Balloons can be created with multiple lumens or channels so as to allow the balloon
to perform multiple functions in both the inflated and deflated state.1
For example, a multiple lumen balloon can be fabricated so as to allow blood to
profuse (flow) through one or multiple lumens while the other lumens inflate to
perform angioplasty. In another design, one or more of the lumens could be used
to contain a diagnostic or therapeutic device or multiple devices for precise positioning.
A multilumen balloon can be used to perform many functions
with a single device. Note the various lumens and their shapes in the cross-section
shown below the balloon.
Footnote
1 U.S. Patent No. 5,342,301, Saab, "Multi-lumen Balloons and Catheters
Made Therewith", Aug. 30, 1994..