Steerable low profile balloon dilatation catheter

Claim 1

A steerable low profile dilatation catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a flow passage extending therethrough, an adapted secured to the proximal extremity of the tubular member, a separate, relatively thin-walled balloon member having proximal and distal extremities and having its proximal extremity mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member to provide a liquid-tight seal between the same, a core wire extending through the flow passage of the tubular member and through the balloon with the distal extremity thereof extending beyond the distal extremity of the balloon, a tip coil formed of a radiopaque material having proximal and distal extremities, means to provide a liquid-tight seal between the distal extremity of the balloon and the core wire extending therethrough, means securing the proximal extremity of the tip coil to the core wire extending out of the distal end of the balloon, the distal extremity of the tip coil being spaced from the distal extremity of the core wire and a shaping member secured at the distal extremity thereof to the distal extremity of the tip coil and the proximal extremity thereof to the core wire.