘要 |
BALLOON CATHETER WITH ROTATABLE ENERGY STORING SUPPORT MEMBER An intra-aortic balloon adapted to be percutaneously inserted into a blood vessel in which the balloon and its support member are twisted as the balloon envelope is wrapped around its support member before insertion into the vessel to reduce the diameter of the balloon envelope. The support member is twisted as the balloon is wrapped, thereby storing energy which, urges the unwrapping of the balloon in the vessel. In one embodiment, the support member is hollow to permit a guide wire to pass therethrough so that placement of the balloon within the human body may be done with greater precision and the hollow support member permits the injection of a radiopaque fluid so that the balloon can be viewed within the vessel, thereby assisting in the placement of the balloon. In another embodiment, a solid energy storage support member with a highly flexible distal portion provides an intra-aortic balloon of enhanced pliability. |
