Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An intra-aortic balloon assembly has a balloon whose distal end terminates in a tip and whose proximal end is joined and communicates with the interior of a catheter tube. A slender stylet extends rearwardly from the tip through the balloon and catheter tube. The balloon is arranged so that its longitudinal axis is significantly displaced from the stylet facilitating tight wrapping of the balloon about the stylet in a single spiral. The stylet may be affixed to the balloon and/or the catheter tube. Coupling means for rotating the stylet are provided for removing any undesired twisting experienced by the stylet during wrapping. The balloon is preferably pre-wrapped and is shipped to the user in the pre-wrapped condition. The balloon is retained in the wrapped condition by a removable holder having releasably joined holder halves encircling the wrapped balloon. Heat shrunk plastic sleeves retain the holder halves in the assembled state. The balloon is pushed out from the holder preparatory to its use, after which the sleeves may be cut away and the holder halves removed. The wrap may further be retained by immersing the balloon in a solution containing a sticky substance which holds the engaging surfaces of the wrapped balloon together. When the wrapped balloon is placed in the bloodstream, the sticky substance dissolves enabling the balloon to easily unwrap.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim