Importance

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Abstract

An intravascular balloon catheter including a proximal tubular member, preferably a proximal hypotube. The distal end of the proximal hypotube is connected to a transition tube which extends distally. The transition tube has a side port at a point intermediate to which the proximal end of a distal catheter shaft section is connected. The distal catheter shaft section extends distally through an inflatable balloon and forms a lumen extending from the port on the transition tube to the distal end of the catheter for slidably receiving a guide wire therein. The transition tube has a distal end which terminates proximally of the proximal end of the balloon. To provide for fluid communication between the transition tube and the interior of the balloon, inflation holes are provided in the distal catheter shaft section proximal to the distal end of the transition tube and within the balloon. Seals are provided in the distal catheter shaft section proximally of the first set of inflation holes and distally of the second set of inflation holes to allow such lumen to be utilized for both inflating the balloon and passing the guide wire without fluid leakage.

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First Claim