Devices and methods for imaging and treating blood vessels

Abstract

Rapid exchange balloon catheter, and applications thereof. The balloon catheter includes a shaft and a guidewire channel. Shaft includes infusion and inflation walls. Infusion wall encloses an infusion lumen and comprises fluid inlet and fluid outlet located distally to fluid inlet. The inflation lumen extending axially therealong opened at a distal end thereof into an inner volume of a dilatation balloon. Guidewire channel is sized to closely fit over a pre-scribed guidewire for allowing unhindered passing therethrough with the guidewire. Guidewire channel includes a channel distal end protruding distally from the balloon with a distal guidewire opening, and a channel proximal end with a proximal guidewire opening at the shaft between fluid inlet and fluid outlet. Applications include methods for angioplasty and revascularization in which a single balloon catheter is used for dilatation and/or occlusion, and for delivering fluid proximally to the balloon.