| abstract |
A balloon catheter having concentric, elongate lumen and guide tubes defining a lumen therebetween. An annular balloon has its proximal end secured to the lumen tube and its distal end secured to the guide tube. Relative axial movement of the tubes adjusts the balloon between retracted and extended positions. Processes for using the balloon catheter are also disclosed including performing angioplastic procedures on a plurality of stenoses of differing longitudinal extents during a single catheterization procedure, implanting self expanding stents in blood vessels treating occluded blood vessels and apply medications to diseased blood vessels. |