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Apparatus and methods for treating obstructions within body lumens

  • US 8,945,160 B2
  • Filed: 07/23/2010
  • Issued: 02/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for treating a body lumen of a patient using a balloon apparatus comprising an outer member including a first lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end slidable within the first lumen, an inner member distal tip, wherein the inner member distal tip is softened, and a balloon comprising a proximal end attached to the outer member distal end, a distal end including an outlet and an interior communicating with the first lumen and the outlet, and a helical member coupled between the outer member and the inner member, wherein the inner member comprises a second lumen that is sized to slideably receive a guidewire that may be delivered into the body lumen, the method comprising, in combination:

  • introducing the distal end of the outer member into a body lumen with the balloon in a contracted condition and the inner member in a proximal position such that the outlet is substantially sealed by a sealing member on the inner member distal end;

    directing an actuator on a proximal end of the balloon apparatus to move the inner member to a distal position consequently directing the sealing member distally to open the outlet;

    delivering a first fluid through the first lumen such that the first fluid passes through the balloon interior and exits the open outlet into the body lumen;

    directing the inner member towards the proximal position to substantially seal the outlet with the sealing member, a spring element biasing the inner member to enhance the sealing member sealing the outlet; and

    delivering a second fluid through the first lumen with the outlet substantially sealed, thereby expanding the balloon from the contracted condition to an enlarged condition.

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