Inflatable perfusion balloon with outer mesh and related methods
An apparatus for performing a medical procedure in the vasculature comprises an inflatable perfusion balloon including a passage for transmitting fluid in an inflated condition of the balloon. A metal or wire mesh is positioned along or over at least a portion of the inflatable balloon. The mesh may allow fluid to flow through the wire mesh into the passage when the balloon is inflated. The mesh may comprise a wire sock or sleeve, and may comprise a shape memory material, such as Nitinol. Related methods are also disclosed.
1 . An apparatus for performing a medical procedure in the vasculature, comprising:
an inflatable perfusion balloon including a passage for transmitting fluid flowing through the vasculature in an inflated condition of the balloon; and
a wire mesh positioned over at least a portion of the inflatable perfusion balloon;
wherein the balloon comprises a first cell and a second cell in a single cross-section of the balloon.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a space is provided between the first cell and the second cell, and openings in the wire mesh allow fluid to flow from external to the balloon, into the space, and to the passage.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the passage is surrounded by the first and second cells, and the wire mesh overlies the first and second cells of the balloon.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second cells each include an inflation lumen.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire mesh comprises a metal.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire mesh comprises a shape-memory material.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the balloon comprises tapered end portions and a central portion, the wire mesh extending along at least the tapered end portions of the balloon.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire mesh comprises a reticulated structure including one or more openings in fluid communication with the passage when the balloon is inflated.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the balloon comprises a plurality of cells comprising the first cell and the second cell, each including a proximal neck for receiving an inflation fluid, and wherein the wire mesh at least partially covers the proximal necks of the cells.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire mesh comprises a helical wire.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wire mesh includes holes that comprise a greater part of the area of the mesh than the solid material forming the mesh.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mesh is woven.