Insertable balloon with curved support
First Claim
1. An insertable balloon assembly comprisinga balloon having first and second ends,a balloon supporting structure extending between the first and second ends of the balloon which maintains the balloon longitudinally extended to prevent collapse of the balloon, and imparting a curvature to said balloon conforming to a curved arterial passage such that the balloon remains stably positioned when pumping in the curved passage,an inflation catheter having a first end with a curvature matching said supporting structure connected to said balloon second end and extending to a handle assembly which is thereby interconnected with the balloon, said supporting structure defining an inner lumen extending in said catheter for receiving a straightening member inserted through said handle which straightens the balloon for insertion.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A balloon assembly has an intrinsic curvature adapted to a passage in a blood vessel, and is straightened by a removable stiff member extending within the catheter to facilitate insertion along the passage. When the balloon is at a curved portion of the passage, the stiff member is retracted, allowing the balloon and adjacent support to conform to the curved passage and advance further without trauma to the vessel. The curved balloon may be stably positioned in a curved arterial passage and pumped with a pulsatile inflation source.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. An insertable balloon assembly comprising
a balloon having first and second ends, a balloon supporting structure extending between the first and second ends of the balloon which maintains the balloon longitudinally extended to prevent collapse of the balloon, and imparting a curvature to said balloon conforming to a curved arterial passage such that the balloon remains stably positioned when pumping in the curved passage, an inflation catheter having a first end with a curvature matching said supporting structure connected to said balloon second end and extending to a handle assembly which is thereby interconnected with the balloon, said supporting structure defining an inner lumen extending in said catheter for receiving a straightening member inserted through said handle which straightens the balloon for insertion.
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13. A method of inserting a balloon along a passage in a blood vessel, such method comprising the steps of
(i) providing a curved balloon support which imparts a curvature to the balloon, (ii) providing a straightening member, insertable within said balloon, (iii) inserting the straightening member to straighten the curved balloon support and thereby straighten the balloon for advancing the balloon a first distance along the passage, and (iv) at least partially withdrawing the straightening member to permit curving of the support so that the balloon assumes a curvature and advancing the balloon a further distance to position the balloon in a pumping locus located in a curved portion of the passage, and wherein said curved support conforms to said curved passage so that the balloon remains stably positioned during pumping.
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16. An insertable balloon assembly comprising
a balloon having first and second ends, a curved balloon support coupled to the first end of the balloon and extending through the balloon to the second end, said balloon support maintaining said balloon longitudinally extended to prevent collapse of the balloon and imparting a curvature to said balloon adapting the balloon to a curved arterial passage, said support having a central lumen, an inflation catheter coupled to the second end of the balloon and having a curvature substantially matching the balloon support at said second end, a handle assembly connected to said catheter, and straightening means insertable through said handle and catheter in the lumen of the support to the balloon for straightening said balloon support so that the balloon may be inserted along an arterial passage.
Specification