Rapid exchange catheter

Claim 1

A catheter comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a therapy means for providing medical treatment comprising an expandable balloon having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the shaft ending generally proximal to the balloon with the proximal end of the balloon affixed to the shaft distal end; a spring coil covered by a jacket having a distal end and a proximal end, the spring coil and jacket extending longitudinally within the shaft, the shaft surrounding the jacket with sufficient clearance to define an inflation lumen, and within the balloon to the distal end of the balloon, and further defining an inner lumen, the distal end of the balloon being affixed to the distal end of the jacket and the jacket and balloon each having at least one exit port at their distal ends so that liquids can be transmitted from the inner lumen to the exterior of the catheter, the exit ports of the inner lumen, the jacket and the balloon arranged relative to each other such that fluid can flow outward; a core wire within the spring coil, the core wire extending longitudinally the length of the catheter; and a wire guiding means for slidably mounting over a guidewire, the wire guiding means being a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and extending proximally at an angle greater than 0 degrees from the distal end of the spring coil and terminating before the distal end of the balloon.