Steerable perfusion dilatation catheter

Abstract

A balloon dilatation catheter for PCTA and other vascular procedures which provides for the perfusion of blood when the balloon is inflated to dilate the artery or otherwise impede blood flow. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member having an inner lumen extending along the length thereof, a perfusion body secured to the distal end of the tubular member having a small diameter lumen in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the tubular member, and a large diameter lumen which allows for the perfusion of blood through the perfusion body, and a balloon disposed about the perfusion body and secured around the periphery thereof in at least two circular locations. An inflation/deflation port connects the small diameter lumen in the perfusion body to the interior of the balloon to pass inflation fluid therebetween. A guidewire is disposed within the small diameter inner lumen of the tubular member and facilitates the advancement of the catheter across the stenosis. When the balloon is inflated, blood proximal to the balloon passes through the large diameter lumen and discharges distally thereto.