Balloon catheter and techniques for dilating obstructed lumens and other luminal procedures

摘要

A balloon catheter for dilating an obstructed lumen in the human body has a specially shaped balloon which, when inflated, has a proximal end cone having a relatively small cone angle and a distal end cone with a relatively large cone angle. The catheter is used in a procedure in which it is inserted into the obstructed lumen, with the balloon in the deflated condition and with the balloon advanced through and past the obstructed region. The balloon then is inflated and then is drawn back through the constricted region to dilate it progressively by the proximal cone of the balloon. Also disclosed are improved techniques relating to use of balloon catheters in the treatment of fallopian tube disorders including procedures for treating hydrosalpinx, for tubal manipulation and for GIFT procedures.