Adjustably stiffenable convertible catheter assembly

Abstract

A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a quidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
   
   
       29 . A rapid-exchange balloon catheter, comprising: 
 an elongated polymer catheter body and an inflatable balloon, inflatable by delivering an inflation fluid through the body, said catheter operable in rapid-exchange mode by locating a guidewire through a side wall of said catheter body and into a first lumen of said catheter body, said catheter body having a separate second lumen including an elongated stiffener.    
   
   
       30 . The balloon catheter of  claim 29 , wherein the elongated stiffener is tapered.  
   
   
       31 . The balloon catheter of  claim 29 , wherein the elongated stiffener has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises a ball-welded tip at the distal end.  
   
   
       32 . The balloon catheter of  claim 29 , wherein the catheter body further includes a third lumen.  
   
   
       33 . The balloon catheter of  claim 29 , further comprising a guidewire within the first lumen.  
   
   
       34 . The balloon catheter of  claim 29 , wherein the side wall of the catheter body defines an opening.  
   
   
       35 . The balloon catheter of  claim 34 , wherein a guidewire is capable of entering the catheter body through the opening.  
   
   
       36 . The balloon catheter of  claim 34 , wherein a guidewire extends from the opening through the first lumen and the balloon.  
   
   
       37 . The balloon catheter of  claim 34 , wherein the opening comprises a slit.  
   
   
       38 . The balloon catheter of  claim 34 , wherein the opening comprises a slot.  
   
   
       39 . The balloon catheter of  claim 34 , wherein the balloon has a proximal end and a distal end, and the opening is located about 15 centimeters to about 35 centimeters proximal to the proximal end of the balloon.  
   
   
       40 . The balloon catheter of  claim 39 , wherein the elongated stiffener comprises a mandrel.  
   
   
       41 . The balloon catheter of  claim 39 , wherein the elongated stiffener comprises Nitinol.  
   
   
       42 . The balloon catheter of  claim 39 , wherein the catheter body comprises a polyethylene, a polyester, or a polyamide.