| abstract |
A balloon catheter and method of use of the balloon catheter are described that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosed region within a body vessel. The balloon catheter is provided with at least one wire that extends between a distal member and a proximal member. The distal member is fixedly attached to the catheter shaft, and the proximal member is slidably disposed along the outer diameter of the shaft. Inflation of the balloon causes the proximal member and the proximal end of the wire attached thereto to distally move along the shaft. Movement of the wire in the distal direction enables subsequent angioplasty to be performed. Deflation of the balloon causes the proximal member and the proximal end of the wire to proximally move along the shaft after completion of the angioplasty procedure. |