Stent delivery system and method of use

Abstract

A balloon dilation catheter comprising a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon is disposed at the distal end of the tubular member. A first lumen is disposed in the tubular member and in is communication with an interior of the inflatable balloon. A second lumen is disposed in the tubular member for receiving a guidewire substantially along a portion of its length. The second lumen has a first opening in the proximal region of the tubular member and a second opening at the distal region of the tubular member. A first slit is disposed longitudinally in the tubular member and extends along at least a portion of the tubular member, the first slit comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges in a side by side relationship. The tubular member is constructed of a resilient material such that, as the guidewire is separated from the second lumen, the longitudinal edges are biassed open from a first position to a second position having a gap greater than or equal a diameter of the guidewire. The subject balloon dilation catheter provides improved rapid exchange advantages of either the catheter or the guidewire used in a catheterization technique.

1 . A balloon dilation catheter comprising: 
 a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end;    an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tubular member;    a first lumen disposed in the tubular member and in communication with an interior of the inflatable balloon;    a second lumen disposed in the tubular member for receiving a guidewire along at least a portion of its length, the second lumen having a first opening in a proximal region of the tubular member;    a first slit disposed longitudinally in the tubular member and extending along at least a portion of the tubular member, the first slit comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges in a side by side relationship, the tubular member being constructed of a resilient material such that, as the guidewire is separated from the second lumen, the longitudinal edges are biassed open from a first position to a second position having a gap greater than or equal a diameter of the guidewire, wherein the second lumen: (i) further comprises a second opening disposed between a distal end of the first slit and the inflatable balloon, and (ii) is circumferentially continuous in the region of the tubular member between the second opening and the inflatable balloon; and    an adapter attached to the proximal region of the tubular member, the adaptor comprising a valve having a second slit and third lumen for receiving the guidewire, the second lumen and the third lumen in communication with one another.    
   
   
       2 - 22 . (canceled)