| abstract |
Balloon catheters such as guide catheters can be configured to provide distal occlusion, while still providing sufficient interior lumen space for device delivery. Such catheters can provide a desired level of balloon expansion, yet prevent vessel damage caused by balloon over-expansion. A catheter can include an elongate shaft having a distal region, a proximal region and a lumen extending therebetween. A balloon is inflated to a desired expansion configuration with a desired diameter. Over-inflation of the balloon causes longitudinal expansion instead of increased radial expansion, thus maintaining the diameter of the balloon. |