Catheter exchange system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, a dilation catheter is formed of a flexible tube, and a balloon attached to the distal end of the tube.
A first opening is formed in the tube to communicate with the balloon, and a second opening is formed in the tube near the proximal end of the balloon.
A partition is located inside the tube to communicate the proximal end of the tube with the first opening.
Thus, the inflation and deflation of the balloon attached to the tube can be controlled by fluid applied through the tube.
A guide wire for leading the catheter passes through the tube between the distal end and the second opening.
In the invention, the tube constitutes a single lumen to facilitate quick exchange capability as! well as to provide a better axial force and torque transmission.
The use of the partition with the single lumen minimizes the over all size or thickness, resulting in a better flexibility and transition of force applied to the lumen.
As a result, the catheter can be lead smoothly to tight lesions.