A newly designed angioplasty catheter: "the Gemini balloon".
A triple-lumen angioplasty composite balloon polyethylene catheter that incorporates a central lumen to ultimately accommodate a 0.035-inch wire is described. The two additional lumens are responsible for either simultaneous or independent expansion of the angioplasty balloons. Balloon dimensions vary from 3 mm through 8 mm, with any of the combinations being possible. Its principal indication will be in those extremely tight lesions that initially require dilatation with the lower-profile balloon followed by the more appropriate, larger-sized, balloon, thus eliminating the necessity of catheter exchange and an additional balloon.
Wholey
M H
MH
Department of Radiological Sciences and Diagnostic Imaging, Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans