| abstract |
A guiding catheter includes an inner guide movably disposed within an outer guide. Both inner and outer guides include inner and outer balloons, respectively, located at the distal tip of the guides. The inner guide balloon is fluted, thereby allowing blood to flow past the implanted balloon when inflated. The outer balloon is substantially annular in shape and is deployable as an occlusion balloon. Various sensors can be provided at the distal end of the guiding catheter to assist in locating a destination vessel or structure of interest. |