Dilatation catheter apparatus and method

摘要

A dilatation catheter is provided with an inflatable section which in its non-inflated condition may have a diameter several times that of the balance of the catheter. Means are provided to axially twist the inflatable part of the catheter to reduce its diameter in its non-inflated condition to a size comparable to that of the non-inflatable balance of the catheter so that the catheter may be threaded through and positionally emplaced within a blood vessel.