Importance

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Abstract

A catheter is provided for use in blood vessels and other body canals having one or more expandable segments. Each expandable segment includes a plurality of longitudinally extending bands, each band having a plurality of buckle points so that, as compressive axial forces are applied, the bands bend at the buckle points in a predetermined manner to expand outwardly. Fluid passageways are provided to apply the necessary axial compressive forces. A flexible resilient membrane encloses the expandable section and retracts the section so that the catheter may be withdrawn. The catheter is usable with or without stents. Multiple expandable segments may be utilized on the catheter for multi-tasking such as pre-expanding an artery and inserting one or two stents in the pre-expanded artery in a single procedure without withdrawing the catheter.

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First Claim