GB2266459A - Balloons for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty - Google Patents

Abstract

An inflatable balloon (2) is inserted into an artery or blood vessel (6) upstream of the area requiring treatment and when inflated forms the major segment of a circle in cross section thus enabling the balloon (2) to make pressurized contact with and dislodge accumulated plaque deposits from the inside of the artery or blood vessel while at the same time maintaining the flow of oxygenated blood through the minor segment (3). Inflation is facilitated through the tube (1). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN BALLOONS FOR PERCUTANECUS TRANSLUMIAL CORONARY ANGIPLASY This invention relates to balloons for Percutaneous Translumial Coronary Angiplasy (TCA E Inflatable balloons for PTCA are known to nave an internal tube adapted to allow blood to flow through the balloon even when the ballocn is fully expanded The balloon with the internal tube attached is introduced into an artery or blood vessel and inflated. As it inflates, its outer surface exerts pressure on flexible plaque deposits which have built up on the wall of the artery or blood vessel.

With continued inflation the balloon increases pressure on the plaque deposits such that they will break and be liable to subsequent removal by the flow of blood.

In order to overcome the problems of the interruption of blood supply during the inflation of the balloon the attached internal tube which runs the length of the inflated balloon allows a blood substitute to flow through it. An example of this kind of balloon is shown in G82 072 019A.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of an example with reference to the coompanying drawings of which: Figures 1 and 2 show a known balloon for =TCA and Figures 3 and 4 show a new balloon for PTCA A known balloon for TCA is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

A vein or artery A is stretched by a balloon B having a central tube T through which a blood substitute is pumped to feed the artery A downstream of- the stretching (and blocking) balloon B. It is awkward to pump blood substitute and the whole operation is difficult to monitor and control.

Figures 3 and 4 show a new surgical device 1 for insertion into a blood vessel/artery 2.

The device 4 has a hollow fluid supply tube 0 which carries a balloon 4 adjacent at closed end 5. The other end of the tube 3 is connected to a fluid supply (such as an ar supply, or a saline supply). The balloon 4 is expandabl and has a wall 5 defining an internal of the pats O lumen 7. The wall 6 substantially surrounds tube 3. The portion has holes Ç which allow fluid communication from the inside of the tube 3 to the lumen 7 of the balloon e.

When the balloon A is inflated the balloon has an external surface which has a ,cart-cylindrical portion 10 extending circumîerentially through a major arc of a circle, ano channel portion 11 defied by opposed flanks 12 and 12 of a V-shaped formatIon 14 In the wall 5 of the balloon. The tube 3 itself has a V-shaped channel 15 on its outer surface which registers with the formatIon 11.

n use the device is pushed into a patient's blood vessel/artery with the balloon deflated. When correctly positioned the balloon is Inflated by uni aIr or saline through the centre of the tube (referenced as 3a in fire 3). The saline or air leaves the tube 2 via holes 2 and inflates the balloon.

When inflated the formation 14 ensures that although the blood vessel is stretched the patiênt's own blood can still pass by the balloon to feed whatever organs the vessel supplies. Thus there is no need to use artificial blood, or to pump blood mechanically.

The channel 15 extends beyond each end of the balloon 4.

This ensures that when the balloon is deflated the patient's own blood pressure can force blood under the deflated balloon and keep a clear pathway. This should make it easy to withdraw the device.

The balloon is made of material such that it can be introduced into the artery or blood vessel through an incision in the wall of the artery or blood vessel and when çhen so introduced the lead end of the balloon can be located close to the area where plaque accumulated and facilitate treatment of the deposits of plaque.

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   1. A surgical device for insertion into blood vessels comprising a balloon having an expansion region adapted to be expanded to stretch the blood vessel,the expansion region a first portion of its peripheral surface which when the balloon is inflated is in contact with the wall of the blood vessel and stretches the wall of the blood vessel, and a second, channel, portion of its peripheral surface which when the balloon is inflated is not in contact with the wall of the blood vessel and thereby defines a flow passage for blood to flow past the expansion region.

   2. A device according to claim 1 In which the balloon further comprises an expansion fluid and a supply tube having a closed end.

   3. A device according to claim 2 in which the expansion region is close to the sealed end of the tube.

   4. A device accordIng to any preceding claim in which the supply tube Is provided at a central region of the balloon.

   A device according to any preceding claim in which the first portion extends around a major segment of circle.

   5. A device according to claim 5 in which the fIrst portion extends along the axial, or longitudinal, length of the balloon for substantial length.

   7. A device according to any preceding claim in which a flow channel extends beyond the longitudinal length of the expansion region and communicates with the channel portion of the expansion region, thereby ensuring that in use a contInuous flow passage exists from a positIon djaoent t the expansion region into the expansion region.

   v. A device according to claim 7 which has flow channels at either end of the expansion region.

   9. A surgical device for insertion into blood vessels substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.