| abstract |
Balloon catheters having the strength and maximum inflated diameter characteristics of an angioplasty balloon and having the recovery characteristics during deflation of an elastic embolectomy balloon. The balloon catheter can be made in very small sizes and has a lubricious and chemically inert outer surface. The balloon catheter is easy to navigate through tortuous passageways, is capable of rapid inflation and deflation and has high burst strengths. Balloon covers having these same characteristics are also described for use with conventional embolectomy balloons or angioplasty balloons. |