Balloon dilator

An apparatus for performing a balloon dilation procedure at the site of a stenosis or for deploying a stent in a patient, the apparatus comprising:

• a central axis;
• an inflatable dumbbell-shaped outer balloon having an external surface;
• at least one inflatable inner balloon;
• a flexible support member mounted along the central axis of the apparatus and on the external surface of the outer balloon, the flexible support member being substantially compliant with the external surface of the outer balloon during movement therewith;
• and
• at least one microsurgical blade attached to the support member and adapted to form an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon, the apparatus being insertable into the lumen of a patient for movement of the balloons therein between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration, the at least one inner balloon configured to inflate inside the outer balloon yet separately from the outer balloon, the dumbbell shape of the outer balloon adapted to hold the outer balloon in position over the site of the stenosis or the area in need of the stent, and the at least one blade adapted to form an effective cutting edge upon inflation of the outer balloon.