Inventors:
Mukesh Gupta - Owensboro KY
International Classification:
A61M 2900
Abstract:
Diagnostic and guiding catheter assemblies (28, 82) are provided which include an elongated tubular body (30) having a proximal end (32) and a preformed open distal end (34). An expandable distal positioning balloon structure (36) is operatively coupled with the tubular body (30) adjacent to the distal end (34). The tubular body (30) includes wall structure defining a main passageway (48) and a pressurizing tube passageway (46) extending between the proximal and distal ends (32, 34). A pressurizing tube (70) is positioned within the pressurizing tube passageway (46), and is in open communication with the distal balloon interior (66). The pressurizing tube (70) is configured for passing a pressurizing fluid from a source thereof into the distal balloon interior (66) for expanding the distal balloon structure (36). In an expanded state, the distal balloon structure (36) is configured for locating the distal end (34) within a first vessel (18) adjacent to an ostium of a second blood vessel (20), and for positioning the distal end (34) at a selected distance from the second vessel ostium. An alternative catheter apparatus (82) further includes an expandable biasing balloon structure (84) operatively coupled to the exterior of the body (30) between the proximal end (32) and the distal balloon structure (36).