Rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter having reinforced multi-lumen distal portion

A rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter, the catheter comprising:

• a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
• and
• a balloon having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior, the proximal end of the balloon being attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft;
• the catheter shaft further including:
• a fluid impervious barrier including at least one tubular member adapted for allowing the inflation fluid to reach the interior of the balloon;
• a guidewire tube having a bore originating from a side aperture and extending through the interior of the balloon to the distal end of the balloon;
• and
• a plurality of stiffening members extending through at least a portion of the catheter shaft.

A catheter shaft for use in a rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter with a guidewire, comprising:

• a tubular member including a side aperture for receiving the guidewire;
• a fluid impervious barrier positioned in the tubular member for selectively allowing inflation fluid to reach the balloon;
• a single proximal inflation lumen and a plurality of distal inflation lumen;
• a guidewire tube adapted for receiving the guidewire;
• and
• a plurality of stiffening members extending through the catheter shaft.

A rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter, the catheter comprising:

• a catheter shaft;
• and
• a balloon having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior, the proximal end of the balloon being attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft;
• the catheter shaft further including:
• a fluid impervious barrier;
• a plurality of distal tubular members associated with the fluid-impervious barrier and extending to the interior of the balloon;
• a guidewire tubular member having a bore extending from a side aperture and through the interior of the balloon to the distal end of the balloon;
• and
• a plurality of stiffening members for stiffening the catheter shaft, wherein the stiffening members extend to various points of the catheter shaft distal to the side aperture such that the catheter shaft becomes less rigid toward a distal portion of the catheter shaft.