Stryker Corporation
Balloon catheter assembly for insertion and positioning therapeutic devices within a vascular system

Abstract:

A balloon catheter which allows for faster preparation and more effective purging of air within the catheter, while also providing a more space efficient design, wherein the balloon catheter includes a tubular outer member and a tubular inner member disposed in the lumen of the outer member such that the outer member and inner member define an annular fluid path between them. A balloon is secured to and circumferentially surrounds an outer surface of the distal portion of the outer member. A tubular seal is disposed circumferentially around the outer surface of the distal portion of the inner member. The inner member is movable longitudinally relative to the outer member from a non-sealing position in which the annular fluid path is open, and a sealing position in which the distal portion of the outer member contacts the seal thereby sealing the annular fluid path at the seal.