Guidewire assembly including a repeatably inflatable occlusive balloon on a guidewire ensheathed with a spiral coil
A guidewire assembly including a repeatably inflatable occlusive balloon on a guidewire ensheathed in a close wound spiral coil. The guidewire assembly is used as part of a guidewire occlusion system.
1 . A guidewire assembly comprising:
a. a guidewire having,
(1) a proximal portion;
(2) a distal portion having a distal end;
(3) a balloon mounting portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion;
(4) an extended sealable section proximate the proximal portion and having a proximal end;
(5) a lumen extending from the proximal end of the extended sealable section to the balloon mounting portion; and,
(6) at least one opening in the balloon mounting portion in communication with the lumen;
b. an occlusive balloon mounted on the balloon mounting portion over the at least one opening;
c. a first close wound spiral coil surrounding the proximal portion; and,
d. a second close wound spiral coil surrounding the distal portion.
2 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the balloon mounting portion has a circular cross section.
3 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second close wound coils are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.
4 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second close wound coils are concentrically located about and affixed to the guidewire by masses of solder.
5 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a zone located proximal to the occlusive balloon for receiving a torque device for torqueing the guidewire assembly.
6 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the guidewire is made from a stainless steel and cobalt alloy.
7 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the guidewire assembly comprises a Ni—Ti alloy.
8 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the diameter of the guidewire including the surrounding close wound first and second spiral coils is in the range of 0.030 inch to 0.040 inch.
9 . The guidewire assembly of claim 8 , wherein the diameter is 0.035 inch.
10 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the distal end comprises a bulbous member.
11 . The guidewire assembly of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion tapers decreasingly from the balloon mounting portion to the distal end.