Importance

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Abstract

A balloon dilatation catheter system is disclosed which includes a proximal metallic tube and a polymer guide wire tube extending alongside the metallic tube. A distal polymer tube is connected to the distal end of the metallic tube and has a dilatation balloon connected to its distal end. The polymer guide wire tube, which is adapted to slidably receive a guide wire, also extends alongside the distal polymer tube and extends through the interior of the inflatable balloon. The balloon catheter may include a core wire extending from a distal end of the metallic tube and parallel with the distal polymer tube. The distal end of the core wire may be directly or indirectly connected to the balloon to transfer force from the distal end of the metallic tube to the balloon. The polymer guide wire tube may be connected to the metallic tube and/or the distal polymer tube by a suitable adhesive, a series of connection rings, or a connection sleeve. Alternatively, the distal polymer tube and the polymer guide wire tube may be integrally formed as a dual lumen extrusion.

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First Claim