Importance

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Abstract

Dilation balloon devices that employ a metal tube for introduction of inflation fluid from distal end into a balloon have special features that enable introduction through very small passages. A distal core wire is shown forming part of a guide wire extending into the distal end of the tube. The core wire is fixed at the distal end of the tube, and has a proximal extension bridging across a fluid opening formed in the wall of the tube. The wire extension serves to transfer stress from the distal end of the device, across the fluid opening, to adjacent proximal portions of the tube, to prevent stress build-up at the opening that might lead to fracture of the tube during bending. In various embodiments, the device includes a bushing seal at the distal end of the balloon; a helical coil surrounds part or all of the length of the device, with strategic tapers along its length; a shrink tubing is used rather than a coil; and a pair of cross-wound multifilar coils are employed. A balloon having a very thin wall, even in its transition section, is formed from a specially prepared tubular preform.

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First Claim