Importance

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Abstract

An inflatable and deflatable balloon catheter is disclosed. The inflatable chamber of the catheter is supported about an elongated support member of small diameter. One or both ends of the support member are rotatably disposed relative to the chamber wherein the chamber is adapted to being compactly twisted about the support member upon twisting, rolling or wrapping the chamber. The compactly twisted chamber has a small diameter whereby insertion of the catheter through a small incision and guiding thereof in a small body canal or passage is facilitated. A smooth-walled sheath of low friction material is disclosed for enclosing the twisted chamber to facilitate atraumatic entry of the catheter into the incision or body opening and for facilitating insertion and movement of the catheter. Balloon catheters according the present invention are advantageously used for intra-aortic balloon pumping.

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First Claim